The Anambra State Government has unveiled a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at strengthening cooperative societies across the state, positioning them to access government intervention funds, development financing, and international grants.
The announcement was made during the 2026 International Cooperative Day celebration held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Nonso Ebeonwu, said the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo is committed to rebuilding the cooperative sector through a statewide revalidation and digitisation exercise.
According to him, the initiative will create a credible, transparent, and functional database of registered cooperative societies.
Hon. Ebeonwu explained that the reforms, being implemented in collaboration with the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS), would produce a comprehensive policy framework and strategic blueprint to reposition cooperatives as effective instruments for financial inclusion, grassroots development, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.
He stated that all cooperative societies would operate under the Ministry of Commerce through the Department of Cooperatives, while active societies would affiliate with COFAS to eliminate fragmented registration and strengthen coordination within the sector.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government would establish an advisory council to enhance policy coordination, governance, and accountability.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would enable Anambra cooperatives to benefit from funding opportunities, including intervention programmes of the Bank of Industry (BOI) and other development partners.
Hon. Ebeonwu further urged cooperative leaders to embrace unity, transparency, and accountability as the foundation for sustainable growth.
Also speaking, the President of COFAS, Amb. Dr. Ogochukwu Soludo, said representatives from the state’s 179 communities and 21 local government areas had gathered to reaffirm their commitment to building stronger cooperative institutions capable of driving inclusive economic development.
He noted that although cooperatives are globally recognised for promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and shared prosperity, Anambra’s apex cooperative body had remained inactive for more than three decades before its recent revival.
According to him, COFAS has adopted an ambitious three-year development roadmap focused on governance reforms, financial literacy, digital transformation, market expansion, value addition, youth and women empowerment, disability inclusion, and improved access to affordable financing through partnerships with financial institutions, development agencies, and the private sector.
Soludo appealed to the state government to integrate cooperatives into its broader economic development agenda and support the establishment of a Cooperative Development Fund.
He assured members that the federation would uphold transparency, accountability, and measurable impact in improving incomes, expanding businesses, creating jobs, and transforming communities across the state.
Earlier, the Director of Cooperatives, Mrs. Chinwe Ozoemena, described the cooperative model as a proven vehicle for sustainable peace, economic inclusion, and community development.
She said the ongoing harmonisation of regulatory policies and the planned Cooperative Management Information System would enhance transparency, improve regulatory compliance, and attract international grants and institutional partnerships.
In his remarks, Mr. Chuka Okeke of the Ministry of Commerce commended the state government’s renewed commitment to cooperative development and urged cooperative societies and small businesses to strengthen their capacity, leverage emerging funding opportunities, and continue contributing to economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Dr. Law Mefor and representatives of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON), the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and other development partners.
Activities marking the celebration included a symposium, a march-past, exhibitions by cooperative societies, and the inspection of locally produced goods.
Anambra Repositions Cooperative Sector For Loans, Global Grants, And Improved Member Welfare.
