By Frank Ulom
LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Cross River State Command, has secured two major national honours at the 7th National Cooperative Awards Show, Symposium, Dinner and Patrons Investiture Ceremony held on Sunday, 23 November 2025 at Givers Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, organised by the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN), recognised the Cooperative as the Outstanding Cooperative Society of the Year 2025. Its President, Superintendent Enu Columbus Nkim, also received the Exemplary Leadership Award of Excellence in Cooperative Development and Management. The latest achievements strengthen the Cooperative’s rising profile, following its earlier recognition as Best Cooperative Society in Cross River State during the International Day of Cooperatives held in Calabar on 5 July.
Speaking in a sideline interview, Superintendent Nkim said the national awards signalled a greater responsibility to improve service delivery and deepen member impact.
“By the nature of these awards, we cannot go back and sleep,” he said. “They are an avenue to do better, expand our impact, and continue adding value to every member whose welfare and progress we are entrusted to manage.”
He noted that widespread congratulatory messages from members reflected renewed trust in the leadership.
“Our people are not just confident in us, they are praying for us,” he added. “We are committed to a transparent, inclusive administration where civil ranks, junior ranks, indigenes, non-indigenes, and even officers from other states feel the value of belonging to our Cooperative.”
Superintendent Nkim acknowledged the support of the 13th Substantive State Commandant of NSCDC Cross River State Command, CE Okarazu (CC), describing his role in the Cooperative’s growth as “invaluable”. He also commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for prioritising the cooperative sector under the People-First Agenda.
“My appeal to the Governor is to continue on this good track,” he said. “If government focuses deeply on cooperatives, agriculture, production and welfare, the economic growth will be massive. In many countries, cooperatives are the key drivers of the economy.”
He expressed similar appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Archbishop Prof Margaret Ene-Ita, whom he credited for providing consistent guidance.
“She is like a mother. Her advice and encouragement have shaped our progress,” he said.
He also commended the State Director of Cooperative, Mrs Christiana Adinye, for her administrative support.
Superintendent Nkim urged the Ministry to expand outreach to cooperatives operating in rural and semi-urban areas such as Obanliku, Bekwarra, Boki and Bakassi.
“Let the Ministry take awareness campaigns to places where active cooperatives exist. With proper intervention, they will flourish,” he noted.
He cautioned cooperatives against complacency after receiving recognition.
“We should not say we have arrived. No. We must achieve more, grow more, and add value more. Cooperative growth is community growth, and ultimately the growth of Cross River State.”
With growing national recognition and strengthened internal confidence, Nkim expressed optimism for future achievements.
“By the grace of God, we are looking forward to even national honours from the President if God permits,” he said.
The Lagos ceremony, themed “Renewed Hope for Cooperatives: Harnessing the Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme to Foster Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, convened policymakers, regulators, institutional leaders, reform advocates and cooperative experts. The event focused on knowledge-sharing, excellence recognition, and advancing grassroots socio-economic empowerment.
