The newly elected Chairman of Imo state National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, (NACOPPMAN) Mr. Cos-Ukwuoma Nnamdi has vowed to partner with investors, stakeholders and government agencies ensure the realization of the associations Coconut Sufficiency In Nigeria, COSIN programme in the state.
The successful conduct of the election, according to stakeholders will boost the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, NACOPPMAN’s Coconut Sufficiency In Nigeria programme (COSIN) in Imo State.
The peacefully organised election also produced Mrs Uchechi Mercy Chinagorom as Deputy Chairperson and Mr. Lazarus Chikwendu as Secretary.
Others elected were; Mr. Alameziem Cajethan who emerged as Assistance Secretary, Mr. Ogbuji Eugene Anayo as Financial Secretary, Evan Ebere Nwaduvu, as Treasurer and Anyanwu Theodore as Organizing Secretary.
Also, Nwangwu Chimeremeze Victor, emerged the Publicity Secretary, Andrew Chidiebere Aganugwa clichéd the position of Assistance Organizing Secretary while Lady Patricia Okpara picked the position of Assistant Financial Secretary.
The event had in attendance government officials, investors in the Coconut Subsector, representatives of Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria, FACAN and others operating within the agriculture sector within and outside the State.
The election was conducted by the National Vice President, South East Zone who is also the Chairman of the South East National Electoral Committee, Pastor Elvis Okolie.
Speaking after the administration of Oath of Office to members of the new Executives of the Association in Owerri penultimate Friday, the Chairman also promised to reposition the Association in the state in order to encourage production and processing of coconut to help generate much needed revenue for the State and economically empower citizens.
Cos-Ukwuoma Nnamdi thanked all for gracing the event, pointing out that the position is a call to duty, commitment and dedication, adding that he and his team were determined to move the association to a greater height.
In his words, “I am inspired and heartened by the praise and appreciation, encouragement and congratulations from all the members. This position is a call to duty and not just to fullfil all righteousness. The confidence and trust you all have for me by electing me unopposed is the sole reason why I accepted to be the chairman of the great association and as such, will never let the association down”.
“I also want to thank all my superiors and colleagues for your overwhelming support. It is a great honor to be blessed with this cooperative and caring team of superiors and colleagues who have stood by me. I also congratulate my fellow executive, wishing them a successful, peaceful result -oriented tenure and open-minded stewardship. On behalf of my team, we are assuring all that we will work tirelessly to uplift the association’s banner in Imo state. We hope to seeing all our superiors and colleagues and the association on top of the list in Agricultural sector in Nigeria. I strongly hope to achieve all their goals through the help of members of the association In order to reach an enviable height both in the state and country at Large”, he submitted.
Earlier in a keynote address by the National President of the association, Mrs. Nma Okechukwu, represented by the National Vice President, South East Zone, Pastor Elvis Okolie, described the event as historic since the inception of NACOPPMAN Imo state chapter. He noted that the active mobilization and participation by members for the actualization of the maiden election, flag off and awareness campaign with the theme: ACTUALIZING COSIN was impressive and commendable, while expressing gratitude to the newly elected Imo State Chapter of the association ably led by Mr. Nnamdi Cos- Ukwuoma for passionately taking the leadership responsibility to pioneer the establishment of NACOPPMAN in Imo state.
He also commended both the State Governor and the commissioner for Agriculture for their willingness to promote the Imo State coconut industry through the numerous agricultural development programmes in the state. Adding that NACOPPMAN is the Apex body to coordinate, nuture, promote the growth and economic development of the coconut value chain in Nigeria and globally.
In his inspirational speech, the State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Christian Iwuchukwu expressed joy that with the putting in place of a proper executive of NACOPPMAN Imo will begin to enjoy the privileges other states have been enjoying in the Coconut Subsector. He recalled how he was disheartened to learn some years ago that there was no leadership to take delivery of coconut inputs sent from NIFOR.
According to him, his joy knew no bounds when he received the invitation to the event.
