By Benjamin Umuteme
Abuja
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun on Thursday inaugurated the mini-shop of the Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society belonging to staff of the Ministry.
Speaking at the brief ceremony which was held at the conference room of the Ministry in Abuja, Mrs. Adeosun urged staff of the ministry to sustain Cooperative Society as it is a proactive step that will secure their future.
The AGRO 15 Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society is an initiative of staff of the finance ministry with the objective securing their future especially life after retirement but it cuts across civil servants, military, paramilitary, as well as business men and women that have passion for agriculture.
While recounting the giant strides agriculture has made in the history of the country, the Minister who was represented by her aide, Mr. Benjamin Ajanaku, hailed the initiative of the staff charging them to actively participate in the initiative.
“According to the minister, “you need to take time to participate, take time to visit the farm and take time to get your hands dirty,” he added.
In her welcome address, President, AGRO 15 MCS, Mrs. Adenike Bello said the establishment of the MCS was borne out of the government policy on diversification.
According to her, the initiative is to encourage savings among members; wealth creation; make food available for all at the lowest cost and ensure that retired members are fully engaged in commercial farming.
“The establishment of AGRO 15 shop came up to enable us create market for our produce and also encourage our members and the entire staff to have access to some of the agricultural products from the farm at the lowest cost,” she said.
Some achievement of AGRO 15 MCS includes: cultivation of 25 hectres maize farm; 30 hectres beans farm; among others.
