Commemorating the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives & Cooperative Week Activities 
Date: July 22nd, 2025
Theme: “Advancing Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods through Cooperatives”
In celebration of the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives, the Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperative, through its Department of Industry, in partnership with the Edo State Government, successfully organized a two-day event to honor the crucial role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive economic growth and food security in the state.
Day 1: Farmers’ Market Exhibition – Friday, July 18th, 2025
The week kicked off with a vibrant Farmers’ Market Exhibition held at the Ministry premises. Cooperative farmers and agripreneurs from across Edo State came together to showcase and sell their farm produce directly to consumers.
From fresh vegetables, grains, and tubers to spices, fruits, and locally processed goods – the marketplace was a colorful display of Edo’s agricultural wealth.
The Head of Service, Edo State, Mr. Anthony Osa Okungbowa (Esq), was present to lend his support, praising the event for promoting rural enterprise and deepening the impact of cooperatives in agribusiness.
Day 2: Grand Commemorative Ceremony – Saturday, July 19th, 2025
The grand event took place at the Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, with an impressive turnout from stakeholders in the cooperative movement.
Distinguished Guests Included: Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Top Federal and State government officials, Traditional leaders, Executives of cooperative societies Civil society partners and farmers’ associations. The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Felicia Edokpolor, opened the ceremony with a powerful message, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to job creation, poverty reduction, and food security through cooperative structures.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Abdullahi applauded Edo State’s efforts in aligning with national agricultural strategies and promised continued support from the Federal Government to scale cooperative impact.
Public Engagement & Outcomes
The two-day event sparked massive public engagement, attracting hundreds of participants. Many expressed renewed interest in cooperative membership and praised the Ministry for creating a platform that connects grassroots producers with institutional support and broader markets.
Conclusively, the 2025 Cooperative Week and International Day of Cooperatives in Edo State was a resounding success — a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions and communities unite to drive sustainable development.
The Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperative remains steadfast in its mission to support cooperative growth, foster innovation, and build a more resilient agricultural economy for all.
