Posted by By Onyedikachi Ugbor on
Cooperative unions and primary societies in Rivers State, under the banner of the Rivers Cooperative Federation Limited...
Cooperative unions and primary societies in Rivers State, under the banner of the Rivers Cooperative Federation Limited, have ended a 3-day workshop in Port Harcourt, issuing a call for a deepening of cooperative movement activities in the state.
In a 10-point communiqué, adopted by Mr. Lawrence Eze and Elder Alfred Okirie, and signed by 309 primary societies and affiliate unions under the Federation, the cooperators commended the new board, led by Mr. Victor Alasia, for its performance so far, mandating it to intensify efforts at resuscitating the movement.
The communiqué called for a periodic and regular organization of trainings and workshop for cooperative societies and members, as well as the extension of such workshops to the unions at the local government levels in the state, urging the board to negotiate and source for loan for the purpose of on-lending to members.
Among other issues raised by the communiqué is the establishment of the N750 million cassava-processing mill planned with a Dutch company, the actualization of a micro finance institution, a periodic monitoring and inspection of affiliate unions and primary societies, as well as accountability and transparency in the administration of cooperative federation affairs by the board of directors.
The communiqué enjoined the new board, led by Alasia, to "maintain the qualities and behaviour seen in them which reflect honesty and accountability," as the primary societies/unions promised to pay their dues and refund loans to the Federation and financial institutions respectively as at when due.
The Victor Alasia-led board has been active since its election in March, 2006, planning and actualizing the 3-day workshop, which ended last week, as well as planning a multi-billion naira investment in the agricultural sector, and the establishment of a mioro-finance bank.