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Upperhill News is committed to promoting accurate information on African stories, issues relating to the Girl-child, gender-based violence, health, politics, sports as well as national and international events of public interest.

  • Benue Killings: Military Begins Aerial Surveillance as IGP Takes over State Security

    The Nigerian military has deployed aerial surveillance across Makurdi and its environs in the wake of the deadly attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday.

    Men and officers of the Nigerian Police in the state also dispersed protesters on Sunday using teargas cannisters.

    It was earlier reported that no fewer than 100 persons were feared killed and numerous others injured when terrorists invaded the communities using commercial buses.

    Low-flying military aircrafts have been observed hovering over Makurdi and other parts of neighbouring Guma and Gwer West LGAs since Sunday morning.

    According to a military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aerial surveillance was part of a strategy to monitor developments in the area.

    “The air surveillance is to monitor the situation of things around Makurdi and environs so we will know how to tackle it swiftly

    “The residents should not panic; the military is on top of the situation,” the source noted.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, revealed that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had assumed control of security operations in Benue State, just as he added that Special Forces are already on ground, and more are expected arrive.

    “All the Special Forces are intelligence-based. They will go, no matter where the bandits are, and get them,” Ifeanyi said.

    He noted that some units had arrived in Makurdi the previous night, while earlier deployed forces had been stationed in Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu, and Yelwata.

    “We are in control of the situation, so I’m assuring all citizens of the state that we are in control.

    “All the security agencies are with us on this. We have already made some arrests.”

    The commissioner pointed out that Governor Hyacinth Alia had provided all necessary logistical support to aid security operations.

    He said that the early Saturday attack in Yelwata may have been opportunistic, as a large number of officers had earlier been deployed to other hotspots.

    ”What you see happening in Yelwata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West and are moving seriously in Agatu.

    “They just want to do something to show that they are in control, while they are not, and will never be.

    “Whatever is paining you is paining us more. We are here to protect lives and property.

    “We have security everywhere now, even in Yelwata, there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.


    “Give the Special Forces and tactical teams room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan.

    “We have intelligence reports of their movement and we are blocking them, and you will see the end result,” Ifeanyi said.

  • HONOURING HAFSAF ABIOLA-COSTELLO by Femi Onasanya

    I first heard the name, Hafsat Abiola in 1996 when I was in the penultimate class of my secondary school education in Lagos State, Nigeria following the gruesome murder of her precious and beautiful mother, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

    In fact, the location of where the evil elements shot Kudirat Abiola in the head was my daily route back home after school hours along Lagos-Ibadan expressway and close to 7-Up Bottling Company’s factory. This left a very sorrowful imprint on my young mind and it in a way endeared me to Alhaja Abiola in death.

    It is therefore, heartwarming that both personalities, Hafsat and her late mother were recognised with National honours by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in commemoration of 2025 June 12 Democracy Day.

    Having annulled the June 12, 1993 election adjudged to be the best in Nigeria’s history till date, which the billionaire and business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was known to have won, the then Miliary President,General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida  announced that he would step down on  August 26, 1993.

    This led to the emergence of  Chief Ernest Shonekan as the Head of the Interim National Government (ING) on  August 27, 1993. Sonekan (now late), a man with a very strong corporate background hailed from the same Abeokuta, Abiola’s home town, the capital of Ogun State.


    Barely three months after, on November 17, 1993,to be precise, General Sanni Abacha led a palace coup that ousted the Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan. Abacha remained in power until his death on June 8, 1998.

    Abacha  later arrested MKO Abiola in 1994, and detained him in prison on charges of treason after declaring himself as the President of Nigeria.

    No doubt, Kudirat Abiola was a fighter and firm believer in just cause. She died fighting for the stolen mandate of her imprisoned husband. 

    Incidentally, Abacha died on June 8, 1998 when brightened the hopes for MKO Abiola but he never gained freedom until his death on  July 7, 1998, the day he was due to be released from prison.


    Under the Abacha Government, a number of pro-democracy activists were killed and many others were imprisoned for daring to protest or question the government. These included journalists and many activists. Some of those who were able to escape from Nigeria  to avoid arrest included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, first Nobel Laureate winner in Africa, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, among others.

    In the words of the elders in Yoruba land, Nigeria, where I came from “a cub always looks like its mother.” The death of Kudirat Abiola fuelled an unquenchable desire in Hafsat to go all the way in championing the crusade for civil rights, social justice and equity without bowing threats and intimidation. 

    Despite the tense atmosphere at that time and the dreadful regime in power, Hafsat,  became resolute in the pursuit of the same freedom her parents believed firmly in. After Kudirat’s assassination, Hafsat founded a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in her mother’s memory, the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), a group working to strengthen Nigeria’s civil society.


    However, the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari who in June 2018 declared MKO Abiola the winner of the 1993 Presidential Elections, apologised to MKO’s family and posthumously conferred the highest
    honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR) on him is worthy of commendation.

    Buhari also shifted the annual Democracy Day celebration from May 29 to June 12 in honour of the sacrifice of  MKO Abiola for the democracy we all enjoy today.

    As a major step forward from where Buhari stopped, Tinubu in this year’s democracy speech honoured notable other Nigerians, both living and dead for their sacrifices which paved way for 26 years of unbroken democracy.

    Good enough,Late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola made the list just as she was posthumously conferred with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) while her daughter, Hafsat who was at her second year studying at Harvard, United States, when her father was sent to prison by Nigeria’s junta, had Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).

    Just as the name of her NGO implies,KIND, Hafsat is an epitome of humility, kindness and generosity whose love for humanity is second to none.

    I had the privilege of meeting her when she served as the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun between 2011 and 2019. She was not just  pleasant to people who came her way,  including her personal staff but was involved in their well-being and even that of their families.

    Hafsat Abiola-Costello is the President/CEO of Women in Africa (WIA) Initiative, a platform connecting leading and high potential women in Africa to facilitate their increased individual success and collective impact. She is also the co-founder of  Connected Women Leaders (CWL).

    Taking her civil rights crusade further as a mother figure went as far as supporting efforts towards building a climate-safe, inclusive world among women, Hafsat has made a name for herself globally. For instance, she was recently honoured among the 19 women who are working hard to rewrite the rules and reshape the global systems by Leading Ladies Africa in commemoration of the 2025 Workers Day.


    The recent rain of honours, awards and recognition on the MKO Abiola’s family, is no doubt, a lesson that it is good to live for humanity. Things may look dark and gloomy at first but there will definitely be light at the end of the tunnel.

    In addition,  there is a saying that, “the idol that is not introduced to the children will someday get ruined.” This but resses the need to let our young ones get to know the virtues and belief system we hold in high esteem so that they can carry on with it even after the parents demise. The Bible lent credence to this truth when it says, “train up a child in the way ge should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

    Also, it is instructive to note that posterity does not forget human roles in history, whether good or bad. Salute to the heroes we are celebrating today, both living and dead. And the villains of history also remain in our hearts for bad reasons.

    Once again, congratulations to Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello.

    Femi Onasanya, a freelance journalist and public relations practitioner wrote via femibimboo@gmail.com

    Hafsat Abiola-Costello

  • US Police Arrest Suspected Minnesota Lawmaker’s Killer


    The suspect,Vance Boelter, accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers, killing one and her husband, was arrested on Sunday, multiple law enforcement sources have confirmed. 

    Boelter, 57, was captured in Sibley County after a two-day manhunt.

    The Sibley County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that Boelter “verbally” identified himself to authorities searching for him in the area on Sunday evening.

    In a facebook post, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office hinte, “The face of evil. After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody.

    “Thanks to the dedication of multiple agencies working together along with support from the community, justice is one step closer.”

    Boelter is accused of killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning at their Brooklyn Park home in Minneapolis.

    He is also accused of shooting State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, in their nearby Champlin home.


    According to Police documents, at approximately 2:05 a.m., Champlin Police responded to a 911 call reporting a masked individual had shot two people at a residence.

    Officers discovered Victims 3 and 4, both of whom had been shot but survived.

    Surveillance footage captured a man dressed in police-style tactical gear, later identified as Boelter, approaching the home in a Ford SUV equipped with police-style lights.

    The footage, authorities allege, showed Boelter announcing himself as a police officer before entering the residence and shooting the victims.

    About 90 minutes later, Brooklyn Park Police, having learned that a legislator was involved in the earlier shooting, were dispatched to another legislator’s home as a precaution.

    Upon arrival around 3:35 a.m., officers witnessed Boelter shoot Victim 2 through the open front door just as they discovered both Victims 1 and 2 had died from gunshot wounds.


    Authorities  found three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of names and addresses of other public officials in Boelter’s registered vehicle in addition to a ballistic vest, a mask, and a police-style badge, was recovered nearby.


    Authorities also said the suspect targeted lawmakers in a planned attack, showing up at their homes wearing a police-like uniform and a mask.

    Democratic Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared a message from Hoffman’s wife on Sunday, saying the state senator was shot nine times and she eight.

    Vance Boelter, Suspected Killer

  • SOFELA CHARGES OGUNCCIMA ON IMPROVED FAIR

    Ahead of the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair scheduled for February 7th to 17th, 2025 at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex Abeokuta, the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) as the organizer of the annual event, has been charged to fully assume leadership role for the exhibition, mobilise corporate organisations and work towards improving on past achievements.

    Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela gave the charge during the Press Conference held in Abeokuta to herald this year’s edition which is themed, “Promoting Business through Partnership” assuring that the State government would not renege in providing enabling environment for the continuous success of the Trade Fair.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, Sofela who listed past support of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to include, the enhancement of the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, provision of other critical infrastructure like perimeter fencing, a transformer, consistent financial support among others which had aided the continuous improvement of the event assured that the Ministry would not abandon the Chambers.

    “As the organisers of this prestigious fair, I encourage OGUNCCIMA to fully assume her leadership role in ensuring the success of this event. The Gateway International Trade Fair is your fountain, your legacy and your responsibility to uphold. While the government has been instrumental in demonstrating effective strategies in past editions, it is important to reiterate that our primary role is to create enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Sofela charged.

    He continued: “in alignment with our promise, the Ministry has already taken proactive steps in response to your requests, we have reached out to relevant stakeholders. If there are additional assistance required, please do not hesitate to engage us.”

    The Commissioner who commended the OGUNCCIMA for its unwavering commitment to promoting trade, investment and industrialization through the Fair urged the Chambers to leverage the industrial hub status of the State by attracting diverse participation from the abundant pool of industries operating in the Gateway State including members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

    In his address, the President OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Osiyemi stated that all efforts were in top gear towards meeting set targets for the Trade Fair adding that this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than past editions.

    Osiyemi disclosed that the Chambers had embarked on familiarisation tours to create more awareness about the benefits of joining the Business membership Organisation promising to intensify efforts on the area of familiarization with industries ahead of future editions of the Trade Fair.

  • Ogun Reaffirms Commitment to Robust Partnership for Industrial Growth

    The Ogun State government has reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to engaging relevant stakeholders and fostering robust partnerships with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in line with the present administration’s drive to continue to solidify the State’s position as Nigeria’s industrial capital.

    Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela made the affirmation while meeting with a joint-delegation of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Abeokuta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABEOCCIMA) who paid him a visit in his Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    The delegation visited the Commissioner ahead of the First Quarterly Meeting of the NACCIMA which is scheduled to be hosted by ABEOCCIMA in the State capital between February 12 and 13, 2025.

    Sofela who was in company of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola and other top officials of the Agency, emphasized his open door policy assuring that the government was willing to support relevant stakeholders that would continue to boost the industrialization of the gateway State.

    “We will continue to collaborate with the Organised Private Sector to ensure the State continues to develop, increase the capacity of our industries, provision of jobs for our people which will lead to continuous industrial development of our dear State,” the Commissioner assured.

    Sofela while assuring the two Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) of the State government’s support towards the successful hosting of the first quarterly meeting of the NACCIMA in Abeokuta advised the associations to also involve and leverage more of their members for continuous growth.

    Speaking earlier, the first National Vice President, NACCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye said the visit was to seek the support of the State government for the successful hosting of the Quarterly meeting in Abeokuta appreciating the Commissioner for being value-adding to the International Day of Cooperatives celebration and the 2024 Gateway International Trade Fair which were held last year.

    Also speaking, the President, ABEOCCIMA, Mr. Timothy Shorunke lauded the Commissioner for his support and open-door policy as well as the opportunity of meeting him even at short notice.

    Other members of the delegation present at the meeting included the First Deputy President of ABEOCCIMA, Pastor Ibrahim Bada, the other two Vice Presidents of ABEOCCIMA; Mrs. Jaiye Akinbo and Alhaji Taiwo Raji as well as Past President, ABEOCCIMA, Mr. Akinola Lawson among others.

  • REDOUBLE YOUR EFFORTS, OGUN COMMISSIONER CHARGES WORKERS

    Workers in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have been tasked to redouble their efforts in the new year 2025 in order to further achieve the mandate spelt out in the ISEYA Agenda of the present administration in Ogun State.

    Speaking at the New Year Prayer and Thanksgiving organised by the Ministry, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said the first responsibility of civil and public servants was to offer services to the people of the State in line with the agenda of the government.

    He said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government had given the roadmap towards widening the State horizon in the area of industrialization, pointing out that the enormous expectation on the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was to execute the government’s policies and programs that ensures our economic development ,attract new investment and creating an enabling environment for the existing ones to upscale their capacity .

    Thanking the entire workforce under his leadership for the outstanding results of the previous year, the Commissioner emphasised the need to start articulating and executing the 2025 plans with emphasis on time management, integrity transparency ,accountability and productivity

    “This new year, I want to urge you to engage in self development while you redouble your efforts to achieve the set goals. The scripture is clear on matching your faith with action as it says faith without works is dead.

    “I appreciate all of you for the commendations we received in 2024 which were the output of team work and efforts. It is important we work in tandem with the vision encapsulated in the ISEYA agenda to sustain the drive considering the important position of our sector, “ he said.

    Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources Development, Prof. Kayode Oyedele advised workers to embrace the year with renewed energy and passion, just as he underscored the benefits to learn, re-learn and unlearn to achieve human and societal development.

    On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, urged the workers to be better versions of themselves, noting that areas of punctuality , dedication to work and integrity must be improved upon in the new year.

    Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant, Hon. Sunday Olalekan Oyesanya, underscored the need for the promotion of team spirit in achieving the set goals, adding that raising the bar of excellence was an achievable goal.

  • Gender Based Violence: Stakeholders seek police, CDAs support 

    Stakeholders have emphasised the roles of Nigeria Police Force and Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) as pivotal in bringing perpetrators to face the wrath of the law. 

    They said that shielding evil elements in the name of relationship, reputation and avoidance of discord will in no way promote any reduction in the violence being perpetrated in the society.

    The 16 days campaign began on November 25 until December 10,with the theme, “Unite to end violence against women and girls,” harped on sensitization of members of the public on the need to frown at anything relating to GBV. 

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 16 days activism against GBV, organized by APIN Public Health Initiatives in Abeokuta, stakeholders drawn from the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, Health, Education, Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGUN SACA), Civil Society,Government  and Private Health Facilities etc, affirmed that all hands must be on deck to end the menace of violence based on gender by 2030.

    In his remarks, Pharm Michael Ohue, Head of Ogun Office, APIN, enjoined all stakeholders to unite to end violencr against women and girls, noting that unity of purpose would bring a drastic success to the campaign. 

    On her part, Dr. Oluwatobi Olaniyi, State Team Approach Lead, expressed optimism that the war against GBV could be won, just as she called on law enforcement agencies to put effective system in place that could send perpetrators of rape and other social vices to jail irrespective of the connection such persons may have.

    Also speaking,  Mrs. Favour Ojo-Omoniyi, Focal Person, GBV, Ogun APIN, said the team went to about eight primary and secondary schools in Abeokuta to create awareness for upcoming generation about the menace to ensure they don’t become perpetrators or survivors. 

    Adding that communities should join in the fight against GBV, Ojo-Omoniyi, pointed out the the campaign should be a 365 days long activities which called for everyone to speak up against violence in order to make the society a better place. 

    Addressing the participants, Mrs. Jumoke Adewusi, the Acting Director, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs, said the ministry had been doing its best to work towards the vision of ending GBV by 2030, noting that an additional Sexual Assault Referral Center(SARC) which would be commissioned in Ijebu-Ode was a right step in the fight to provide support for survivors and bring perpetrators to book.

    . Aliu Adewale, Focal Person, State Hospital, Ota, lamented the number of new cases of GBV springing up daily and called for the cooperation of the police and community leaders in expos

  • OUR LADY SEAT OF WISDOM CATHOLIC CHURCH HOLDS MAIDEN HOME BUILDERS FORUM

    In line with the drive to help build christian homes that will positively impact the nation, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta has held the maiden edition of the “Home Builders Forum.”

    The Home Builders Forum, an initiative of the Church’s Education Committee, is a program through which women are educated on issues of physical and spiritual needs relevant for the growth of christian homes. The Forum also provides the platform for women to benefit from free medical checks and counselling.

    Speaking during the Forum held at the Church’s auditorium in Adigbe, Abeokuta, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Oyebola said the program was organised deliberately for women because women were important to the development of the church and the nation.
    Fr. Oyebola urged the participants to use the knowledge gained to improve themselves and their homes while encouraging them to also transmit the knowledge gained to others.

    ” You are our special focus we want you to be happy not only in your marriage but as mothers and women. The things you have learnt can be useful for your children and even friends. If the mothers are well equipped we know the Church is well equipped, that is the reason this program has been organized. Please make the lessons you have learnt today count,” the cleric said.

    He commended the Education Committee for consistently organising different beneficial programs which have been contributing to the development of the church.

    Delivering the lecture titled, “Remain Connected” a Psycho-Spiritual Counselor and Therapist, Rev. Fr. Michael Adenigba said emotional, mental and spiritual connection to God is required by women who want to positively impact their homes and by extension the country at large.

    According to Rev. Fr. Adenigba, women who want to make the right impact need to be connected to God by being open and honest in communicating with others, understanding their vulnerability, seeking guidance from God, surrendering unto God and community fellowship.

    In the second lecture titled, ” The Woman and Her Hormones”, a family physician, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Yomibo-Sofolahan said hormones are critical chemical secretions in the life of women which shapes development in women’s bodies.

    She noted that women need to understand their bodies and gain appropriate knowledge about hormonal issues since hormones have a way of affecting them.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Education Committee, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Parish, Adigbe, Abeokuta, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola said the program has been initiated to nurture women so as to have a better home, church and nation at large.

    Aikulola who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment disclosed that the Home Builders Forum would hold twice in a year adding that the Forum would focus on issues bothering on physical and spiritual needs of women.

    In their reactions, some of the participants at the event, Mrs Adeola Augustine, Mrs. Ijeoma Eziebuo and Mrs Victoria John lauded the organisers for holding the event describing the initiative as an educating and beneficial event that should be continued.

    The participants called for more women and men to be invited to participate at future editions.

  • ABIODUN RESTATES GOVT’s COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT

    The commitment of present administration at strengthening cooperative movement through effective policy frameworks, capacity building and financial incentives is an avenue to boost the state micro economy.

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, while declaring open the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives Conference, organised by the State onCooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives with the theme, “Cooperative Build a Better Future for All”.

    Governor Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the contributions of cooperative movement to the socio-economic development cannot be over emphasized, lauding cooperative societies for exemplifying people-centred enterprises characterised by a unique and democratic structure that empowers individuals to achieve their economic aspirations.

    The governor stated that his administration had cleared all outstanding cooperative deductions owed to various organisations, adding that deductions were now being paid simultaneously alongside the salaries.He noted that essential financing institutions were needed for cooperative societies in the state, to enable them access funding at low interest rates.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun said the state had over 14,000 registered cooperative societies, which had bridged the gap of accessing wealth creation and distribution among various members and stakeholders, towards improved well-being of the people in the state.

    Earlier in his address, the President, OGSCOFED, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, said the conference was organised, to enable stakeholders deliberate on the best practices in the industry with a view to driving sustainable change in cooperatives, lauding Governor Abiodun for his supports to enhance cooperative landscape.

    In his goodwill message, the President of National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Oye, represented by the Director General, Mr. Sola Obadimu, who highlighted the roles of cooperatives societies in nation building, said the association was interested in driving the initiative of cooperative societies.

    Highlights of the opening ceremony include, decoration of Governor Abiodun as the Grand Patron of Ogun State Cooperatives Movement, among others.

  • INT’L COOPERATIVES CONFERENCE: OGSG URGES YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO JOIN COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES

    The Ogun State government has called on young entrepreneurs to boost their businesses by joining Cooperative societies to have access to more business-friendly loans which will aid the growth of their businesses.

    Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela made the call while speaking with press men in Abeokuta at the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives Conference themed, “Cooperative Build A Better Future for All”.

    The celebration was organised by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Event Hall, Abeokuta.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, Sofela stated that with high interest rate posing a threat to businesses especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs need to look towards raising funds for their businesses through cooperative societies.

    He added that cooperative societies have continued to provide the veritable platforms for financial inclusion emphasizing that testimonies about the positive impact of cooperative societies on businesses particularly small businesses abound.

    “There is power in collaboration. I want to say to young entrepreneurs to join the cooperatives movement, it pays a lot. The advantages include lower interest rates and other liberal terms than commercial banks,” Sofela said.

    Also speaking, President, Ogun State Cooperatives Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye appealed to the State government to support cooperatives with a revolving loan of N1bn which would be repaid within two years adding that the Federation is desirous of making loans available to members and non-members of cooperative societies at a minimum interest rate of 0.5 percent and a maximum interest rate of five percent as it is done in Germany.

    He also called on the government to provide a bus for the OGSCOFED which would be used for more effective running of the Federation.