Adamawa State has been recognized nationally for its efforts in cooperative development, as the state chapter of the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON) received a Recognition Award at the institute's 2026 National Conference in Lagos. The conference, held from November 2 to 6, 2026, at ASSBIFI Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together government officials, cooperative professionals, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving cooperative administration and its contribution to national economic development.
The Adamawa State delegation to the conference was led by Dr. Yusufu Peter Adilbakirya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development. The award acknowledged the Adamawa State Chapter's efforts in promoting and strengthening cooperative institutions across the state. The conference's theme, "Strengthening Nigerian Cooperatives for Economic Resilience, Financial Inclusion and National Development: The Role of Stakeholders," guided the discussions on professionalism, digitalization, effective management, good governance, and international best practices.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security emphasized the critical role of cooperative societies in agricultural development, economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and food security during the conference. Participants stressed the importance of transparent leadership, sound institutional management, and digital innovation in improving accountability and service delivery within the cooperative sector.
The Recognition Award presented to the Adamawa State Chapter highlighted the state's efforts towards strengthening cooperative development. This recognition underscores the growing importance of cooperative institutions in promoting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, expanding access to finance, and supporting sustainable economic growth in Adamawa State.
The conference provided an opportunity for participating states to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to cooperative management and development. Adamawa State's participation is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, professionally managed, and sustainable cooperative sector capable of supporting economic empowerment and improving livelihoods across the state.
The ICOPRON National Conference served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the role of cooperative societies in Nigeria's economic development. The event featured discussions on the adoption of international best practices to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of cooperative societies. The conference aimed to promote cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders in the cooperative sector.
The recognition award received by Adamawa State is a testament to the state's commitment to cooperative development and its potential to contribute to national economic growth. The state's efforts to strengthen cooperative institutions are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of its citizens, promoting economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Key points
- Adamawa State received a Recognition Award for its contributions to cooperative development at the ICOPRON 2026 National Conference in Lagos.
Reporting sources
- Adamawa Wins ICOPRON Recognition Award 2026 · Daily Trust
