On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State Chapter, took a significant step towards fostering economic collaboration within their community by paying a courtesy visit to the Federal Cooperative College in Eleyele, Ibadan. Led by their President, Hon. Okechukwu Nwabunike Umeh, the executive members engaged in a fruitful dialogue aimed at establishing a cooperative society for their association, which is currently in its initial stages.

The gathering, held in the college's conference room, was attended by esteemed officials from the institution, including the Provost, Dr. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu; Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Victoria Ademilua, and the Head of the Department of Cooperative Economics and Management, Dr. Segun Ogunreku. Their presence underscored the importance of the partnership being explored.

President Umeh articulated the purpose of the visit, stating, “We are here because we want to form a cooperative society for our association within and among the members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We recognize your vast knowledge in this area; that is why we are here—to partner with you. Your support will undoubtedly add value to our initiative.”

In his response, Provost Abdulganiyu welcomed the Ohanaeze delegation with enthusiasm, pointing out that their initiative is timely and aligns with President Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for revitalizing cooperative societies across Nigeria. “You are in the right place to build your capacity before you even start. Cooperatives have been instrumental in driving economic growth and development, and we are committed to supporting you in every way possible,” he assured.

Dr. Ogunreku elaborated on the extensive resources available at the college, emphasizing that the institution has trained personnel ready to assist the Ohanaze Ndigbo team. He announced that their registration process would be expedited and highlighted the opportunity for them to undergo a professional diploma program in Cooperative Economics and Management, a crucial step in ensuring the cooperative's success. “This is the citadel of cooperative education,” he affirmed.

Following the presentation, the executive members engaged in a Q&A session, keen on understanding the intricacies involved in setting up a cooperative society. They posed questions about practical aspects of running a cooperative and expressed eagerness to implement the insights shared.

In concluding the meeting, Dr. Ademilua expressed gratitude to the Ohanaze Ndigbo members for choosing the Federal Cooperative College as their partner in this endeavor. “Thank you for considering us as a place to build your capacity. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will not only benefit your association but also contribute to the broader economic landscape,” she concluded.

This meeting marks a promising beginning for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo as they seek to empower their members through cooperative engagement, paving the way for sustainable economic development within the community. The partnership with Federal Cooperative College promises to be a pivotal move in achieving their goals and enhancing cooperative knowledge among members.