Co-operative Societies in Kogi State have been charged to maintain high standard in their operations.

The State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Gabriel Yunusa Olofu gave the charge at 6th Annual General Meeting of the UMCA Business Forum Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited in Lokoja.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Pastor Shaibu Ezekiel, Mr Olofu said accountability and integrity are the watchwords of any successful cooperative Society.

He commended the UMCA Business Forum Multipurpose Co-operative Society for maintaining standard and credibility in its operations over the years, urging the body to sustain it.

The Commissioner pledged the assistance of government to cooperative societies to achieve set goals.

Earlier in his speech, the President of the Society, Mr. Edward Ige Olugbemi outlined successes recorded in the outgone year to include; recovery of loans, securing a Secretariat for the body as well as reforms to strengthen the society.

He disclosed that the cooperative in the years under review declared a dividend of over two point five million naira respectively with over thirty million naira given out as loan to members.

Mr. Olugbemi attributed the successes recorded to the unity of purpose among the executive and members as well as openness in its operations.

Some of the members who spoke at the meeting commended the executive for its accountability, sincerity, forthrightness, transparency and a meticulous job by the Auditor, Mrs Florence Akerejola.

They however requested for an executive summary of the audited accounts in subsequent meetings.

Highlights of the AGM was the presentation of the membership directory to members and a copy each to all in attendance.