The National Apex of Nigeria Farmers Cooperation Societies (NANFACOS) appointed Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma OFR as the BOT member representing South East Geo-Political Zone at the NANFACOS National Board of Trustees.
The event which was held in Nnewi, Anambra state had in attendance executive members from the six geo-political zones.
NANFACOS is a newly established National Agric workforce set up by the Federal Department of Cooperatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2019.
NANFACOS is the umbrella body of all the primary, secondary, and state apexes cooperative societies in Nigeria, from the 36 states and FCT National President NANFACOS, Hon. Chief Nwogwugwu Uzoma in his address, said after several consultations and deliberation, NANFACOS considered Chief Chukwuma worthy to be a member of the BOT.
According to Uzoma, ‘The aim of establishing NANFACOS by the federal government is to complement her giant stride in Agricultural development in Nigeria, to see that there are abundant food production, security, job opportunities, and wealth creation, to enable Nigerian farmers to be self-reliant and productive which cannot be achieved by the management body alone.
While congratulating Chief Chukwuma on his emergence as the only selected personality in the whole southeast Geo-political zone of Nigeria to be a member of BOT, He enlightened him on the few duties as a BOT.
In his words ‘As a member of the BOT via the Bye-Law of the Federal cooperative body amended 2004, you are now an adviser to the administrative body on proposals and bills to be passed to the Federal Government.
‘You will be assisting the Apex body in the source of fund, Agric inputs and machinery for the well being of the cooperatives farmers and the society as a whole and also to oversee the activities of the management committee of the Apex body, giving directives where necessary.โ
‘You will validate and support meaningful activities of the management committee and also enhance the project of the Apex body. You will also be involved in framing Bye-laws, or amendment of Bye-laws for presentation to the Annual General Meetings. amongst other duties
Speaking with reporters in an interview on the reasons Innoson was chosen as a BOT member, Uzoma said ‘after considering so many well-to-do South East personalities, we find out that Ifediaso Nnewi is a humble man, a philanthropist, an intelligent established businessman and one that has a strong passion for agriculture.
Uzoma expressed his happiness and excitement predicting that Innoson will perform better than other BOT through his support.
Chairman, Innoson Group, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma (OFR) in his speech after the appointment expressed gratitude to NANFACOS for finding him worthy to be a member of the BOT.
“I Am happy and at the same time humbled by this appointment. I will utilize this opportunity judiciously. I will justify this appointment by making sure that the interest of farmers is protected.
‘I never knew that some persons somewhere were monitoring all I was doing. I am so happy for this opportunity. I believe that I was chosen by God because without him, I can do nothing.
I assure NANFACOS that we will all work together in other to achieve our goal in agriculture. I will do everything in my power to develop the agricultural sector of this country.โ
‘Agriculture has the potentials to improve our economy and boost the revenue. It should not only be for our consumption, but we should also be exporting. We will all think outside the box and bring change to this sector.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Chukwuma said ‘as a BOT member, one of my duties is to speak for farmers. I am currently establishing a tractor plant at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The aim is to expose the youths to the importance of agriculture. This will tackle one of the major problems faced by agriculture.
National Secretary NANFACOS, Mallam Mohammed Kuyizhi in his speech, congratulated the newest BOT member.
He described Chief Chukwuma as a role model not only to Ndi-Anambra but to the whole nation. National Treasurer NANFACOS Hon. Mrs. Peace Rabi Emaiku while speaking, hailed Chief Innoson for his impact and contribution towards national growth.
Emaiku described Innoson as a committed and humble person whose love for Nigeria is beyond measure. We are soo proud of you. We want you to enlarge your coast by investing in agriculture.
