Cooperative President Wants Govt To Support Viable SMEs

The newly elected President of Port Harcourt Pathfinder Cooperative and Credit Society Limited (PPCICSL), Mr. Kelechi Nwaucha, has reiterated the need for government at all levels to intensify efforts in promoting and building the economic viability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives.
The PPCICSL President said this shortly after the  hand over of office by the out going President, Comrade Ikechukwu Wigodo, represented by his Vice, Ukandi Akpekwu Christopher Imbufe, in Port Harcourt, recently.
Nwaucha stated the need for government to boost the capacity of the state’s micro-finance agency to ensure the provision of micro-credits to SMEs and cooperatives.
Noting that government alone cannot transform the economy of the state and country, he said “such transformation requires the contributions of every one of us in our own way.
“Luckily, cooperatives offer us the opportunity to improve our lives and secure a better future for those depending on us.
“SMEs in all climes form the backbone for creating jobs and developing the overall economy of any nation. Nigeria cannot afford to disregard the development of this sector of its economy, if it must take its place as an economic powerhouse in the West African region”.
He urged cooperative members to adopt a sense of commitment and drive that will enable the cooperative society achieve the desired growth, and expand the economic capacity of the citizens of the state.
Handing over authority,  the out going President, gave a brief history of PPCICSL and described cooperatives all over the world as the largest employers of labour.
He noted the surging unemployment and poverty figures in the country and stressed the need for government and individuals in Nigeria to see cooperative movement as “an avenue for positive impact on the socio-economic lives of others”.
Other executive members include; Mr. Jude Nzennaya (Secretary), Mrs Lilian Peters (Financial secretary) and Mr Bikume Charles (Treasurer).

By: Lilian Peters