WorldStage– The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reaffirmed its support for promoting cooperative enterprises and driving inclusive economic growth, sustainable community development and financial empowerment.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, the ACCI President, made this known while commemorating the International Day of Cooperatives (IDCs) on Saturday in Abuja.
The IDCs is celebrated annually on first Saturday of July, to recognise the contributions of cooperative enterprises to sustainable development, poverty reduction and social cohesion.
This year’s theme is “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World”.
Obegolu described cooperatives as vital institutions that promote shared prosperity, economic resilience and social inclusion.
He said that cooperative societies had continued to provide practical solutions to economic challenges faced by individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses through collective ownership, mutual support and access to affordable financial services.
“The ACCI remains committed to strengthening cooperative initiatives within the chamber as part of its broader agenda to enhance the welfare of members and staff while contributing to national economic development.”
The ACCI president said that a vibrant cooperative movement complemented government efforts at driving entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation.
He said that the IDCs was designed to raise awareness and highlight how the cooperative enterprise model creates inclusive spaces for democratic participation and equal opportunity.
“This year provides another opportunity for ACCI to reaffirm its support for the cooperative movement as a vehicle for economic empowerment, inclusive prosperity and
sustainable national development,” he said.
Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, ACCI Vice President, Finance and Chairman of the chamber’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society, said that the significant role of cooperatives was to improve the socio-economic well-being of members.
Gashinbaki said that the ACCI multipurpose cooperative had continued to provide accessible savings, credit facilities and other member-focused services that support financial stability and business growth.
He encouraged individuals, entrepreneurs and organisations to embrace the cooperative model as a practical means of promoting financial discipline, shared prosperity and economic resilience.
According to him, well-managed cooperative societies provide members with opportunities to pool resources, improve access to finance and pursue common economic goals.
“Meanwhile, the strength of any cooperative lies in transparency, trust, prudent management and active participation of its members,” he said.
Speaking, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the ACCI, commended the leadership of the chamber’s multipurpose cooperative for its dedication to promoting the welfare of members.
Jideani said that the chamber recognised the strategic importance of the cooperatives in fostering financial inclusion, improving productivity and supporting the overall objectives of the institution.
He said that the management of the chamber would continue to provide an enabling environment for the cooperative to thrive through institutional support.He also said that the ACCI was committed to providing sound governance and initiatives that would encourage greater participation among staff and members.
