The occasion was themed 'Empowering Members, Growing Together in Prosperity'.
Conveying a statement on behalf of the Interior minister, Mr Jatta said that much more than a slogan, the theme represented the very essence of the cooperative movement, adding that it reminds that lasting prosperity is achieved not through individual effort alone, but through unity, shared responsibility and mutual support. For him, it reinforces the principle that when there is investment in the growth of one member, the entire institution is strengthened.
He further posited that empowering members goes far beyond granting loans or providing financial products. He continued that true empowerment is about equipping people with the knowledge, confidence and opportunities they need to improve their lives, and it is also about providing sound financial guidance, promoting responsible savings, encouraging entrepreneurship and removing the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.
According to Mr Jatta, a truly empowered members not merely a beneficiary of services but an active contributor to the growth and sustainability of the cooperative.
He further conveyed: "The world is changing rapidly, and so too must our institutions. Traditional organisations were often characterised by rigid hierarchies where authority rested with a few. Today, successful institutions grow through participation, inclusiveness and shared leadership. Modern cooperatives succeed when every member has a voice, access to opportunities and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to decision-making. By investing in education, embracing innovation, expanding access to capital and promoting collaboration, we transform members into leaders, innovators and agents of change.
"In today's interconnected world, prosperity cannot be built in isolation. Nature itself teaches us that eco-forests are not sustained by a single tree but by interconnected root systems that nourish and protect one another. Likewise, a cooperative flourishes when its members support each other, share knowledge, pool resources and work towards common objectives.
"This spirit of togetherness is the foundation of every successful cooperative. It strengthens resilience, enhances collective bargaining power, promotes financial inclusion and creates opportunities that no individual could achieve alone. Through unity, we build institutions that are stronger, more sustainable and better positioned to withstand economic uncertainties."
