Plateau State government says it will forge synergy with the workforce in the state so as to run a transparent and responsive government with the view to improving all sectors of the economy for the benefit of the people.
State Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo gave the indication at the 21st Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the Nightingale Welfare Scheme, Multipurpose Cooperative Society of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, held recently at the permanent site.
She expressed the government’s readiness to provide the enabling environment for cooperative societies to thrive.
The Deputy Governor however said as a government, they will continue to improve the welfare of the state workforce and retirees through regular and timely payment of salaries. She also pointed out that improving the working conditions in the state remains a priority in view of the critical role workers play towards economic growth.
Guest Speaker and Former Director of Cooperative, Plateau State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr Lawrence Lankwap who spoke on the theme: Adjustment and Survival in a Depressing Economy: Its effects on members of cooperative societies,” highlighted that cooperative societies were organizations controlled by members who have equal rights.
He urged cooperators to reduce their spendings and go into savings.And emphasised that cooperative societies should always ensure that their reserve is juicy so that they could fall back on it in times of distress.
Chief Medical Director, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Pokop Bupwatda represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, Dr Njem Miner underscored the importance of cooperative society in the most challenging times as these and urged them to devise ways of survival.
The CMD tasked the leadership of the cooperative society to always think outside the box and expand the financial base of the cooperative society for the benefit of members as the task before them was enormous. He assured them of the hospital’s continued support.
On her part, President, Nightingale Welfare Scheme, Multipurpose Cooperative Society, JUTH, Patricia Manasseh said the year under review 2022/2023 was full of challenges ranging from withheld remittances which grossly affected their operations. She called on the Plateau State Cooperative Federation to take up the issue with the Federal Government with the view to addressing it.
She highlighted some achievements by the co-operative society to include the building of a housing estate at Zarazon, shops at Old JUTH and training of members among others.
