The Deputy House Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo (Enone) Federal Constituency of Benue State, Dr. Philip Agbese, LL.B (UK), MBA (UK), LL.M (UK), joins the international community in celebrating the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives, paying glowing tribute to the millions of Nigerians whose dedication, enterprise, and collective spirit continue to strengthen the nation’s economy, expand opportunities, and inspire hope through the cooperative movement.
In a statement issued through his Special Assistant, Hon. Ibrahim Sani, Dr. Agbese described cooperatives as one of the most enduring instruments of democratic participation in economic life. He noted that cooperative societies have evolved beyond simple savings and credit associations into dynamic institutions that empower farmers, traders, artisans, entrepreneurs, women, young people, and small businesses to achieve shared prosperity through mutual trust, collective investment, and responsible governance.
According to him, the observance of the International Day of Cooperatives is not merely a celebration of organisations but a recognition of a development model that places people at the centre of economic progress. He stated that cooperatives have consistently demonstrated that sustainable development is best achieved when communities are empowered to take collective ownership of their economic future.
Dr. Agbese emphasized that at a time when Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification, agricultural transformation, food sufficiency, youth employment, and financial inclusion, cooperative societies remain indispensable partners in delivering lasting solutions. He noted that by improving access to finance, increasing agricultural productivity, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises, encouraging innovation, and creating decent jobs, cooperatives contribute significantly to poverty reduction, wealth creation, and national stability.
He further observed that the cooperative movement embodies values deeply rooted in the Nigerian spirit—unity, solidarity, accountability, self-reliance, equity, and shared responsibility. These principles, he said, are essential for strengthening national cohesion and building resilient communities capable of overcoming economic and social challenges.
The Deputy House Spokesman commended the House of Representatives under the visionary leadership of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for its unwavering commitment to enacting people-oriented legislation that promotes inclusive economic growth, strengthens cooperative institutions, supports entrepreneurship, and expands opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
He also applauded His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for championing policies aimed at economic revitalisation, agricultural development, enterprise support, and financial inclusion, noting that cooperative societies remain strategic partners in the successful implementation of the administration’s economic reforms and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Agbese reaffirmed his commitment to promoting legislative initiatives and constituency programmes that empower cooperative societies, enhance access to credit, support agricultural value chains, encourage youth and women entrepreneurship, and stimulate sustainable rural and urban development across Enone Federal Constituency and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As the world marks this year’s International Day of Cooperatives, Dr. Agbese congratulated every cooperative society, community association, farmer, artisan, entrepreneur, market woman, youth group, and development partner whose collective efforts continue to build stronger communities and a more resilient economy.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the enduring ideals of cooperation, integrity, innovation, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity, expressing confidence that through collective action and responsible leadership, Nigeria will continue to unlock its vast human and economic potential for the benefit of present and future generations
Hon. Ibrahim Sani
Special Assistant to the Deputy House Spokesman
Office of the Deputy House Spokesman
House of Representatives, National Assembly
