By Ogidiolu Adedeji
In a significant milestone for grassroots financial development, Governor Ademola Adeleke officially commissioned the newly rehabilitated Cooperative College in Odeomu today. This event marks a pivotal moment in the rejuvenation of an institution that had long been neglected but plays a critical role in capacity building within the cooperative sector.
Addressing the audience, Governor Adeleke reflected on the college’s history, noting that it was established in 1992 by his brother, the late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the first Executive Governor of Osun State. Over its years of operation, the college has produced more than 2,500 graduates, many of whom have gone on to occupy influential positions in the state and national economy.
“The neglect of this college for 12 years, from 2010 to 2023, under previous administrations, deprived our state of vital capacity-building opportunities and hampered the cooperative movement,” the Governor stated, highlighting the impact of abandonment on the local economy.
As part of his commitment to revitalizing the cooperative sector, Governor Adeleke announced that he had directed the college’s rejuvenation during the January 2024 Osun State Cooperative Summit. He confirmed that student applications had increased to over 100 since the revival, showcasing renewed interest in the institution.
Furthermore, the Governor revealed plans for collaboration with Osun State University to introduce degree programs at the college, contextualizing this move as essential for broadening educational opportunities in the cooperative field.
“Our administration is dedicated to providing direct access to financing at the grassroots level through cooperative initiatives,” he said, explaining the importance of cooperative societies in supporting local businesses and artisans.
He announced an injection of ₦1 billion into the cooperative movement, with ₦500 million allocated to conventional cooperatives and another ₦500 million disbursed to 370 ward-based cooperative societies. To date, 146 cooperative societies have benefited from this funding, with approximately 18,000 individuals positively impacted.
In a fitting tribute, Governor Adeleke announced the renaming of the college to Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Cooperative College and further honored a prominent grassroots political leader by naming the college’s main hall after Late Alhaji Ademola Razak Landero.
The commissioning event was attended by several dignitaries, including HRM Oba Adetoyese Babayemi, the Olufi of Gbongan Land, who expressed his gratitude to the Governor for continuing projects left behind by past administrations. He specifically thanked Governor Adeleke for the construction of a 1.5-kilometer road through his palace and the revival of a long-abandoned bridge project. The royal father also endorsed the Governor for a second term, affirming, “You have performed excellently beyond expectations.”
Also gracing the occasion were the Alayegun-In-Council Ode-Omu, led by the Chief Odofin of Ode-Omu, HRM Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, and HRM Oba Ogidiolu Adewumi Amos, the Oniwoye of Iwoye Jesa Kingdom.
Hon. Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, the Honourable Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, also spoke at the event, thanking Governor Adeleke for his unwavering support in reviving the institution and bolstering socioeconomic growth through cooperative initiatives.
This commissioning event not only signifies a renewed commitment to cooperative education but also poses a pivotal moment for the Governor’s political future, as he enjoys substantial support from the royal fathers for another term. The advancements in cooperative education and financial accessibility stand to make a lasting impact on the community and the state at large.