“My tenure has been a unique opportunity to serve and promote cooperative ideals for our collective benefit,” he said.
By Amawu Cletus Albert Amawu
The Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association marked the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives in grand style in Calabar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development. The celebration coincided with the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive grassroots development. The occasion also served as a platform to formally endorse Governor Senator Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in 2027.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Archbishop Professor Margaret Ene-Ita JP, offered a resounding message of hope.
“It is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it. Before the next Cooperative Day, you will have received your empowerments,” she declared.
She underlined the government’s strategic focus on cooperatives as essential vehicles for inclusive, sustainable economic growth under Governor Otu’s leadership.
“We recognise cooperatives as instruments for grassroots empowerment, poverty alleviation, and wealth redistribution,” Archbishop Ene-Ita noted. “Through the theme ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World’, we celebrate a model of development that is participatory, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Government Initiatives and Future Plans
The Commissioner highlighted the administration’s progress, including the establishment of the Office of the Special Adviser on Cooperative Affairs, which aims to strengthen sectoral support. Other ongoing initiatives include capacity-building programmes, improved access to finance, streamlined registration, and regulatory reforms.
Future plans will see expanded cooperative education, targeted micro-credit schemes, digitisation of the cooperative registry, and annual exhibitions and trade fairs to promote local products and attract investment.
“Emphasising the spirit of Ubuntu—‘I am because you are’—we aim to build stronger, more resilient communities that nurture talent and mutual support,” she affirmed.
Archbishop Ene-Ita concluded with a call for unity among all stakeholders to ensure that cooperatives continue to drive Cross River State’s socio-economic development.
Governor Otu Formally Endorsed for 2027
A major highlight of the celebration was the formal endorsement of Governor Otu for re-election in 2027.
Dr Edem Ebong, Special Adviser on Cooperative Affairs, described the event as having “a dual purpose”—both marking the International Day of Cooperatives and demonstrating collective support for the Governor’s leadership.
“We, the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association Limited and all cooperators in CRS, proudly endorse His Excellency for a second term come 2027,” Dr Ebong announced.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Philomena Nyiam, also delivered a goodwill message, commending the administration’s unwavering commitment to the growth of cooperatives in the state.
Reflections on Achievements and Challenges
Earlier in the programme, the Director of Cooperatives, Ukandi Ogar Emmanuel U., warmly welcomed dignitaries and guests, reflecting on the global theme, “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”
He described the celebration as an opportunity to assess the resilience, achievements, and potential of cooperatives to foster socio-economic progress.
“My tenure has been a unique opportunity to serve and promote cooperative ideals for our collective benefit,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel outlined notable achievements, including local and international capacity-building programmes in India, Kenya, Abuja, and Enugu; effective dispute resolution; the revival of dormant cooperatives; and the formation of the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association to improve dialogue among partners.
He also highlighted the institutionalisation of the annual International Day of Cooperatives celebrations in the state since 2023. Looking ahead, he pledged to deepen capacity-building, financial inclusion, digital transparency, and youth and women’s engagement.
“We call for continued unity and collaboration to deliver lasting impact for our communities,” he added.
Stakeholders Laud Government’s Commitment
Sir Paul Ihwo, President of the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association, led tributes to the government.
“We warmly thank God and recognise our dear Governor, fondly called the ‘Cooperative Governor’, for his friendly disposition to cooperative societies,” he said.
He praised Archbishop Professor Ene-Ita for her exceptional accessibility and leadership, describing her as “a commissioner who truly stands out.” He also commended Dr Edem Ebong, the Director and past Directors of the Cooperative Department, Mrs Philomena Nyiam, and local government chairmen in attendance.
Sir Paul reflected on the event’s evolution from its modest beginnings in 2003 to the robust partnership seen today, even noting that, despite the date change and the rain, turnout remained high.
“We are confident that next year’s celebration will be even more impactful with the Governor’s promises of greater support,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements in peace, agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy, Sir Paul stressed the need for continuity:
“Cooperatives, as grassroots mobilisers, have unanimously resolved, from the hills of Obanliku to Bakassi, to formally endorse and support His Excellency, Senator Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy Rt Hon Peter Odey PhD for re-election in 2027. No Vacancy, Yet!”, Sir Paul Ihwo KSM announced.
A Call for Unity and Progress
The 2025 International Day of Cooperatives in Cross River State concluded on a note of solidarity and hope. Stakeholders pledged to deepen cooperation, empower communities, and uphold the values of shared growth, inclusion, and resilience.
As the state embraces the global theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” it sets its sights on a future of sustainable development driven by empowered, united communities.
Awards and Recognitions
The event also featured awards presented to deserving personalities, including the Honourable Commissioner, Archbishop Professor Margaret Ene-Ita JP; Professor Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital; Sir Paul Ihwo KSM, President of the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association and UCTH MPCS; Hon. Prince Effiom B. Effiom, Chairman of Akpabuyo; Hon. Inyang Yibala Igri, Chairman of Yakurr Local Government and Chairman of Chairmen in Cross River State; and Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area.
Other awardees included Dr (Mrs) Maria Maureen Bassey, Mr Philip Ena Mgbe, Elder David Ofem Iwara (who also chaired the occasion), and Mrs Philomena Nyiam, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
Several cooperative societies and individual cooperators also received medals in recognition of their dedicated service.