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By Lukman Olabiyi
The South West Development Commission (SWDC) has announced plans to revitalise the cooperative movement across the South West region as part of a broader initiative to deepen financial inclusion, empower small businesses, and strengthen community resilience.
Chairman of the SWDC, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, disclosed this during the eighth Annual General Meeting of Bodija (Ibadan) Unique Cooperative Investment and Credit Society Limited, tagged: ‘Promoting Inclusion and Sustainable Development for Members’, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at the well-attended gathering, Adetunmbi described the cooperative credit system as one of the most effective grassroots financial structures for community development. He stated that the SWDC is currently developing strategies that would enhance inclusion and provide sustainable support to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the region, with cooperative societies playing a central role.
Also addressing participants, President of Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, Mr Sammy Lapade Ladokun, praised the leadership of the Bodija Cooperative Society for their commitment to sustaining the cooperative model.
He emphasised that cooperatives, built on unity and democratic principles, remain one of the most resilient and secure organisational structures globally.
“Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited draws strength from these democratic ideals, serving as a unifying platform for over 10 million cooperators across the owner states of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti. Through share subscriptions, grants, and loans to affiliated societies and unions, cooperators continue to benefit economically and socially,” Ladokun said.
In his acceptance speech, newly elected President of the Bodija (Unique) Cooperative Society for the 2025/2026 Cooperative Year, Mr Olufemi Adesope, pledged to build on the society’s legacy by promoting member education and leadership development.
He announced plans to expand the society’s investment initiatives with the launch of Investment Fund (Series Two), following the success of the initial fund.
