From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Government has unveiled a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at strengthening cooperative societies across the state, positioning them to access government intervention funds, development financing, and international grants.
The announcement was made during the 2026 International Cooperative Day celebration held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Nonso Ebeonwu, said the administration of Gov. Charles Soludo is committed to rebuilding the cooperative sector through a statewide revalidation and digitisation exercise.
According to him, the initiative will create a credible, transparent, and functional database of registered cooperative societies.
Hon. Ebeonwu pointed out that the reforms, being implemented in collaboration with the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS).
He stated that all cooperative societies would operate under the Ministry of Commerce through the Department of Cooperatives, while active societies would affiliate with COFAS to eliminate fragmented registration and strengthen coordination within the sector.
The commissioner revealed that the state government would establish an advisory council to enhance policy coordination, governance, and accountability.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would enable Anambra cooperatives to benefit from funding opportunities, including intervention programmes of the Bank of Industry (BOI) and other development partners.
Hon. Ebeonwu urged cooperative leaders to embrace unity, transparency, and accountability as the foundation for sustainable growth.
Also speaking, the President of COFAS, Amb. Dr. Ogochukwu Soludo, said representatives from the state’s 179 communities and 21 LGAS had gathered to reaffirm their commitment to building stronger cooperative institutions capable of driving inclusive economic development.
Earlier, the Director of Cooperatives, Mrs. Chinwe Ozoemena, described the cooperative model as a proven vehicle for sustainable peace, economic inclusion, and community development.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Dr. Law Mefor and representatives of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON), the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and other development partners.
