COMMERCE COMMISSIONER ASSURES COOPERATIVES OF GOVT’S SUPPORT, CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE

By Ebele Iyke Odili

The Commissioner for Commerce, Anambra State, Hon. Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, has assured cooperative societies in the state of the Soludo administration’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement through strategic support, improved organization and access to government intervention programmes.

The commissioner gave the assurance when the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS), led by its Vice President, Chief Okechukwu Chimelueze, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Awka on June 2.

Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Ebonwu expressed appreciation for the visit and conveyed the goodwill of the Anambra State Executive Council to members of the federation.

He described cooperatives as the simplest and most effective form of financial service delivery to rural communities, noting their critical role in grassroots economic development and financial inclusion.

The commissioner further said that government intervention funds are available for cooperative societies but emphasized the need for proper documentation and organizational databases to enable government identify genuine beneficiaries and assess the strength of existing cooperative societies across the state.

According to him, a comprehensive database of cooperative organizations would assist government in planning, policy formulation and effective deployment of resources to the sector.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Cooperative Department, Ministry of Commerce, Mrs. B.C. Odoegbunam, stressed the importance of proper documentation and data management within the cooperative movement, noting that cooperatives remain one of the most common and effective channels through which government reaches grassroots communities and empowers citizens economically.

Mrs. Odoegbunam said that the ministry is committed to developing a comprehensive database of cooperative societies in the state to enable government have accurate information on registered groups and engage them more effectively.

Earlier, the Vice President of COFAS, Chief Okechukwu Chimelueze, said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the commissioner on his appointment and pledge the federation’s unwavering support to his administration.

He described the appointment of Hon. Ebonwu as well deserved and expressed confidence in his capacity to advance the objectives of the Ministry and the cooperative sector.

Chief Chimelueze assured the commissioner of the federation’s readiness to partner, collaborate and work closely with the Ministry in promoting cooperative development and expanding its impact across the state.

He stated that COFAS remains committed to making the cooperative movement more visible and relevant, not only in Anambra State but across the nation, with the ultimate goal of restoring the state’s leading position in cooperative development.

The COFAS Vice President also highlighted some of the federation’s achievements within its one year and six months in office, including the successful celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives and the organization of a State Cooperative Summit, among other initiatives aimed at revitalizing the sector.

While acknowledging funding as the federation’s major challenge, he appealed to the Anambra State Government to provide greater support to strengthen cooperative activities and enhance their contribution to economic development.

Chief Chimelueze commended the Soludo administration for its interest in the affairs of cooperatives and thanked the government for creating an enabling environment for the movement to thrive.

He further prayed for the continued success of the Solution Government, describing it as an administration that has demonstrated genuine commitment to the growth and development of cooperative societies in the state.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the Ministry of Commerce and the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State to work together in advancing cooperative development, financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth across Anambra State.