THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT

 Section 4a sub-section (ii) of the Nigeria co-operative policy book states “Government will ensure more effective cooperative education, and regulation of cooperative efforts in the country, by providing financial and material support through the federal department of cooperatives. To all cooperative Societies, in order to encourage them". All States and local government will also be encouraged by the federal government to likewise imitate them in this regard. By providing financial and material assistance to cooperative Societies, in their jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, this incompetency of the government to play their part in assisting these Co-operative Societies has led them to no other choice than do-it yourself option. This seems to be a slow motion move for these organized farmers, yet this is the only other alternative as even the banks are not willing to partner with them.

Why form Co-operative Society?

Cooperative Societies are formed in order to create opportunities to be of assistance to one another. It is also expected to help enhance quick recognition by the government and other great establishment that would like to assist by means of sponsoring their  projectsprograms. Although, the vision of the Nigeria Cooperative sector is to promote the members entrepreneurial capacities so that they can generate adequate surpluses for themselves and create opportunities for economic progress, for the public, they have not been able to meet up with this responsibility because; the sector is not being cared for.

The farmers co-operative for instance, have done their best by organizing themselves into cooperative Societies/Unions, where they educate and assist themselves on how they can succeed independently of the government. And from records, they are not doing very badly.

THE ROLE OF CO-OPERATIVE SECTOR IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The co-operative movement is a great adherent to these cherished universal human values. Due to the nature of co-operation, it provides the avenues for peaceful coexistence, service to others and self-help in the various sectors of the economy

When co-operatives are properly encouraged, and efficiently operated, they could take care of most of the needs of the general public.

There are productive in all the branches of agriculture:- (Crops, live stocks, fisheries, forestry), the inputs supply and distribution, the marketing of agricultural produce and other essential commodities. If the co-operatives movement are assisted with grants/soft loans by the government as recommended, this will create an avenue for them to have sound confidence in starting up as earlier suggested.

Our mission

Our mission is to protect all our members from being lynched by oppressors. That is why the executives of the Union will never allow any group, organization, association or individual(s) no matter how strong or popular he is to victimize any group or individual’s finding shelter under the umbrella of this Union from benefiting from the government kind gestures towards the Ovia North East Farmers.

Cassava leaves daily food for millions

          The cassava leaves are major delicacies in some Africa countries, although not widely used in Nigeria. In Countries like; the Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, and Zaire, these leaves are a daily staple food for many families.

         In times of economic crises and inflation, cassava leaves play an important role in feeding a family. And please remember that African families are often large. There are many mouths to feed and many stomachs to fill. The preparation of ngunza takes several hours. Leaves have to give up their bitter flavor before they are eaten. Traditional preparation, which involves grinding and constant boiling detoxify them. The oil the African women prefer to use in preparing it, is palm oil. The locally made dark-red oil is a must. Ngunza with a little peanut butter and maybe some onion and garlic is a daily meal for a family. Other ingredients added are; smoked fish or smoked chunks of beef—plus lots of garlic and onions along with a large amount of fresh, homemade peanut butter. All of this goes into one big pot. The rest is patience and a lot of boiling.

    Another way you can use the cassava leave to prepare a meal is on a cold rainy day, ngukassa, a broth or stew cooked with everything in the garden or field, may be the right thing for you. Palm oil, plantains, peanuts, sweet potatoes, corn (maize), and, of course, some cassava leaves are all cooked together, but no salt is added—not one single grain of salt. That’s the secret! The result is delicious and nutritious. And if you go on a long trip, take some kanda along. This is made of cassava leaves pounded together with smoked fish or meat. Wrapping this mixture up in leaves and smoking it over a fire for several hours until hard and dry prepare Kanda. It keeps for days and can be enjoyed along with a piece of bread. It is perfect for travelers.