ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SCHEMES AS PROVIDED BY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES. A CASE STUDY OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, WARRI, DELTA STATE
ABSTRACT
Isusu Co-operative Society is an association of all categories or level of members without religious, political and ethnic inclinations. It exists with an aim of giving self-help to the members through uniformed monthly contributions. It provides some benefits and rights to the members.
The co-operative society has existed with some problems, which affects the progress of society. The problems as discovered were due to the poor managerial effect and inexperienced member.
These problems were X-rayed in this study and recommendations to remedy and prevent the further occurrence of such problems were which consequently would see the organization moving positively.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The impact of social welfare schemes provided by co-operative societies. A case study of ‘Isusu’ Co-operative Society, Warri, Delta State.
Before we go into the topic proper, let us have a look on the meaning and embodiment of the phrase. ‘Social Welfare Schemes’ and also the co-operative society.
According to the Advance Learners Dictionary: Social Welfare Schemes are plans of arrangements, which are made to alleviate the immediate problems of the problem around. These plans are geared towards providing the people with basic infrastructures such as electricity, pipe borne water educational facilities, employment, provision, health services, establishment of savings schemes such as co-operative banks etc. In this light, the co-operative societies, in particular, Isusu co-operative society has deemed it appropriate to embark on some social welfare schemes will serve as a boost to their membership strength and also in fulfillment of their co-operatives seventh (7th) principle which stipulates: Concern for community.
The co-operative society in the other hand is defined according to the International Co-Operative Alliance (I. C. A.) as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. This society is purged of any religious, political or ethnic inclinations and aimed at solving members’ economic problem and also caring for their immediate environment within their financial capacity to do so.
The co-operative societies have a set of principle guiding its activities. These are:
(1) VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
(2) DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
(3) MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
(4) AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE
(5) EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
(6) CO-OPERATION AMONG CO-OPERATIVES
(7) CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
The cynosure of this study is on the seventh (7th) and last principle; concern for community. While focusing on member needs and wishes, co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
Co-operatives owe the community(ies) in which they are located some obligations. They aspire to be good co-operative citizens of their country and their local community. They will not behave or engage in any anti-social born. They will protect their environment, provide their communities and assist the communities in its growth.
