Malabor Stakeholders Visit Dr. Edem Ebong, Hail Governor Otu For Appointing A Man With The Track Record Of Service As SA Cooperative Societies

Malabor Stakeholders Visit Dr. Edem Ebong, Hail Governor Otu For Appointing A Man With The Track Record Of Service As SA Cooperative Societies

On Wednesday afternoon, 24th July 2024, a delegation from Malabor Stakeholders, University of Calabar, Calabar, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Edem Ebong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperative Societies, at his office in Calabar. The visit was led by Comr. Ukpong Israel Peter.

During the visit, the leader, Comr. Ukpong expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing Dr. Edem Ebong as the Special Adviser on Cooperative Societies. He eulogized Dr. Ebong, highlighting his qualities and competence for the new role.

The meeting commenced with warm greetings and pleasantries exchanged between the members of the delegation and Dr. Ebong. Comr. Ukpong Israel initiated the discussions by acknowledging the importance of the appointment and the pivotal role cooperative societies play in the socio-economic development of the State.

In his speech, Comr. Ukpong praised the Governor for his vision in appointing Dr. Edem Ebong to such a significant position. He commended Dr. Ebong's track record of excellence and dedication to service, acknowledging his contribution to the community and the academic sector.

Dr. Edem Ebong graciously accepted the accolades from the delegation, expressing his gratitude for the recognition and support. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in a diverse and dynamic State like Cross River.

The discussion during the courtesy visit centered around the challenges faced by students in business, especially in the University environment, ranging from access to financing, infrastructure development, capacity building, and market access. The delegation sought Dr. Ebong's insights and support in addressing these challenges to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of cooperative initiatives in the region.

Dr. Ebong, in his response, outlined his commitment to working closely with stakeholders to create an enabling environment for cooperative societies to thrive. He assured the delegation of his readiness to engage in dialogue, capacity building initiatives, and policy advocacy to address the identified challenges and facilitate growth in the cooperative sector.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the delegation to present proposals and suggestions for harnessing the potentials of cooperative societies among students of tertiary institutions, especially in university of Calabar. The discussions touched on the need for research collaborations, training programs, market linkages, and policy reforms to enhance the competitiveness and impact of cooperative enterprises in the region.

Dr. Edem Ebong welcomed the inputs from the delegation, noting the significance of stakeholder engagement in shaping effective policies and programs for cooperative development. He highlighted the importance of inclusive participation and bottom-up approaches in designing interventions that align with the needs and aspirations of cooperative members in the university community.

As the meeting drew to a close, Comr. Ukpong  Peter expressed appreciation for Dr. Ebong's receptiveness and commitment to supporting the cooperative sector in Malabor. He reiterated the delegation's willingness to collaborate and partner with the Special Adviser's office in driving positive change and progress in the region.

In conclusion, the courtesy visit of members of Malabor Stakeholders, University of Calabar, Calabar, to Dr. Edem Ebong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperative Societies, was a fruitful engagement that underscored the importance of synergy and collaboration in advancing the interests of cooperative societies in the region. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism for a closer working relationship towards achieving sustainable development outcomes in Malabor, University of Calabar.

This report captures the key highlights of the courtesy visit and the key points discussed during the meeting between the delegation led by Ukpom Is Real Peter Akpan and Dr. Edem Ebong. The outcome of the visit signals a promising partnership between stakeholders and the government in fostering the growth and resilience of cooperative societies in Calabar.

_*MEDIA UNIT: OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR ON COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES*_

24/07/2024