Cooperative wins CRASoN Outstanding Cooperative Society of the Year 2025, received by Enu Columbus Nkim, amid commendations for Governor Otu, Ministry, and State Command.
By Oja Johnson.
LAGOS – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Cross River State Command, has once again affirmed its growing influence in Nigeria’s cooperative sector by securing two prestigious national awards at the 7th National Cooperative Awards Show, Symposium, Dinner & Patrons Investiture Ceremony. The event, organised by the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN), took place on Sunday, 23rd November 2025 at Givers Hall, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Cooperative was named Outstanding Cooperative Society of the Year 2025, while its President, Superintendent Enu Columbus Nkim, was honoured with the Exemplary Leadership Award for Excellence in Cooperative Development and Management. These accolades crown a year marked by significant achievements, including the Cooperative’s earlier recognition as Best Cooperative Society in Cross River State during the International Day of Cooperatives in Calabar on 5th July.
In a brief interview, Superintendent Nkim characterised the national awards as a mandate to strive harder rather than a point of complacency.
“Receiving these awards means we cannot rest on our laurels,” he said. “They represent an opportunity to enhance our impact and continue delivering value to every member whose welfare and advancement we are entrusted with.”
He noted the flood of messages from members as a sign of renewed trust and optimism.“Our members are not simply confident in us, they are praying for our success,” he added.
Superintendent Nkim emphasised a commitment to transparent, inclusive leadership, ensuring all members, including civil and junior ranks, indigenes, non-indigenes, and officers from other states, feel valued within the Cooperative.
He paid tribute to the 13th Substantive State Commandant of NSCDC Cross River State Command, CE Okarazu (CC), describing his leadership support as “invaluable”. He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for his steadfast dedication to strengthening the cooperative sector under the People-First Agenda.
“I urge the Governor to maintain this excellent momentum,” Nkim said. “With thousands of cooperators across the state, focusing on cooperatives, agriculture, production, and welfare can drive massive economic growth.
In many nations, cooperatives form the backbone of the economy.
”Similar appreciation was extended to the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Archbishop Prof Margaret Ene-Ita JP., whom Nkim described as “like a mother” whose counsel and encouragement have greatly influenced their progress.
The State Director of Cooperative, Mrs Christiana Adinye, also received praise for her consistent administrative support.
Superintendent Nkim appealed for increased Ministry engagement with cooperatives in rural and semi-urban communities across the state.
“I encourage the Ministry to conduct awareness campaigns in areas such as Obanliku, Bekwarra, Boki, Bakassi, and others where cooperatives are active. With proper support, these cooperatives will thrive,” he said.
He warned against complacency, stressing that recognition is only a milestone, not the destination.
“Our goal must be to achieve more, expand further, and add greater value. Growth in cooperatives is growth for communities and ultimately for Cross River State.
”With national recognition bolstering member confidence, Nkim remains hopeful for further honours.
“By God’s grace, we look forward to even national recognition from the President, if it pleases Him,” he added.
The Lagos ceremony, themed “Renewed Hope for Cooperatives: Harnessing the Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme to Foster Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, reform advocates, and cooperative experts.
The event focused on sharing insights, celebrating excellence, and reinforcing grassroots socio-economic empowerment.
