By Chinwendu Uzoatu
It was indeed a great day, as Anambra State joined others globally to celebrate International Day of Co-operatives, 2025.
The event, held at Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka on July 5, 2025 and hosted by Ministry of Industry, attracted Co-operative societies, entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo reassures his administration’s support for Co-operative sector in the State.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Hon. Christian Udechukwu, stressed that Co-operatives remains a strategic vehicle for achieving the goals of the solution agenda, especially in grassroots empowerment and wealth creation, which aligns with this year’s theme; ‘Co-operatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.’
He also urged Anambrarians to be active in the ongoing transformation of the state, even as he reminded them of the forth coming gubernatorial election. He said: “Let us support the continuity of good governance with our voices, our actions and our votes.”
In his speech, the President, Co-operative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS), Dr. Ogochukwu Soludo stressed on the importance to reposition the Co-operative sector for greater efficiency and impact.
He said: “The task before us now is to repair the breaches and rebuild the Co-operative structure and position it to deliver on it’s mandate and the current board is both willing and determined to lead the way by providing credible, principled, purposeful, value-based and responsible leadership that will revive, revitalize and reposition COFAS for efficiency and greater effectiveness.”
On his part, the MD/CEO of Anambra Small Business Agency ASBA, Clement Chukwuka, among other things outlined the agency’s structural financial support models and also pointed out that many Co-operatives miss out on the funding due to lack of formal registration and documentation.
The Director of Co-operatives, Mrs Nwabugo Okonkwo explained that it is an avenue for cooperators to synergize and show what they have.
“It is happening in the whole world, not only in Anambra State. Purely for promotion of co-operators.”
She also expressed her thanks to those that actively participated to make the event a success.
Also speaking in an interview, Business Consultant and Chairman Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Oguegbe Chinemerem had these to say: “A very wonderful event, World Co-operative Day. Here, you see real business, very important. That is why we help them to access finances they need.”
On her part, a Co-operator from Aguata Local Government Area, Hon Mrs Adaobi Ezeine expressed with joy that their co-operative goes well and pointed out their challenges such as lack of fund, electricity and called on the government to come to their rescue, even as she commended the present administration for doing a good job in the state.
Also speaking, a beneficiary of 1 youth 2 Skills From Awka South, Mrs Anya Prisca Chinwendu, who is into bakery commended Governor Soludo for reminding youths in the state. She promised that they will vote him again.
Highlights of the event included exhibition/inspection of stands by the Honourable Commissioner.
