Business

2024 International Cooperative Day: How MedLab Practitioners Multipurpose Cooperative Society Is Set to Transform Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Landscape

Published

4 months ago

July 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

2024 International Cooperative Day: How MedLab Practitioners Multipurpose Cooperative Society Is Set to Transform Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Landscape

By Abdulrahman Aliagan

In the bustling heart of Africa, Nigeria, the Africa’s commercial hub, a group of Medical Laboratory Practitioners came together to form what is today known and called Medical Laboratory Practitioners Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (MLPMCSL). This group of people huddles around a table, both in the days and in the nights to discussing the latest ways, ideas and innovations of making savings and loan working for the best for its members.

This is not a typical business meeting, but rather a gathering of Medics and non-medics alike, as one of the thousands of cooperative groups that are quietly revolutionizing the socio-economic fabric of Africa’s most populous nation.

Without a doubt, cooperative societies have long been the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s development story. These member-owned and democratically controlled organizations have been providing vital financial services, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering community resilience in ways that formal financial institutions have often failed to do.

Instructively, “MLPMCSL within its shortest time of existence, it has been a lifeline for members” says, Mr Kingsley Okpala, the Secretary of MLPMCSL FCT Branch and Chairman, MEDLAB Estate. According to him, “It allows us to save regularly, acquire shares, access loans, when we need them, and support each other through difficult times. Without them, I don’t know how we would manage.”

Indeed, the impact of cooperative societies in Nigeria cannot be overstated. With an estimated of over 10 million members across the country, these organizations are playing a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, reducing poverty, and driving sustainable economic growth.

“Cooperatives are the backbone of Nigeria’s informal sector,” explains Dr. Adesoji Adelaja, a professor of public policy at Michigan State University who has studied the cooperative movement in the country.

“They provide access to credit, business training, and other essential services that are often out of reach for the country’s marginalized communities.”

Take the case of MLPMCSL for instance. This cooperative, which is made up of predominantly Medical Lab practitioners average-income earners, has been using its collective savings and loan scheme to help its members start and expand their businesses, as well as to weather economic shocks and personal emergencies.

“Through the cooperative, we’re able to access small loans at affordable interest rates,” says Abubakar. “This has allowed us to invest in our businesses, send our children to school, and even at the verge of owning to ourselves new homes, the initiatives that has brought about MEDLAB Estate, a project that is going to set a standard for cooperative societies in Nigeria. It’s a game-changer for us.”

The transformative power of cooperative societies is not limited to the informal sector, however. Across Nigeria, from rural farming communities to urban professional circles, these organizations are driving innovation and social change.

For example, a cooperative of Medicals has been using its collective bargaining power to negotiate better prices for their crops, as well as to access improved agricultural inputs and technologies, affordable Housing and food interventions to cushioning the Nigeria’s present economic reality. This, in turn, has led to increased productivity, higher incomes, and greater food security as well as enabling members to fund their professional development and personal aspirations.

“Cooperatives are truly the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s development story, “Say Mr John Chidi, a Medical Lab practitioner, “They are empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to the overall socio-economic growth of the country in ways that are often overlooked.”

As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of youth unemployment, economic inequality, and social fragmentation, the cooperative movement offers a glimmer of hope. By fostering a culture of self-help, mutual aid, and democratic participation, these organizations are demonstrating the power of collective action to drive positive change.

“Cooperative societies are not just about money and business,” reflects Maryam Abubakar. “They are about building a better future for all of us – one that is more inclusive, resilient, and just. And that, to me, is the true significance of what we do.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the 6th of July, 2024, MLPMCSL has highlighted programmes to join the global community to commemorate the International Cooperative Day under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.” This significant event, spearheaded by respected figures such as Alhaji Idris Ali Sanni, emphasized the critical role that cooperative societies play in empowering members and driving economic progress.

At the heart of the event is a focus on innovative excellence and the empowerment of members to achieve economic leadership through unity and performance. Muhammed S. Bello, the esteemed Founder/CEO of the Cooperative & Labour Education Research Centre (CLERC) in Lagos, will deliver a compelling address as the Guest Speaker, that will emphasizing the need for cooperative unity in fostering growth and development.

The energetic Elder IO Benjamin, the Project Manager/President of the MLPMCSL will serve as the Chief Host and Co-Speaker to the upcoming event, it is going to shed light on the enduring and endearing nature of cooperative societies and the pivotal roles playing by both members and management in nurturing a thriving cooperative environment.

Guiding the proceedings are experienced moderators Mr. Abdullahi Abdullahi Samaila and Uba Cornelius Ekenedilichukwu, who would ensure a smooth flow of discussions and engagements throughout of the event.

As part of the programme schedules, attendees are therefore invited to join this global event, at 8:30 pm via Google Meet. The event promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience that will showcasing the collective efforts towards advancing socioeconomic growth and development through cooperative initiatives.

In conclusion, the International Cooperative Day 2024 celebration is going to serve as a testament to the vital role that cooperative societies is playing in building a better future for all. Through unity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, these cooperative entities continue to drive positive change and transformation in communities, ultimately shaping a brighter tomorrow for generations to come. Let us all heed the call to embrace the cooperative spirit and make every day count towards a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Business

Oil marketers counter Dangote

Published

17 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oil marketers counter Dangote over allegation of substandard product importation

The Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has countered the claim by Dangote Refinery that any oil importers landing petrol at a price cheaper than what the refinery is selling are importing substandard products and conniving with international traders to dump low quality products into Nigeria.

The refinery had made the claim on Sunday.

In a statement yesterday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, said none of its members was engaging in activities that could shortchange Nigerian fuel users by conniving with anyone to bring in low quality product into the country.

“We’ve said this for the umpteenth time, and it bears repeating, those in the downstream sector business of petroleum products trade are patriotic Nigerians who will not shortchange Nigerian citizens for filthy lucre. Our members are in this business to add value to the businesses of their fellow Nigerians and not to defraud them.

“Prices of products in the international market are dynamic as they’re dictated by prevailing circumstances at every given situation. We calculate our landing costs based on the dynamics of market forces, and the templates are always in the public domain. To claim that if the landing cost of imported product happens to be lower than that of the refinery indicates importation of low quality product is not only preposterous, but also fallacious. In any case, the management of the refinery has, until now, kept its cost and prices close to its chest and put it away from public scrutiny. “

“This type of submission, targeted at projecting our members negatively before the public, cannot help the management’s desire to have oil marketers patronise its products. What will ensure such patronage is transparency, fair play, and readiness to compete with others, including foreign refineries, on an even keel and on a level playing field.”

Adewole said the disclosure by the refinery’s management that the facility has a huge stock of 500 million litres fuel reserve came to its members as news.

“We were surprised because we believe that if the refinery has such huge stock, it’s the marketers that should be put in the know first.

‘Secondly, it was even more surprising given that the news came about the time the refinery was working on rationing what each marketer could pick from the refinery. If they had such huge stock, how is it then that they’re rationing what marketers could buy?

“On all these developments in the industry, the position of our members is very clear: we’ve always played by the rules, and we’ll continue to play by the rules. We’ll not be tired of advocating for a level playing field and a highly competitive and transparent sector that’s devoid of arm twisting and devoid of any form of dominant tendencies,” he said.

Similarly, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said it had concluded plans to import the best quality petroleum product and sell at far cheaper prices.

The association said it was awaiting the NMDPRA to grant it import licence, saying it “has successfully incorporated a strategic business unit called PETROL.”

Its spokesman, Joseph Obele, said PETROAN had concluded plans with her foreign refinery counterparts and financial partners to import the best quality of PMS and “then sell far less than the present selling rate of PMS in Nigeria.”

He said the allegations that PETROAN would import inferior products and that an international company was trying to establish a PMS blending plant in Lagos “are all strategies for Dangote Refinery to push others out of the market…”

Also, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Bob Dickerman, denied blending substandard petroleum products.

Business

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Published

17 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Scores of youths stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday, demanding the immediate resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari.

The protesters, led by some Civil Society Organisations, described Kyari’s leadership as incompetent, citing skyrocketing fuel prices, endless fuel queues, and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The protesters carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “we demand the immediate resignation of Kyari”, among others, said the leadership of the NNPCL boss has failed.

The aggrieved youths led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

They also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal said, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.”

On their part, Otache and Isaac, insisted, “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

On July 7, 2019, former President Mohammadu Buhari appointed Kyari as the 19th GMD of NNPC, but with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, his current portfolio is without recourse to previous employment ranks in the company.

NNPCL reacts

Reacting, the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, said the protestors lack understanding of the sector.

He explained that contrary to their agitation, the GCEO ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.

Responding via a chat, Soneye said, “Unfortunately, they lack understanding of the sector. If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase; in fact, he ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.”

Business

Renewed Hope Agenda and Impacts in Aviation* By Mary Odoma

Published

19 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Renewed Hope Agenda and Impacts in Aviation

By Mary Odoma

President Bola Tinubu’s knack for selecting top talent is unparalleled. In his quest to build a prosperous Nigeria, he’s assembled an exceptional team. By leveraging their expertise, experience, and strategic insight, he’s fostering national stability, economic growth, and a sustainable future.

His latest win is in Aviation and Aerospace Development, where he’s appointed a fearless and straightforward leader, Festus Keyamo, SAN. Keyamo’s commitment to excellence makes him an ideal fit. President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is taking shape, and his leadership choices are truly commendable.

A dedicated, charismatic and impactful lawyer, the dynamic and astute developer is a terror to mischief makers and enemies of progress. A tough and forceful personality who is determined with an ultimate goal to change Nigeria.

Appointed on 21st August 2023 as the helmsman of the Ministry, Keyamo has been unwavering in his drive for positive transformation, reforming the sector and bringing about enduring positive impact in a transparent manner.

His Ministry has the core mandate of regulating air travel and aviation services in the country. It is also responsible for overseeing air transportation, air development, maintenance, provision of aviation infrastructural services and other needs.

A very patriotic Nigerian, Chief Festus has several achievements, in line with the Renewed Hope Aviation Roadmap approved by President Tinubu to his credit.

In a steadfast commitment towards revitalizing the nation’s aviation sector, Mr Keyamo was able to ensure the approval of the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano Airports. This is in line with the initiation of the Nigerian Airport Concession Strategy.

Also, in line with the Federal Ministry of Aviation Roadmap, Chief Keyamo initiated the signing of an MoU with the Nile University for the take-off of African Aviation and Aerospace University (AU). This milestone achievement of the Minister aims to integrate and create an avenue for the training, research and development of ready middle-class manpower for the sector.

Equally, under his watch, the pragmatic leader led the Ministry into partnership with the ICRC and also a collaboration with the IFC on infrastructural development. This partnership is to both develop and implement a comprehensive and durable framework that will meet the infrastructural needs of the sector over a long period.

Through Keyamo’s congruence and dynamism, the BASA arrangement is another revolutionary innovation aimed at ensuring the operationalization of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

Keyamo’s motivation and altruistic devotion to having a functional aviation and aerospace sector also moved him to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari, Airport, Maiduguri to the standard of an international airport. This airport is ready to commence full operation on January 1, 2025

In the area of staff motivation, retirees of the Ministry now have no cause for alarm as their interest is covered. Recently, the Ministry honoured 24 retirees drawn from the lowest rung to the highest. It is in a bid to acknowledge those who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the sector as Nation-builders.

His prompt response to issues including distress reveals an empathetic personality and someone who is very much alive to his responsibilities. Recently, while reacting to the accident involving a helicopter on the 24th October 2024, Mr Keyamo, immediately upon receiving the distress call, activated protocols aimed at search and rescue operations, mandating all relevant bodies to do everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of the passengers on board the ill-fated vehicle.

The Minister was also actively involved with all the relevant agencies towards ensuring a coordinated response. His active and physical involvement led to the minimization of casualties.

In a show of collaboration and solidarity, the Hon. Minister travelled to far away Marrakesh, Morrocco, to give support to the 2024 International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) congress. His presence was to underpin the importance the federal government attaches to the role of the transport workers in stabilizing the aviation sector.

Festus Keyamo as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is certainly the best thing that has happened to the industry. He has exhibited passion, dedication and selfless forthrightness in the discharge of his duties and a total comprehension of what it takes to carry out his roles. He is well-groomed for the job and his background has helped him greatly towards shaping the positive impact he is making on society.

Today, Festus has proved that a faithful, disciplined, and dedicated Nigerian can stand out of the crowd because he symbolizes what governance is all about. These feats can only be achieved by a man with the right comportment and conduct in the service of humanity and the fatherland.

Deserving of note is that Chief Keyamo, through the foresight of President Tinubu has well-prepared team leaders appointed as heads of the agencies of the Ministry.

The supportive and collaborative roles of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Metrological Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Airspace Management, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have brought about those tangible and noticeable volte-face experienced today in the Aviation sector.

With Keyamo at the helm, Nigeria’s aviation sector is experiencing a transformative shift, thanks to President Tinubu’s foresight in appointing well-prepared team leaders. The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Metrological Agency, and others are working together to bring about tangible change. Keyamo’s dedication, discipline, and commitment to service have improved Nigeria’s image and reformed the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Odoma is the President of New Nigeria Network [NNN[ writing from Abuja.