Plans are already in top gear by the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS) to sensitize the people with cooperation learning and utilisation of available resources among members to improve its welfare.
The group equally unveiled a detailed action plan targeted at revitalising cooperative societies across the state, emphasising the need for renewed awareness and disciplined financial culture among members.
News Echo reports that COFAS on Wednesday 26th converged at the Kind David Hotel Awka in a Strategic Cooperative Summit to discuss issues and challenges facing the association as well as chatting the ward forward with the theme ‘Cooperative Socities As Agents of Social Transformation and Sustainable Grassroot Development’.
Speaking Newsmen, the COFAS President, Professor Soludo, said the first and most urgent step toward rebuilding the sector is massive sensitisation.
“First of all, we must create awareness like we are doing now,” he stated. “Then we must pursue cooperative education, helping people understand the nitty-gritty of cooperative enterprise. Nobody can perform what he does not know.”
Also addressing participants, Dr. Nma Okechukwu highlighted the timeless value of cooperation in human progress. She stressed that cooperation remains the backbone of thriving enterprises, warning that businesses suffer where unity is lacking. She urged participants to work together to achieve greater collective goals, noting that the principle of cooperation “has existed as early as man.”
The COFAS President lamented that the cooperative system in Anambra had suffered years of abuse, with dubious and fictitious schemes taking advantage of people’s desire for “free money.” He said the federation is now committed to restoring credibility and discipline within the sector.
Addressing Newsmen, the President of Susumi, Mr. Sam Eze, disclosed that the Susumi platform would support cooperative societies by offering financial opportunities beneficial to their members. He explained that as members contribute, they stand to benefit from the platform’s structure, helping expand cooperatives and giving them access to a broader pool of funding.
Professor Soludo called on the government to show greater support for credible and well-managed cooperatives. “When government sees cooperatives doing well, they should encourage them,” he said. “But government must also be sure that the leadership is trustworthy—and we are working hard to ensure that.”
Earlier, the Chairman of thr Occasion, Dr Cosmas Maduka called on cooperatives to activate the spirit of love and oneness among members. He equally tasked them to be committed, diligent and supportive towards achieving organisational goals.
Meanwhile, dignitaries present were representatives of ASTUC, ASBA, BOI, COFAS-MSME, Director of the Department of staff of the cooperatives societies, commerce and Industry, the media among others.
