By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development, celebrated the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives in grand style in Calabar, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive grassroots development and formally endorsing Governor Senator Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in 2027.
The celebration, which coincided with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, brought together key government officials, cooperative leaders, and stakeholders across the state in a unified call for sustainable development through cooperatives.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Archbishop Professor Margaret Ene-Ita JP, assured participants of the government’s unwavering support.
“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, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Archbishop Ene-Ita highlighted Governor Otu’s administration’s strategic use of cooperatives as tools for grassroots empowerment, poverty alleviation, and wealth redistribution. She noted that the theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” underscores a participatory and inclusive development model.
She listed the administration’s achievements, including the creation of the Office of the Special Adviser on Cooperative Affairs, capacity-building programmes, easier access to finance, regulatory reforms, and streamlined cooperative registration. She also outlined future plans, including cooperative education expansion, digitised registries, micro-credit schemes, and annual trade fairs.
“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 stated.
A major highlight of the event was the formal endorsement of Governor Bassey Otu for re-election in 2027. Dr Edem Ebong, Special Adviser on Cooperative Affairs, announced the collective decision:
“We, the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association Limited and all cooperators in CRS, proudly endorse His Excellency for a second term come 2027.”
He described the event as “a dual-purpose celebration” – both honouring International Cooperative Day and showcasing collective support for the Governor’s leadership.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Philomena Nyiam, in her goodwill message, praised the Otu-led administration for prioritising cooperatives in the state’s development agenda.
Earlier, Ukandi Ogar Emmanuel U., Director of Cooperatives, welcomed dignitaries and guests, describing the event as a reflection of the resilience and progress of cooperatives in Cross River.
“My tenure has been a unique opportunity to serve and promote cooperative ideals,” he said, citing achievements such as capacity-building programmes in India, Kenya, Abuja, and Enugu, revival of dormant cooperatives, effective dispute resolution, and the formation of the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Association.
He pledged to deepen efforts in financial inclusion, youth and women’s engagement, digital transparency, and inter-cooperative collaboration.
President of the State Cooperative Stakeholders Association, Sir Paul Ihwo KSM, lauded the administration, referring to Governor Otu as the “Cooperative Governor.”
“We warmly thank God and recognise our dear Governor for his friendly disposition to cooperative societies,” he said, also commending Archbishop Ene-Ita, Dr Edem Ebong, Mrs Nyiam, and local government chairmen for their contributions.
He reflected on the evolution of the event since its inception in 2003, describing the 2025 edition as the most impactful yet, despite weather and logistical challenges.
“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 declared.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals and groups in recognition of outstanding contributions to cooperative development. Honourees included:
- Archbishop Professor Margaret Ene-Ita JP, Commissioner for Social Welfare
- Professor Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, CMD, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
- Sir Paul Ihwo KSM, Cooperative Stakeholders Association President
- Hon. Prince Effiom B. Effiom, Chairman, Akpabuyo LGA
- Hon. Inyang Yibala Igri, Chairman, Yakurr LGA and Chairman of Chairmen
- Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, Chairman, Obubra LGA
- Dr (Mrs) Maria Maureen Bassey, Mr Philip Ena Mgbe, Elder David Ofem Iwara, and Mrs Philomena Nyiam
Several cooperative societies and individual members were also recognised with medals for their service.
The 2025 International Day of Cooperatives in Cross River ended on a strong note of unity and purpose. Stakeholders pledged to deepen collaboration, champion community empowerment, and promote inclusive economic growth across the state.
With its theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” the event re-affirmed the transformative power of cooperatives in driving sustainable development—and set the stage for a greater future anchored in mutual support, transparency, and innovation.
