By Our Reporter

A new chapter in agricultural entrepreneurship and cooperative development has begun at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, following the successful inauguration of the executive committee of the UNIZIK Agro-Allied Cooperative Society Limited (UNACOPS).

The maiden elective general meeting and inauguration ceremony, held on June 2, 2026, at the 2013 Assessment Building, Sports Complex, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, brought together members of the cooperative in what many described as a landmark event for agricultural development and economic empowerment within the university community.

The gathering provided members with the opportunity to democratically elect leaders who will oversee the affairs of the society while setting the foundation for a vibrant cooperative system focused on agribusiness, investment, and sustainable wealth creation.

The event also featured an intensive capacity-building session aimed at equipping members with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to build a thriving and sustainable cooperative enterprise.

In her inaugural address, the newly elected President of UNACOPS, Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji, expressed deep appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in her leadership. She reaffirmed the cooperative’s commitment to promoting agricultural enterprise, financial inclusion, collective investment, and improved welfare for members.

According to Dr. Okoroji, the cooperative is strategically positioned to drive agribusiness development through innovative investment opportunities, value-chain expansion, and member-focused initiatives that will create long-term economic benefits.

She disclosed that the newly inaugurated executive committee would prioritize cooperative growth by encouraging members to increase their share capital investments and maintain regular thrift savings, measures she described as essential for building a financially strong and sustainable organization.

The President also outlined plans to deepen participation in agricultural ventures and expand the cooperative’s investment portfolio, with the ultimate goal of generating wealth, creating opportunities, and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of members.

Dr. Okoroji paid special tribute to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bond Stanley Anyaehie, whose support, encouragement, and visionary leadership she said inspired the establishment of the cooperative society.

Members of the cooperative used the occasion to congratulate the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment as Patron of UNACOPS, expressing optimism that his guidance and goodwill would strengthen the society’s efforts to achieve its objectives.

She further charged members of the newly inaugurated executive committee to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and selfless service in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Observers at the event noted that the inauguration marks the beginning of a promising era of collective investment, agricultural enterprise development, and sustainable wealth creation within the university community and beyond.

The newly inaugurated Executive Committee of the UNIZIK Agro-Allied Cooperative Society Limited (UNACOPS) comprises:

Patron: Prof. Bond Stanley Anyaehie (Vice-Chancellor)

President: Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji

Vice President: Prof. Charles Onugwu

Secretary: Dr. Gloria Chineye Okeke

Asst. SSecretary, Dr. Blessing Iduh

Treasurer: Prof. Vivian Ngozi Nwogbo

Financial Secretary: Prof. Francis Obioha Nwakwo

Assistant Financial Secretary: Dr. Sarah Jeff-Anyeneh

Public Relations Officer: Mr. Olisaemeka Obeche

Chief Legal Adviser: Dr. Barr. Reginard Anosike

Welfare Officer: Mr. Charles Asika

Assistant Welfare Officer: Miss Ifeyinwa Emenye

Assistant Auditor: Mrs. Okoye Ebere Sandra

As the cooperative begins operations, members have been encouraged to actively support its programmes through increased share capital subscriptions, consistent thrift savings, and by inviting eligible individuals to join the society. Stakeholders believe that with strong leadership and active member participation, UNACOPS has the potential to become a model agro-allied cooperative capable of driving agricultural investment and economic empowerment in Anambra State.

The inauguration of the executive committee is widely seen as a significant step towards harnessing the power of cooperative enterprise to promote food production, agribusiness innovation, and financial prosperity among members of the university community.

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