By Lubem Gena, Abuja
The KUDA Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited held its highly anticipated 2026 Summit on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the George Town Hotel, Gwarimpa, Abuja, rallying members and stakeholders to transition from internal synergy to impactful grassroots economic transformation.
The summit, held under the theme “Empowering Communities through Cooperative Excellence,” brought together prominent financial experts, policymakers, and community advocates to proffer solutions for sustainable wealth creation and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
Prominent among the dignitaries who were in attendance to support the movement were Tyoachimin Godwin, Atsen Jonathan Ahua, Peter Kumba, and Dr. Dooshima Tsumbu, alongside a host of other distinguished guests, community leaders, and cooperative stakeholders.
In his comprehensive welcome address, the Chairman of KUDA Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, Sir Emmanuel Terhemen Aondoakaa (KSM, FCA, MFR), reminded cooperators that the organization is built on systemic empowerment rather than charity. “Cooperatives are not a charity; they are a means of building systems where ordinary people own their economic future. That is the true definition of empowerment,” Aondoakaa maintained.
He urged all 47 active members to see themselves as owners and ambassadors, tasking them to drive strategic growth by expanding membership to lift families across the FCT and beyond.
Delivering his keynote address and officially declaring the summit open, Dr. Yua Paul Mkuma, a Deputy Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), urged the cooperative to accelerate its growth and look beyond the borders of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The hour has come for external impact,” Dr. Mkuma stated, calling on KUDA to pilot mini-cooperatives across states like Benue to establish a resilient legacy of poverty alleviation and wealth co-creation.
Earlier, the President of KUDA FCT Abuja, Mr. Emmanuel Haaga, highlighted the remarkable trajectory of the cooperative since its founding in September 2022, revealing that the society’s active membership and dedicated shareholders are continuously driving innovative savings and loan programs.
“While 2025 was about coming together, 2026 is about the quality of our impact,” Haaga remarked.
The summit featured high-level plenary sessions targeting critical societal segments. Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daily Asset Newspapers, led discussions on “Empowering Vulnerable Groups through Cooperative Initiatives,” alongside panel members Amb. Jennifer Gbishe-Igoh and Rt. Hon. Dr. Ngunan Beeka-Addingi.
A major highlight of the event focused on gender inclusion, with a presentation titled “Women in Cooperatives: Catalysts for Community Empowerment” delivered by Mrs. Liz Kpam Ahua, a retired UNHCR Representative, and paneled by Caroline Ngohembe Asan, President of the National Assembly Tiv Cooperative Society.
The session emphasized breaking barriers such as digital exclusion and limited land rights to elevate female leadership.
In his goodwill message, the Initiator and former President of the cooperative, Engr. Uganden Pius, reminded participants of the founding “Vandeikya” core values—being Visionary, Accountable, and Noble-minded, noting that the cooperative remains a safe ecosystem transforming everyday earners into business owners. The event also marked the official launching of the KUDA Lapel.
A special note of appreciation was extended by both the Chairman Sir Aondoakaa Emmanuel and the Executive Secretary of KUDA Cooperative Mr. Akusa Peter Aker, to the venue benefactor, Arch. Bernard Yisa, for his continued generosity in providing the magnificent George Town Hotel as a befitting and honorable place to host the landmark summit.
Concluding the event, the management praised the unwavering commitment and financial discipline of the cooperative’s members, noting that their dedication remains the bedrock of KUDA’s escalating success.
Attached are some of the sights and sounds of the event.
