By Anetor Harriet
Iloho Isoko Farmers Multi-purpose Co-operative Society has marked the organization’s 25th Anniversary in grand style.
The Silver Jubilee which was held on Wednesday 14th January 2015 at Iloho Secretariat in Otor-Igho, – Owhe, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State attracted well meaning sons and daughters of Isoko Nation home and abroad.
Sir (Dr.) Gregory Akpojene (MON) Founder and President in his speech disclosed that, the dream on its formation on the 14th day of January 1990 grew up geometrically and that irrespective of fraudsters the society survived miraculously with about 600,000,000 assets and hoped that, by 2020 it will clock a billion naira and in the numerical sense 1,470 persons as members of the society.
Akpojene named Chief J.E Uyeri (Pioneer vice President), Sir Josiah Igbu (Pioneer Treasurer), Chief Festus Ubiogoro, John Ighomido and Dr. R.S Onoruvie (Late) as among the members who made Iloho Isoko what it is today. He also revealed that Iloho Community Bank was floated by the society, I-C Global where the society have a controlling share among other co-operative societies that has affiliation with Iloho Isoko F.M.P.C.S adding that there are individuals and private companies cum business ventures whose achievement stories are ascribed to Iloho Isoko FMPCS.
Chairman of the occasion Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor Okuweh represented by Hon. Mathias Etoh lauded the founding fathers of the organization for the initiative expressing delight over their achievements in the past 25years urging them to remain steadfast, focused and determined in contributing to the economy of the Nation.
Similarly, Bishop Dr. C.A.O Apena in his exaltation referred to Iloho Isoko F.M.P.C.S as a society planted by God to eradicate poverty from Isoko as it was industrially inclined. He prayed God for more success stories as they enter another chapter of the society.
Also, speaking, the Director of co-operatives in Delta State Mr. Onyekpe Chukwudi described the Isoko People as very innovative, hardworking and resourceful while congratulating members of Iloho Isoko on the celebration of their Silver Jubilee. He said: “The Isoko people are major contributors to the resources of the federation, they love hard work and I implore you people to maintain it and hit the billion targets in assets”.
Mr. Samson Ofulagba, Vice President and Mr. Godspower Ikede (Director of Operations) in a chat with newsmen described the celebration as unique, fantastic and heartwarming. They both posited that, success in the society is as a result of hard-work, Trust and Sincerity but not without the enthusiastic zeal and passion of the Founder and President Sir. Dr. G.O Akpojene, whose innovative ideas and commitment are major source of encouragement.
Ikede and Ofulagba therefore urged the Isoko people to identify with success and be in the Vanguard of economic revolution for the betterment of individuals and that of Isoko Nation at large.
