By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The President of the Financial Solutions Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mr. Jamiu Abatan, has disclosed that the society disbursed over N102 million to 55 retired members between October 2024 and June 2026 as part of its welfare programme.

Abatan also urged governments at all levels to channel more humanitarian and empowerment initiatives through cooperative societies, saying such interventions would reach grassroots beneficiaries more effectively.

He made the call during the cooperative’s 30th anniversary celebration held at Alausa, Ikeja.

According to him, cooperative societies are strategically positioned to ensure transparency, accountability and direct impact because they have established structures, maintain close relationships with members and can effectively monitor loan repayments and programme implementation.

“The humanitarian programmes of government should be more focused on the cooperative sector because funds channelled through cooperatives reach the grassroots directly.

“We know our members, we track repayment and we deliver impact directly. Channelling more government support through cooperatives means real help gets to real people faster,” he said.

Reflecting on the cooperative’s 30-year journey, Abatan said the organisation, formerly known as the Office of the Chief of Staff Cooperative Society, has remained committed to promoting financial empowerment, mutual assistance and affordable financial services.

He paid tribute to the society’s founder, represented at the event by his son, Mr. Toyin Ibrahim Suenu, as well as past executives whose commitment and discipline sustained the cooperative over the years.

Highlighting achievements recorded during his first term in office, Abatan said the cooperative had fully digitised its operations, enabling members to register, apply for loans, manage savings and access food and electronic commodity schemes remotely.

He disclosed that more than 250 new members joined the cooperative during the period under review, while investments increased by over 15 per cent.

According to him, more than 700 members benefited from the society’s food and electronic commodity schemes, while over 55 retirees had received their savings since 2025.

Abatan also said the cooperative introduced a recognition programme for retirees in January 2026, presenting them with gifts and certificates of honour in appreciation of their contributions.

He added that the society has continued to prioritise members’ welfare by supporting indigent members, ensuring prompt loan disbursement and sponsoring more than 200 members for seminars and capacity-building workshops over the past two years.

Expressing appreciation for his re-election for a second term, Abatan pledged to deepen innovation, strengthen financial discipline and continue implementing policies that promote members’ welfare and sustainable growth.

“As we celebrate 30 years, let us commit to the next three decades with more innovation, stronger financial discipline and member-focused growth,” he said.

The anniversary celebration also featured the recognition of pioneer founders, former executives and members for their contributions to the growth and development of the cooperative society.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the representative of the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Monsurat Odusina-Akinyemi; the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Semiu Oluwasanu Kadiri; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr. Babatunde Thanni-Muhammed Onigbanjo; as well as past executives, cooperators and other stakeholders in the cooperative movement.