By Amaka Okafor
The Ebonyi State Government has commended the Federal Medical Centre Staff Cooperative Thrift and Loan Society Limited, Abakaliki, for boosting the economic wellbeing of its members through the distribution of mini trucks, shuttle buses, tricycles, and motorcycles. The government described the initiative as a practical demonstration of how cooperative societies can empower members and create sustainable sources of income.
Speaking during the commissioning of the vehicles in Abakaliki on Wednesday, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Mr. Oguzor Offia-Nwali, said the investment would provide beneficiaries with reliable means of transportation and “second addresses” through income-generating ventures. He described the occasion as “a celebration of vision, prudent leadership, transparency, and the collective commitment of members who have chosen to work together for their common good.”
Offia-Nwali, whose ministry oversees cooperative affairs in the state, said the achievement underscored the transformative role of cooperative societies in promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and community development. He noted that the newly acquired assets would not only improve the livelihoods of members but also strengthen the financial base of the cooperative.
The Commissioner praised the leadership of the cooperative, led by its President, Mr. Christopher Oyesola, for its accountability, foresight, and dedication to members’ welfare. “Your achievements today should serve as a model for other cooperative societies across Ebonyi State, proving that when members are united by trust, discipline, and sound management, remarkable progress is inevitable,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration to strengthening cooperative societies as vehicles for inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, wealth creation, and entrepreneurship. According to him, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Business Development would continue to provide the policy support, guidance, and supervision needed for cooperatives to thrive. He also urged beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly, saying they should serve as tools for productivity, quality service, and prosperity.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chief Medical Director of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Prof. Robinson Onoh, represented by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Nelson Nwedu; the South-East President of Cooperative Societies, Evangelist Chukwuma Elom; and the pioneer President of the FMC Cooperative, Mrs. Rosemary Ujah, commended the society’s leadership for its remarkable achievements. They encouraged the management to sustain its culture of accountability, transparency, and hard work.
Earlier, the President of the cooperative, Mr. Christopher Oyesola, disclosed that the distribution of 20 motorcycles, eight mini trucks, seven shuttle buses, and tricycles was designed to provide members with convenient transportation to work while creating alternative sources of income. He explained that beneficiaries would pay for the assets through a two-year repayment plan, making ownership affordable.
Oyesola said the initiative was part of the cooperative’s commitment to improving members’ welfare through practical empowerment programmes. He expressed optimism that the investment would enhance members’ economic stability, improve productivity, and encourage greater participation in cooperative activities.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the cooperative for the opportunity. Mrs. Obi Chizoba said the truck allocated to her would significantly improve the distribution of goods to her customers, while Mr. Ezeoke Geoffrey and Pastor Peter Chukwuemeka praised the leadership for its foresight and commitment to members’ welfare. They pledged to make judicious use of the vehicles and urged other workers to embrace cooperative societies as platforms for economic empowerment.
