Ogun Govt. Reaffirms Commitment To Cooperatives At Ilaro-Yewa Food Factory Commissioning (+photos)

… Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Earns Praise For South West Initiatives

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Ademola Balogun, has reiterated the state government’s unwavering support for the cooperative movement.

Representing Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun at the commissioning of an ultra-modern food factory in Ilaro-Yewa on Friday, July 25, 2025, Balogun emphasized the government’s pro-worker stance.

“We remain a worker-friendly administration, and I am pleased to state that no cooperative deductions are being owed”, he declared.

Alhaji Balogun assured attendees that the Ogun State government will continue to safeguard workers’ welfare while fostering an enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive.

“It is with immense joy and pride I stand before you today at this landmark occasion – the commissioning of the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited Food Factory here in Ilaro, Yewa South, Ogun State.”

He described the project as more than just a structure – a testament to vision, collaboration, and cooperative entrepreneurship.

The Commissioner applauded the apex cooperative body, Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, for its production-driven ventures across the South West, including Primus Table Water Food Co-op and now the Ilaro food factory.

“These initiatives are doing more than boosting cooperative revenues. They are opening doors of opportunity: creating jobs, empowering women and youth, and improving the socio-economic fabric of our communities.”

Alhaji Balogun commended the leadership of Chief Felix Bamidele Ajibode, President of Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, for his foresight and relentless pursuit of cooperative development. “His dream has become a reality for our dear state.”

Using the occasion to inspire others, the Commissioner challenged cooperative societies to think beyond savings and loans, and explore enterprise development.

“Let us invest in ventures that will sustain our members, create wealth, and foster inclusive growth. The future of our movement lies in business development, in building factories and cottage industries that strengthen our relevance in today’s economy.”

With a sense of purpose and pride, Alhaji Balogun formally commissioned the food factory, “I, Alhaji Ademola Balogun, Honourable Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ogun State, hereby commission the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited Food Factory for the glory of God, the benefit of all cooperators, and the economic advancement of Ogun State and the South West as a whole.”

He advised the host community to uphold the factory as a beacon of unity, hard-work, and effective leadership.

Delivering the goodwill message of Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, the Baajiki of Ilaro-Yewa, Chief (Dr.) Banji Ogunbiyi, expressed great joy over the factory’s establishment in Ilaro.

“The factory will no doubt assist unemployed youths and others to gain meaningful employment”, Oba Olugbenle stated.

Oba Olugbenle called on the sons and daughters of Yewaland to emulate Chief Felix Bamidele Ajibode, who despite the country’s economic hardship, initiated the food factory in alignment with the state’s private-sector-driven policy.

The monarch further urged the government, political leaders, and the people of Ogun State to support and patronize the new factory to ensure its sustainability and growth.

Oba Olugbenle congratulated the Board of the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, the coordinating body for cooperative societies in the South West, on the successful commissioning of the factory.

Meanwhile, Chief Thomas Akanji Lala, Chairman of the Council of Olu Ilaro Honorary Chiefs, who led members to the commissioning of the factory, advised the company to consider owning farms to generate its own raw materials.

Chief Lala, popularly known as Goodwill, and an experienced agriculturist, emphasized the importance of supply chain stability, “To ensure uninterrupted production, management should cultivate their own farm to grow necessary raw materials.”

The commissioning ceremony was attended by members of the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited from across the South West, alongside community leaders and stakeholders in the cooperative sector.