Edo Ministry of Business Trade and Cooperatives (MBTC) has announced activities to mark this year’s International Day of Co-operatives in Benin City, the state capital.

According to a statement by the Director of Cooperatives, Mrs. Enoma Efeomo, the event this year, which is themed, “Cooperatives Build A Better Future For All,” is scheduled to hold July 5 and 6, and will commence with a road walk to create awareness on Friday 5, through major streets in Benin City, climaxing at the Secretariat Complex with an exhibition.

The main event/grand finale, which will also be an award ceremony, takes place on July 6 at the Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, Godwin Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City.

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Engr. Omobayo Godwins is expected to be the special guest of honour while the Commissioner, Ministry of Business Trade and Cooperatives (MBTC), Hon. Patrick Irria Uanseru, is the chief host, and Mrs. B.J. Igbinobaro, Permanent Secretary, MBTC, is host.

Others are Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, founder, LAPO Microfinance, keynote speaker; also expected to grace the occasion as panelists are Mr. Joel Edionwe, former Permanent Secretary, now a consultant to Edo State Government; Mr. Efe Iserhienrhien, immediate past Permanent Secretary, now Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Finance; Dr. Osarenren Aigienohuwa, president, Association of Non Banking Microfinance Institution of Nigeria (ANMFIN); Mr Ojo Filani, president, Edo Cooperatives Federation, and Mr. Nosa Obayuwana, state coordinator, GIZ-Sedin.

The International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated on the first Saturday of July each year. While it was first celebrated under the auspices of the United Nations in 2005, its origins date back to 1923 when it was first observed by the International Cooperative Movement and the International Co-operative Alliance. Each year the theme of the International Day of Cooperatives is determined by the Committee on the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), of which the ILO is a member.

This year’s programme is supported by Prudence Choice Microfinance Bank, Edo Cooperatives Federation, as well as ITV, as media partner.