By AMAWU Cletus Albert Amawu.
IYC 2025: BISHOP DR. MARGARET ENE-ITA INAUGURATES COOPERATIVE INT’L DAY COMMITTEE, SUES FOR EFFECTIVE MUTUAL COLLABORATION.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Bishop Dr. Margaret Ene-Ita earlier today, 4th February, 2025, inaugurated the Cooperative International Day Committee in her office, on Hope Waddell Avenue, Calabar.
According to Bishop Margaret, her action was keeping to her commitment inline with His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s policy trust of his “people first” agenda in making sure that Cross Riverians and residents interests are paramount in his administration and providing for their needs.
“Today like we did last year in preparation to mark the International Day of the Cooperative on 5th July, annually, I bring you warm felicitations from the “people first Governor,” as we prepare to join the World on subject matter.
“His Excellency have promised to be part of the 2025 edition. Hence, the success recorded last year. He enjoined all Stakeholders to imbibe the culture of cooperativeness of self help through mutual collaboration in care for the others.
“2025, being a cooperative year, speaks volume of the underlining factor to continuously raise awareness of cooperatives, providing the opportunity to strengthen partnership and accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“It’s on note that I hereby inaugurate the 2025 Cooperative International Day Committee in the name of the Father, and of Son and of the Holy Spirit,” she said.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development, Ukandi Ogar Emmanuel Iduku, welcome the Stakeholders and threw more light of what is expected and congratulated all for success recorded in 2024.
“The International Day of Cooperatives is an annual event, held on 5th July every year to commensurate Cooperatives and which was designated by the United Nations in recognition of the role of cooperatives in economic, social, and cultural development of States.”
“This year’s theme: ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World’ underscores the enduring global impact of cooperatives, positioning them as essential solutions to today’s global challenges; to generating decent work, practice gender equality, provide opportunities for youth, manage resources in a transparent and democratic way, taking care of the ecosystem and promote positive peace.
“As Co-operators, we’re bound to self help through mutual friendship for effective global impact in collaboration to make the world a better place for all,” said Ukandi Ogar.
Other Speakers at the Inauguration includes: Dr. Edem Ebong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperative Matters. Mrs. Philomena Nyiam, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. They appreciated the good works of His Excellency and Honourable Commissioner as they pledged their unalloyed support on behalf of all.
The Chairman of the Committee, Sir Paul Ihwo, thanked all for the confidence and finding him worthy and other members to serve, he promised that the Committee will put in their best in making sure that the 2025 edition surpasses the last in every ramifications.
“We would make sure that for easy accessibility, and getting results, we’ll zone our responsibilities and engage other co-operators and stakeholders across the three (3) Senatorial Districts of the State.
“All Cooperatives Societies in the State will be carried along to participate in the 2025 edition tagged: ‘Cooperative Year’ and this is no mere coincidence,” he concluded.
Members of the Committee.
1. Sir Paul Ihwo, Chairman.
2. Prince Emmanuel E. Edem- Co-ordinator.
3. Mr. Simon Ewa- Member.
4. Chief Mrs. Nkese Efio-Ita- Member.
5. Mrs. Esther Obaji (Desk Officer) Member.
6. Mr. Anthony Ogar- Member.
7. Mr. Columbus Enun- Member.
8. Lady Priscilia Oyama- Member.
9. Mrs. Vera Effangha- Member.
10. Comrade Amawu Cletus Albert- Member.
11. Mr. Frank Archibong- Secretary.
