By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The much awaited St. James Junior Seminary Old Boys Association (SAJSOBA) Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, was on Saturday, September 28. 2024 Commissioned in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital.
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the National President of the St. James Junior Seminary Old Boys Association (SAJSOBA), Ambassador Godwin Kave, highlighted the current economic challenges in Nigeria and encouraged old boys to invest in the cooperative for financial security.
He emphasized the cooperative's benefits, including access to loans, support from members, and skills development opportunities.
Despite economic uncertainties, he urged unity and commitment among members to uphold the cooperative's principles.
Amb. Godwin Kave expressed gratitude for the support enjoyed over the years from members of the Association even as he appreciated them for their dedication to creating lasting values for the association and Benue State.
Ambassador Kave recounted the establishment of the cooperative following a decision reached at the national convention of the Association in July 2023.
The cooperative which was registered in December 2023, aims to address the welfare needs of SAJSOBA members.
He reiterated calls for the committee overseeing the cooperative's interim management to be aligned with the actions of the national executive committee's goals.
Ambassador Kave urged the cooperative's leadership to engage members effectively and cater to their unique needs.
Interim President of the Cooperative Society, Sir John Chenge maintained that the establishment of the office and business hub underscores the dedication to building a strong foundation for the welfare and success of members.
"We envision this space as not only a center for our business operations, but also a hub for nurturing innovative ideas, creating new opportunities, and enhancing business partnerships and collaborations".
He assured that the office would serve as a "Common Room" where interventions will be provided to all members of the cooperative.
John Chenge expressed gratitude to members who have contributed to making the event a reality, particularly the Advisory Council, the leadership of SAJSOBA Alumni, the Management Council, and the General Assembly members whose commitment and support he acknowledged have been integral to their progress.
"Let us continue to work together to make the SAJSOBA Multipurpose Cooperative a model of excellence, and may this office become a center of innovation and collaboration that drives our growth and prosperity as a collective.
According to him, change and new ventures can be daunting, "but our track record, transparency, and the benefits we offer to our members speak for themselves".
He expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Revd. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who is also an Alumni of the Association for his vision of supporting cooperatives for the development of agriculture, agribusiness, and trade noting that the vision aligns with his, and could contribute to a prosperous Benue.
