In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives, the Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd (SMCS) of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, in collaboration with the institution’s Centre for Gender Studies, hosted a seminar on Wednesday, 16th July, 2025, with the theme: “Cooperatives in Nigeria: Sharing and Sustaining the Legacy.”
According to the press release signed by Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah, the
Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, the event which attracted members of the Polytechnic community and beyond, was graced by the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe, and other Principal Officers. Also, in her entourage was the distinguished Guest Speaker and Lead Trainer, Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri.
In her keynote address, the Rector expressed profound delight in joining to mark this important international observance, highlighting the essence of cooperatives in driving social equity, economic empowerment, and community development.
She noted that from the early days of thrift and credit societies to the modern diversified cooperative movement, the Nigerian cooperative landscape has established a resilient legacy.
“Cooperatives have empowered farmers, traders, artisans, and civil servants to pool resources, share knowledge, and amplify their collective voice,” Dr. Igbokwe stated.”
She further emphasized the vital role cooperatives have played in women empowerment, enabling many to access credit, develop entrepreneurial skills, and contribute significantly to both household and national economies.
The Rector charged the SMCS President, Nze J. Obinna Okafor (JP), to foster reforms and champion policies that provide a supportive environment for cooperatives to thrive. She called for gender inclusiveness and well-structured succession planning to ensure continuity and sustainability of cooperative achievements.
In a special recognition, Dr. Igbokwe commended Dr. Barr. Ngozi Idih, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, for her proactive leadership and excellent delivery with limited resources. She praised the Centre for integrating gender perspectives into the cooperative development discourse.
The event reached a high point with a thought-provoking seminar led by Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, who delivered a paper on “Succession Planning and Beneficiaries of Cooperative Members’ Savings , Wills, Probates, and Trusts.”
He emphasized the relevance of every cooperative member, the importance of fair benefit distribution, and the critical need for democratic leadership governed by integrity and transparency.
“Succession planning is not only for the present generation of cooperative members but also a responsibility to the future,” the SAN asserted.
“Wills and Trusts are vital tools that ensure a member’s savings serve their intended beneficiaries. We must teach the next generation the culture of saving.”
Other facilitators at the seminar included: Dr. Okafo Okoreaffia (Cooperative Housing Scheme and Real Estate Assets Acquisition); and Mr. Finiam E. (Group Insurance Packages for Cooperatives);
The seamless execution of the seminar was made possible under the leadership of Dr. Obinna Iwueke, Vice President of SMCS LTD, who served as Chairman of the Organizing Committee. He extended appreciation to all participants and stakeholders for their unwavering support.
As the seminar concluded, the event underscored the urgent need to promote cooperatives as agents of economic transformation, social cohesion, and national development.
