Leaders of the INEC Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society from across the country have converged on Jos, Plateau State, for their 2026 Annual Presidents’ Meeting (AGM), with a focus on sustainable investments, financial accountability and long-term wealth creation.
The meeting, held at Crispan Hotel, Jos, brought together cooperative presidents from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside executive members of the INEC Headquarters Cooperative.
Held under the theme, “Building Sustainable Co-operative Businesses for Generational Wealth: The Courage to Delay Gratification Today for Prosperity Tomorrow,” the meeting focused on disciplined savings, responsible investments and strategies for securing members’ financial future.
Prof. Rhoda H. Gumus, Chairperson of the Health and Welfare Committee, represented by Director of General Admin INEC Headquarters, Alphonsus Alozie. has urged INEC Cooperative Society leaders to prioritise sustainable investments, financial accountability and effective governance at the 12th Presidents’ Annual General Meeting in Jos, Plateau State.
Speaking on the theme, “Building Sustainable Cooperative Business for Generational Wealth,” she emphasised patience, prudent financial management and long-term investments over get-rich-quick schemes. She expressed concern over alleged mismanagement and fraud involving members’ funds in some state offices, calling for stronger internal controls, transparency and accountability. She urged participants to develop practical recommendations that protect contributions and secure prosperity for future generations.
Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Samuel Egwu, urged cooperative leaders to strengthen governance, protect members’ contributions and ensure transparency and accountability in managing their societies.
“Governance of cooperatives is very critical and you cannot play with the fate of others,” Egwu said.
He called for stronger oversight of cooperative activities by INEC, fair enforcement of rules and effective loan recovery, warning that the misuse of members’ funds could undermine the stability of cooperative societies.
The Host President of the INEC Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Plateau State, Badi Musa Datong, welcomed participants to Jos and commended the National Commissioner, the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the state management team for supporting cooperative activities.
Datong described the annual meeting as an opportunity for cooperative leaders to exchange ideas, review financial portfolios and harmonise policies to improve members’ welfare.
“This annual gathering is a vital national platform for us to learn from one another, align our strategies and share fresh ideas,” he said.
The Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Hon. Plangji Cishak, commended the cooperative society for its investments and contributions to members’ welfare.
Cishak, who said he had served in INEC for 17 to 18 years, recalled that he acquired his first property through the cooperative before leaving the Commission. He encouraged participants to share experiences and strengthen their societies, while expressing hope that they would enjoy Plateau State’s hospitality.
The Director of Cooperatives in Plateau State, Mrs Elizabeth Moses Bot, urged cooperative leaders to uphold transparency, accountability and members’ interests, describing unity and mutual assistance as essential principles of the cooperative movement.
She wished participants a successful and fruitful meeting, encouraging them to remain committed to cooperative ideals for sustained growth and improved members’ welfare.
The meeting also featured a paper presentation on “The Fundamentals of Cooperative Society,” delivered by Timloh Nimmyel representing John Ayode Awotunde
Paper Presentation Topic: The Fundamentals of Cooperative Society.
Building Sustainable Co-operative Businesses for Generational Wealth: The Courage to Delay Gratification Today for Prosperity Tomorrow a paper Presentation by Effiong E. Sunday
