International Day of Cooperatives: ACCI Champions Cooperative Enterprise for Sustainable Development
Oru Leonard
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cooperative enterprise as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, financial empowerment and sustainable community development as it joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives.
Speaking to mark the occasion on Saturday, ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, described cooperatives as critical institutions that promote shared prosperity, economic resilience and social inclusion. He said cooperative societies continue to provide practical solutions to the economic challenges confronting individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses through collective ownership, mutual support and access to affordable financial services.
Obegolu said the Chamber would continue to strengthen cooperative initiatives within the organisation as part of its broader agenda to improve the welfare of members and staff while contributing to national economic development. According to him, a vibrant cooperative movement complements government efforts to promote entrepreneurship, create jobs and generate wealth.
Also speaking, ACCI Vice President (Finance) and Chairman of the ACCI Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, highlighted the role of cooperatives in improving the socio-economic well-being of members.
He noted that the ACCI Multipurpose Cooperative has continued to provide accessible savings schemes, credit facilities and other member-focused services that enhance financial stability and support business growth.
Gashinbaki urged individuals, entrepreneurs and organisations to embrace the cooperative model as a practical tool for promoting financial discipline, shared prosperity and economic resilience. He stressed that transparency, trust, prudent management and active member participation remain the foundation of successful cooperative societies.
The Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, also commended the leadership of the ACCI Multipurpose Cooperative for its commitment to members’ welfare, describing cooperatives as strategic platforms for advancing financial inclusion, boosting productivity and supporting the Chamber’s institutional objectives.
He assured that the Chamber’s management would continue to provide the institutional support and enabling environment required for the cooperative to thrive through sound governance and initiatives that encourage wider participation among staff and members.
The International Day of Cooperatives is observed annually to celebrate the contributions of cooperative enterprises to sustainable development, poverty reduction and social cohesion. ACCI said this year’s commemoration reinforces its resolve to support the cooperative movement as a vehicle for economic empowerment, inclusive prosperity and sustainable national development.
