Abuja: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reaffirmed its support for promoting cooperative enterprises and driving inclusive economic growth, sustainable community development, and financial empowerment. Chief Emeka Obegolu, the ACCI President, made this known while commemorating the International Day of Cooperatives (IDCs) on Saturday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the IDCs is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July to recognize the contributions of cooperative enterprises to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and social cohesion. This year’s theme is ‘Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.’ Obegolu described cooperatives as vital institutions that promote shared prosperity, economic resilience, and social inclusion. He noted that cooperative societies had continued to provide practical solutions to economic challenges faced by individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses through collective ownership, mutual support, and access to affordable financial services.
Obegolu emphasized that the ACCI remains committed to strengthening cooperative initiatives within the chamber as part of its broader agenda to enhance the welfare of members and staff while contributing to national economic development. He highlighted that a vibrant cooperative movement complements government efforts at driving entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation. The IDCs was designed to raise awareness and highlight how the cooperative enterprise model creates inclusive spaces for democratic participation and equal opportunity.
Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, ACCI Vice President, Finance, and Chairman of the chamber’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society, stated that the significant role of cooperatives is to improve the socio-economic well-being of members. Gashinbaki noted that the ACCI multipurpose cooperative had continued to provide accessible savings, credit facilities, and other member-focused services that support financial stability and business growth. He encouraged individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations to embrace the cooperative model as a practical means of promoting financial discipline, shared prosperity, and economic resilience.
Gashinbaki further stated that well-managed cooperative societies provide members with opportunities to pool resources, improve access to finance, and pursue common economic goals. He emphasized that the strength of any cooperative lies in transparency, trust, prudent management, and active participation of its members.
Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the ACCI, commended the leadership of the chamber’s multipurpose cooperative for its dedication to promoting the welfare of members. Jideani said that the chamber recognized the strategic importance of cooperatives in fostering financial inclusion, improving productivity, and supporting the overall objectives of the institution. He added that the management of the chamber would continue to provide an enabling environment for the cooperative to thrive through institutional support and is committed to providing sound governance and initiatives that encourage greater participation among staff and members.