On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, cooperative leaders from across Akwa Ibom State gathered in Uyo for a pivotal Stakeholders’ Meeting hosted by the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development. The event served as a strategic forum to realign the cooperative movement in Akwa Ibom with the State’s long-term economic vision.
In her welcome address, the Honourable Special Adviser, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, reaffirmed Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to leveraging cooperatives as key drivers of inclusive development. She highlighted the urgent need for cooperative societies to evolve by adopting modern tools, transparent systems, and innovation-led approaches that generate lasting results.
“We must explore the full potential of cooperatives. They are not just support structures—they are powerful economic engines,” she said.
A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the Akwa Ibom State Cooperative Transformation Strategy 2025–2030 (AK-COOPTS)—a five-year roadmap focused on:
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Job creation through cooperative enterprise hubs
Access to cooperative finance and market linkages
Strengthened internal governance and digital registration systems
Building economic resilience in rural communities
The Director of Cooperatives, Mr. Monday John, encouraged cooperative members to maintain discipline and accountability by conducting regular audits and building ventures that last beyond external support.
Also addressing the gathering was Mr. Idorenyin Ekpo, Country Director of Cooperators Without Borders Nigeria, who called for unity, shared vision, and local leadership as keys to success under the Governor’s Arise Agenda.
Stakeholders in attendance voiced several pressing concerns, notably around limited access to cooperative-friendly loans and delayed grant approvals. In response, the Bureau committed to engaging more stakeholders and partners to scale cooperative impact.
The energy and commitment displayed throughout the meeting underscored one message clearly: the future of cooperatives in Akwa Ibom is bright, focused, and full of possibility.
“Let’s not just chase grants and loans. Let’s build something that lasts,” he emphasized.
– RMr. Idorenyin Ekpo, Country Director of Cooperators Without Borders Nigeria,
