VICTORY FARMERS COOPERATIVE INAUGURATES STAKEHOLDERS

VICTORY FARMERS COOPERATIVE INAUGURATES STAKEHOLDERS                      *APPLAUDS OTTI’S SUPPORT FOR ENTERPRISE GROWTH 

The Victory Farmers and Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Abia State has formally inaugurated its stakeholders and patrons at a well-attended ceremony in Aba, marking a significant step in its development and expansion drive.

The event, held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Lucas Hotel, Aba, drew a cross-section of dignitaries including top government officials, academics, religious leaders, captains of industry from within and outside the state.

It was chaired by Prof. Linus Okechukwu Nwabuko of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

In his opening remarks, Prof. Nwabuko praised the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for fostering an enabling environment for empowerment across the state.

He commended members of the cooperative for their unity and commitment to mutual support, noting that stakeholder positions come with significant responsibility and require dedication and accountability.

He emphasized that stakeholders form the bedrock of any cooperative and urged them to live up to expectations.

Representing the governor, his Senior Special Assistant on Cooperative Societies, Ishmael Onuoha, who is also the National Vice Chairman of Labour Party (LP) expressed satisfaction with the society’s performance and described it as one of the most active in the state.

He disclosed that the state government had earmarked ₦2 billion for cooperative development, with 70 percent allocated to agro-based ventures such as farming, poultry, and fisheries, while 30 percent would support non-agro enterprises including fashion and artisan trades.

Onuoha noted that only a fraction of the nearly 5,000 cooperative societies in Abia State are currently functional, stressing the administration’s interest in supporting active groups.

He further highlighted trust as a critical factor in successful cooperative operations, contrasting it with challenges faced in accessing traditional bank loans.

He urged members of the Victory Farmers and Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society to remain diligent and committed, describing the organization as highly effective and assuring them of sustained government support.

He encouraged the cooperative to continue expanding its membership base and strengthening its operations.

He further expressed confidence in the administration of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, describing it as purposeful and committed to transforming Abia State into one of the leading states in Nigeria within the next four years.

He noted that increased economic activities across the state were already evident, attributing this to the enabling environment created by the government to attract business growth.

Reiterating his admiration for the cooperative, he encouraged its leadership to sustain the momentum and prepare for imminent government intervention.

He disclosed that in the coming months, application forms would be made available to cooperative societies for evaluation, after which financial support would be allocated based on capacity and scale of operations.

He explained that a verification and evaluation process would determine access to funding, with viable cooperatives eligible for financial support ranging from ₦3 million to ₦15 million depending on capacity.

He emphasized that the government remained committed to empowering citizens to engage in productive economic activities, noting that access to financial support would help turn viable business ideas into reality.

He concluded by congratulating the leadership of the cooperative, describing it as one of the leading cooperative societies in the state, and assured them of continued encouragement and support as they strive for greater growth and success.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer of the cooperative, Mrs. Victoria John Lucky, popularly known as “Madam Gboko,” welcomed guests and expressed gratitude for the unprecedented turnout.

She attributed the success of the event to God and outlined the cooperative’s core objectives, including promoting unity, empowering rural farmers and small traders, attracting government and private support, and collectively addressing shared challenges.

She stated that since its founding on April 5, 2024, the cooperative had remained committed to improving members’ livelihoods through hard work, integrity, and service.

She also acknowledged the state government’s role in creating a conducive environment for business growth, particularly in Aba and Umuahia.

The inauguration ceremony featured the swearing-in of stakeholders by the society’s legal adviser, Barr. Remijus N. Nji.

Those inaugurated include Chief Mark Metu, Iheanacho Simeon Hapuruchi, Sir Colonel Obiagu, Rev. Christian Ifedioranma, Mrs. Ifunanya Emmanuel, Mr. Eze Mayoku, Mrs. Alice Nwogwugwu, Mr. Adiche Kenneth, Mr. Emmanuel Chilaka, Mrs. Glory Apugo, Lady Theresa Nwadiche, Engr. Tochukwu Soronadi, Chief Martins Ogbonna, Elder Chibuike Nwazue, Hon. Chief Eschalus Ukaegbu, Mrs. Udochukwu Ogechukwu, Deaconess Mrs. Ugonna Okpara, Apostle Dr. Adindu Onyeizu, Apostle Goodhope Okechukwu Onyenso, Mrs. Martins Mbachu, Hon. Joshua Uzodinma Enogwe, the councillor representing Ward 7, Uratta, Osisioma Ngwa, Hon. Kennedy Okafor, Hon. Aliche Kenneth Ochiabuto, Comrade Onyekwere Emeka Justice, Chief Emerenini Stanley Chidiebere (Chidi Imo), a renowned business mogul and grassroots politician, Mr. Gabriel Anyanwu, Pastor Iheanacho Famous Iheapuruchi, Mr. Emmanuel Chilaka and several others drawn from diverse professional backgrounds.

Following the inauguration, Prof. Nwabuko presented certificates to the new stakeholders and described the occasion as a milestone in the cooperative’s journey.

Responding on behalf of the stakeholders, Iheanacho Simeon Hapuruchi expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and assured members of their commitment to advancing the society’s vision through collaboration and effective leadership.

Awards were also presented to patrons in recognition of their support. Those honoured included Prof. Nwabuko, Barr. Nji, Hon. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokeocha, the Mayor of Aba North LGA, Hon. Timothy Iheke and other notable contributors.

Speaking at the event, one of the stakeholders, Deaconess Mrs. Ugonna Okpara, expressed great delight over the ceremony, describing the Victory Farmers and Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a vibrant and commendable organization. She encouraged others to join the cooperative in order to benefit from its numerous opportunities.

In a similar vein, another stakeholder, Chief Mark Metu, lauded the leadership of the society for its vision and organizational strength, noting that the cooperative has demonstrated strong potential for growth and sustainability.

He expressed confidence that, with continued unity and commitment among members, the society would achieve remarkable success and positively impact the economic wellbeing of its members.

The event featured fundraising activities to support the cooperative’s projects and procurement of a bus, alongside cultural displays and entertainment.

The Ekwueme Friends Club of Nigeria, the Aba North Women Dance Troupe and others added colour to the occasion.

The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, with participants expressing optimism about the cooperative’s future and its role in driving grassroots economic development in Abia State.