Category Descriptions

Click on the + sign in front of each category to read the award descriptions

SECTION (1) ONE - POLICY MAKERS, REGULATORS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AWARDS

This Award goes to the most outstanding Governor who provides enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive and flourish within their state, with constant updated cooperative bills signed into law, ensuring regulatory guidelines adhered to by cooperatives. The winning Governor must have significantly over time supported and still supporting the growth and development of cooperatives In their state and by extension Nigeria.
This Award goes to the most outstanding Commissioner/ or Special Adviser in charge of cooperatives within a state, who provides pragmatic policy directions and feasible regulatory guidelines for cooperatives to thrive better socio-economically. The winning Commissioner/Special Adviser must have consistently promoted cooperatives and ensured its growth and development in their state and Nigeria at large.
This award goes to a notable legislator (at federal or state level) who has promoted or promoting cooperative bills selflessly, which seeks to ensure seamless regulatory policy and as well help the growth and development of the cooperative sector in Nigeria or within a state in particular.
This award goes to the most outstanding Cooperative Department that discharges its regulatory duties effectively and efficiently having adopted the use of technology. The winning Department in collaboration with the coop movement must have pushed or is in the process for updated Coop Laws. Constantly providing Cooperative Education, Training and Information to cooperators and the public to create awareness and enhance promotions that lead to more cooperative growth and development in their state and Nigeria at large
This award goes to the Institution of higher learning that offers Cooperative as a Course of Study either in  Cooperative Colleges (State or Federal) or Department of Cooperatives in (Universities and, or Polytechnics) that provides a conducive environment for students to thrive better at learning the course and put practical knowledge to play. The winning Institution must have facilitated at least one Student Consumer Cooperative, Student Coop Savings Club, and, or Student Cooperative Farms at their institution.

SECTION (2) TWO - CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENTOPERATORS AND MANAGERS AWARDS

This award goes to the Primary Cooperative Society in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated high-performance metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. That has considerably changed the Cooperative landscape by reaching out to new members and clients, offering game-changing solutions to its members/clients, driving economic growth, and adopting the use of new technologies to enhance its services. The winning Society must have demonstrated strong credentials across all of its financial operational activities and makes some deliberate social impacts on the community.
This award goes to the Cooperative Union in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated high-performance metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. That understood the power of the cooperative principles of cooperation among cooperatives by reaching out to primary cooperatives within their locality, offering pragmatic ideas to drive socio-economic growth, and adopting inclusiveness to advance their cause of bringing unity, economic power and progress to the union of cooperatives.
This award goes to the Cooperative Federation in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high-performance index across the board, both qualitative and quantitative. That has considerably changed their State’s Cooperative landscape, taking it to new heights by reaching out to new members with new initiatives to drive cooperative development and growth, adopting inclusiveness by bringing more people into the coop space, making use of new media to enhance services and helped drive growth in a stronger coop sector
This award goes to the cooperative that has shown through its policies and projects the greatest socially responsible practices. The panel of judges will be seeking concrete examples of CSR projects or initiatives that have had a sustainable impact on the people or communities it is geared towards. The award is aimed at cooperatives that go beyond philanthropic use of funds, to using their overall knowledge, resources and reputation to improve the lives of people in the society based on the coop principles of Concern for Community and ethical values of caring for others
This award goes to the Cooperative which has successfully executed the most outstanding capital project in the year under review that would ultimately add value to the coop organization and be beneficial to its members/clients and the community at large. Such a project must be solving issues relating to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, the project must have contributed to the increased asset of their organization, growth of the Cooperative Sector in particular and Nigeria at large.
This award goes to the Most Enterprising Cooperative that has diversified to increase the asset and balance sheet size of the organization thereby creating CRASoN enterprises with the sole aim to provide decent jobs and reduce unemployment in line with the ILO-ICA MoU on Decent Jobs and UN-SDGs. The winner while exploring their entrepreneurial acumen must have demonstrated capacity, competence and creativity in adding value to the cooperative businesses and investments established.
This award goes to the Cooperative that has brought the most innovative practices to the sector, particularly through the use of technology. The winner must have demonstrated original and efficient use of technology and/or innovative practices to provide: new, evolving business models with high quality, faster and more inclusive financial services to members and clients; improved security and reliability of transaction services, that leads to more affordable products and services.
This award goes to the Cooperative in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across CRASoN metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. That has achieved strategic growth while prudently managing their resources, reduced expenses to achieve greater financial results and impacts. The society in spite of limited resources at their disposal have consistently made considerable progress and maximizing returns for their members.
This award goes to the Women Cooperative Organization that has impacted meaningfully to their members’ socio-economic needs and aspirations with evidence based transformation of the women supporting their entrepreneurial acumen. The winning Cooperative must have been adding value to its members through vocational training, technical and soft skills in MSME development, farming, marketing, processing, and cottage industries.
This award goes to the most outstanding Youth Cooperative Society that has shown they are prudent in running a school-based or out-of-school youth cooperative with the ability to get more students & youth engaged in the enterprise and learn more about managing a business from the cooperative enterprise, that can make them self-reliant, sufficient and independent in the near future.
This award goes to the best cooperative that is within 5 years of registration and has at least 2 years of consistent Annual Account & Returns audited by the Department of Cooperatives of the domiciling state of the society that shows strong financial performances with good governance strategy. The winning society must have shown they have laid a good foundation to be successful and have a clear business plan and budgeting showing their growth strategy with a feasible five years work plan to achieve it.
This award recognizes the valuable contribution that an outstanding Cooperative Manager can make to the economic performance and the overall membership value proposition with successes achieved within the cooperative organization. The winning Cooperative Manager should be an innovative and dynamic personality that has the basic rudiment of cooperative education,  administration and management who might have helped in establishing, organising, and, or managing cooperative society (s) within a state or across states and regions in Nigeria
This Award goes to an Executive Secretary or General Manager of any apex Cooperative organization who in their current management role are responsible for the strategic and tactical components of their organizations, proactive in leading new innovative initiatives in promoting and advancing the cause of cooperatives at local, national or international level through responsible cooperative business ethics. They must have put their organization on the right path of doing all the necessary statutory roles and activities that warrant cooperative development and growth which is expected of a cooperative apex/federation.
This award goes to the most outstanding Cooperative President with innovative initiatives that have made a lot of giant strides in their primary, secondary, or tertiary cooperative who has passed through the rank and file of the Cooperative management structures and practising the cooperative ethics and values of caring for others and solidarity from the local to the state, regional and, or national level demonstrating the principle of cooperation among cooperatives and advancing cooperative development and growth in Nigeria.
This award goes to a worthy ambassador of cooperatives that have helped or still helping in propagating the growth and development of Cooperative directly or indirectly, and that has shown selfless and exemplary leadership in all ramifications demonstrating good governance and clear-cut strategies for promoting cooperatives across the board in Nigeria. The personality might be in other related sectors, a Cooperator in the cooperative movement or a regulator at (Federal or State Government Level, Serving or Retired)
This Award goes to an Outstanding Personality in Nigeria that has distinguished him or herself within their career path, workplace, or community and becomes a leader worthy of emulation in deed and morals, who has helped directly or indirectly in promoting cooperative growth and development within a state, region and Nigeria at large.
This award goes to a reputable cooperator who has devoted their time and energy to developing and nurturing talents among cooperators, who has selflessly continually given his all to discover and encourage more younger generations into cooperatives. In addition, have been providing mentorship directly or indirectly and encouraging leadership succession plans for the future of cooperatives.
This Award goes to a pragmatic cooperative expert in Nigeria, that is doing everything possible to ensure the light of Cooperative Education and Enlightenment is never deemed. The winner must have organized at least one seminar or workshop session (Online or Offline) including and not limited to an in-house training or seminar for Cooperatives and Cooperators within the period in review.
This Award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative Leader within the Cooperative Movement. in recognition of his/her sterling performances and achievements, Introducing some innovative initiatives that have made a lot of giant strides, invaluable contributions and selfless service towards promoting entrepreneurship and cooperative business models, the exceptional leadership roles provided within the movement and general contributions to the growth and development of Cooperatives in Nigeria.

SECTION (3) THREE - MOST OUTSTANDING SECTOR-BASED AWARDS

This award goes to the most outstanding Cooperative in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. The winning cooperative organization must be a farmer’s society or a multipurpose that diversified into agriculture/farming business for food security contributing to SDGs and boosting the cooperative revenue.  The use of Mechanized farming techniques and technology should feature in their food production strategy.

This award goes to the most outstanding Cooperative which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. The winning Cooperative must be within the Banking Sector or should have demonstrated innovation in the operations of financial cooperative model which has aid financial inclusion through bringing the unbanked and under-banked to the cooperative space, that can be emulated and replicated by other cooperatives.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative with a major housing scheme project for its member that falls within the year in review, built with the mindset of achieving the global sustainable development goals (SDGs). The winning cooperative must have significantly invested in the housing sector with a vision to meet the housing need of its members and a projection to ensure housing for all.
This award goes to the Cooperative in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. The winning Cooperative organization must have been in fish farming and processing bridging the huge gap that is being met by importation, reducing post-harvest lost through processing, increasing domestic fish production and saving the nation of foreign exchange and above all generation of employments for its members and others indirectly.
This award goes to the most outstanding Cooperative Health Sector based in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. The winning Cooperative Society must have distinctively embarked on project and, or initiative within the healthcare sector that would meet the health care needs of its members and that of the community at large.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Consumer Cooperative in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. The winning Cooperative Organization must have shown that they are meeting the consumer needs of their members and the community where they operate.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in the transport business of Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative. They must have brought innovation in transportation.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in the Oil & Gas Sector in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.

 

This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in the Aviation Sector in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.  The winning society must have adopted technology in its operations.

This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in the Telecoms Sector in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in the Education Sector in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in Paramilitary Sector based in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in Paramilitary Sector based in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.
This award goes to the Most Outstanding Cooperative in the Public Service Sector in Nigeria which has generally demonstrated a high performance across various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.

SECTION (4) FOUR - COOPERATORS CHOICE AWARDS (CO-OP FRIENDLY ORGANIZATIONS)

This Award goes to any Organization or Individual Promoting the Cooperative Identity through the use of the DotCoop TLD ( www.coop )
This award goes to the Cooperative Society’s Host Organization which has, in one way or the other supported or supported their staff cooperative society tremendously such as; providing office space, furniture and fittings, grants, loans, prompt payment of staff deductions to cooperative, help in dispute resolution etc.  The winning Host Organization need to be the one that has genuinely over the years been a supporting organization that believed that its staff welfare is paramount and uses the cooperative model to solve their challenges.
This award goes to the Media Organization which has been fair in reporting cooperative activities and, in addition, had supported or still supporting the growth and development of the cooperative business model by allowing their staff to form a Cooperative Society to cater for their socio-economic well-being.
This award goes to the Organization that in one way or the other brought new innovations to support cooperative operations and has developed a solution that added more value and increased its profitability. The winning Organization need to be the one that has genuinely over the years supported and still supports cooperative organizations’ programs and helps them to achieve greater successes.
This Award goes to the Insurance Company that has developed cooperative-friendly products and services tailored toward maintaining risks associated with Cooperative Businesses & Cooperators. More so, that encourages its employees to form or run a Cooperative Society to cater to the staff’s welfare.
This Category of Award is for Banks that support and encourage cooperative societies, and avail societies with credit facilities to improve their economic status. The winning Bank should be the one that provides cooperatives and cooperators friendly products and services. More importantly, that encourages their staff to form cooperatives as a means to meet their socio-economic needs and aspirations.
Cooperative HALL of FAME: For Co-operative Legends/Icons with Life-time or Posthumous Achievements)

Exemplary Leadership Awards: For individuals or organizations who have distinguished themselves

Cooperative Billionaires’ Gang: For Cooperatives with minimum Balance Sheet of a Billion Naira and above

Adeola A. Akintoye

VP / Executive Director, Creative Media

Adeola A. Akintoye

VP / Executive Director, Creative Media

Adeola is a highly inventive and detail-driven visual designer with a deep passion for storytelling through design. With extensive experience crafting impactful visuals across print, digital, and motion platforms, he blends creativity with strategy to bring ideas to life.

Adept in the Adobe Creative Suite and other modern design tools, Adeola has developed a reputation for delivering visually compelling content that strengthens brand identity, engages audiences, and communicates messages with clarity and style. His work reflects a strong sense of aesthetics, precision, and a commitment to excellence in every creative execution.

Core Expertise:

Brand Identity & Logo Design

Digital and Print Media Design

Social Media & Marketing Content

Creative Concept Development

Typography & Layout Design

Visual Communication & Storytelling

Motion Graphics & Animation

Gift Simeon

VP/Executive Director Web & Digital Systems

Gift Simeon
VP/Executive Director Web & Digital Systems

Gift is a Digital Brand Strategist, Data Analyst, and Online Business Consultant with over a decade of experience in digital transformation.

He specializes in helping businesses and individuals build profitable online systems through web design, SEO, digital marketing, and data-driven strategy.

Over the years, Gift has trained more than 5,000 people on how to leverage digital tools to grow their brands, launch online businesses, and create sustainable income.

As the founder of MinifyTech, he leads a team dedicated to delivering white-label digital solutions for agencies, coaches, and entrepreneurs, including web development, LMS platforms, e-commerce, and website maintenance.

Gift is driven by one mission: to empower people and businesses to thrive in the digital economy through clarity, strategy, and technology.

Victoria Adiaha Akpan

Co-Founder & Secretary / Executive Director, Sponsorship & Stakeholder Engagement

Victoria Adiaha Akpan

Co-Founder & Secretary / Executive Director, Sponsorship & Stakeholder Engagement

Hospitality & Events Specialist | Operations Strategist | Stakeholder Relations Expert

Victoria Akpan is a versatile hospitality and business professional with over 15 years of experience spanning operations management, client relations, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement. She has built a solid reputation for her creativity, leadership, and results-driven approach in the hospitality and cooperative sectors.

A graduate of Business Administration from Lagos State University, Victoria also holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Primary Education Studies and Social Studies from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. Her career reflects a rare combination of administrative excellence and people-centered leadership.

Victoria has held key management positions in several organizations, including Executive Director, Sponsorship & Corporate Communications at the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN), Operations Manager at Farmcity Limited, and General Marketing Manager at Ivy and Aotel Hotels. She has also served as Consultant and Operations Analyst to multiple hospitality brands, driving performance improvement, guest satisfaction, and brand growth.

Her strong communication skills and strategic insight make her exceptional at cultivating partnerships, managing sponsorships, and engaging key stakeholders to advance organizational goals.

Driven by passion, professionalism, and integrity, Victoria continues to champion service excellence, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration in every sphere she operates.

Louisa "Mc Luwy" Olaniyi

Vice President / Executive Director, Media and Public Relations

Louisa “Mc Luwy” Olaniyi

Vice President / Executive Director, Media and Public Relations

Media & Communications Expert | Broadcast Journalist | TV Host | MC | Voice-Over Artist

Mc Luwy is a seasoned media and communications expert with over 17 years of experience across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. A multi-award-winning broadcast journalist, TV host, producer, tech reporter, and certified voice-over artist, she brings unmatched creativity, professionalism, and influence to every engagement.

Currently serving as the Nigerian Correspondent for WION News, a subsidiary of Zee World Media, India, Louisa has established herself as a trusted voice in global storytelling and public discourse. Her extensive career includes impactful roles with some of Nigeria’s most respected media houses — Vanguard Newspaper, Silverbird Television, Voice of Nigeria (VON), and Rave Television, where she rose to become Head of Presenters and Producer of multiple flagship programs.

Louisa’s dynamic skill set also extends to the education sector, where she previously served as Vice Principal, showcasing her leadership and people-management expertise.

A strong advocate for SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), she is passionate about promoting education and opportunities for the girl child. Louisa has hosted and anchored numerous high-profile corporate, social, and national events — including the .NG Awards (NiRA), NCC Special Reception Dinner, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Awards, LaPRIGA, FCCPC events, and CRASoN Awards, among others.

Louisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Ilorin, after an initial study in Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. She also earned a Master’s degree in Diplomatic and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos.

She has received professional certifications in TV Presentation (FRCN Training School), Advanced Reportorial Skills (Federation of African Journalists), Executive Leadership, and Media Innovation from leading institutions such as BBC, NCC, Creative Lagos/Delyork Academy, and Voice Over Academy.

Louisa currently serves as a Board Member at the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN) and A$NE PR Consult. She is also an active member of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), and MC Connect Professional Group.

A passionate communicator, advocate, and mentor, Louisa continues to shape narratives that inspire progress, promote positive visibility, and strengthen the cooperative movement through media excellence and strategic public engagement.

Abimbola Omotayo George

Abimbola "Bimbo" Omotayo George

Vice President / Executive Director, Strategy & Special Duties

Abimbola “Bimbo” Omotayo George

Vice President / Executive Director, Strategy & Special Duties

Cooperative Administrator | Financial Analyst | Strategic Planner

Bimbo is an accomplished cooperative administrator and strategic professional with over 15 years of experience in credit analysis, customer relations, and financial advisory. Known for his analytical mind and results-driven approach, he brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational efficiency, and people management to every role he occupies.

She currently serves with The Medicals (Lagos Island) Cooperative Society Limited as a Credit Analyst and Data Specialist, where he plays a pivotal role in evaluating loan applications, advising members on financial planning, and supporting the society’s overall strategic and administrative operations.

Bimbo holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology) from Lagos State Polytechnic and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at the National Open University of Nigeria. He has also earned professional certifications in Data Analysis, Excel, Digital Skills, and Entrepreneurship from institutions including Rice University, Accenture, King’s College London, Macquarie University, and LASCOFED Training School.

A critical thinker and lifelong learner, Bimbo excels at problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and performance optimization. She is passionate about advancing cooperative efficiency, driving strategic growth, and contributing to innovative solutions that enhance member value and organizational impact.

Uzodinma Eniola "Enny" Esther

Vice President / Executive Director, Membership Mobilization & Services

Uzodinma Eniola “Enny” Esther

Vice President / Executive Director, Membership Mobilization & Services

Administrator | Educator | Financial Management Expert | Marketing Professional

Enny is a seasoned administrator, educator, and financial management expert with a strong background in marketing and organizational leadership. She currently serves as the Bursar and Administrator of Festherland Schools, where she oversees financial operations, staff management, and strategic planning for institutional growth.

A trained teacher by foundation, she obtained her Grade Two Teaching Certificate before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU). Her unique blend of educational and business expertise has enabled her to manage people, processes, and performance effectively across sectors.

Esther is a Management Team Member of the Cooperative Rating and Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN), where she contributes her administrative insight and leadership experience to cooperative development and member engagement initiatives.

With a deep passion for service, empowerment, and collaboration, she is committed to strengthening member relations, driving growth, and promoting active participation within the cooperative movement.

Funmilayo Elebe

Vice President / Executive Director, Human Resources & Human Capital Development

Funmilayo Elebe

Vice President / Executive Director, Human Resources & Human Capital Development

Human Resource Strategist | Social Impact Practitioner | Women’s Empowerment Advocate

Funmi is a distinguished Human Resource Generalist and Social Impact Practitioner with over 14 years of progressive experience in people management, capacity building, and development-oriented initiatives. Her work bridges the gap between organizational strategy and human potential, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable impact.

A certified trainer of the UNDP Microfinance Course, Funmilayo is an alumna of the Coady International Institute (Canada) and a MasterCard Foundation Scholar from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (Germany). In 2024, she earned a scholarship at the University of Luxembourg, where she obtained a Certificate in Law and Regulation of Inclusive Finance—a testament to her commitment to promoting equitable financial systems.

Holding a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos, Funmilayo’s expertise spans workforce development, performance optimization, and gender-inclusive leadership. She has led numerous initiatives focused on financial inclusion, youth development, and women’s economic empowerment, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve meaningful transformation.

Driven by purpose and passion, Funmilayo continues to champion human capital excellence and social progress through innovation, empathy, and collaboration. Her goal is to advance inclusive policies, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote women’s economic independence across communities globally.

Ms. Esther Olumba Obu

Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

Ms. Esther Olumba Obu

Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

Life Coach | Business Consultant | Mentor

Esther is an accomplished Life Coach, Business Consultant, and Mentor with a degree in Development Communication from the University of Ghana. She brings a unique blend of administrative excellence, strategic coordination, and human-centered leadership to her role as Executive Assistant to the President/CEO.

With years of experience supporting high-level executives and managing organizational processes, Esther excels in executive planning, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. Her background in business consulting and coaching enhances her ability to anticipate needs, manage priorities, and ensure the seamless execution of the President’s strategic agenda.

Beyond her administrative and strategic roles, Esther is deeply passionate about personal growth and community empowerment. As the founder of a foundation dedicated to uplifting and supporting single mothers, she demonstrates a lifelong commitment to creating positive social impact.

A dynamic professional and goal-getter, Esther combines empathy with efficiency, helping to translate vision into actionable results. She is dedicated to inspiring excellence, fostering collaboration, and driving both personal and organizational growth.

Core Competencies:

Executive & Administrative Management

Strategic Planning & Coordination

Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Leadership Support & Office Administration

Project & Event Management

Coaching, Mentorship & Capacity Building

Community Development & Advocacy

Adewura Oluwaseyi Adewuyi

VP/Executive Director, Events & Empowerment Programs

Adewura Oluwaseyi Adewuyi

VP/Executive Director, Events & Empowerment Programs

CEO, Edidiwura Events and More

Adewura is a dynamic entrepreneur, creative strategist, and community builder. As CEO of Edidiwura Events and More, she blends innovation and marketing expertise to create memorable experiences. A Marketing graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Adewura is passionate about empowerment and social impact.

She founded the Age People Must Smile Initiative, offering free medical care, food, and shelter to the elderly in rural communities, and has empowered over 70 youths and 50 women through her training programs.

Beyond business, Adewura leads as President of Synergy Brands Cooperative, State Coordinator of the Association of Professional Decorators and Caterers (Osun State), and Woman Leader of ASNAT.

With expertise spanning financial analysis, event management, catering, and public speaking, Adewura is a results-driven leader dedicated to excellence, empowerment, and positive change.

Basheer Garba Umar

VP / Executive Director, Cooperative Development & Enterprise Innovation

Basheer is an accomplished economist, academic, and business strategist with a strong footprint in cooperative development, enterprise growth, and youth empowerment. He brings a unique blend of intellectual depth and practical experience, bridging the worlds of economics, media, and social innovation.

As the Managing Director of the Centre for Career Development and Financial Literacy, Basheer has led transformative initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods. His background as a former Business Editor at Liberty TV and Chief Editor at FactNews Media reflects his versatility and commitment to effective communication and knowledge dissemination.

A respected member of several professional bodies, Basheer continues to champion cooperative innovation, enterprise development, and youth-driven transformation across sectors.

Areas of Expertise:

Cooperative Development & Enterprise Innovation

Akande Olayinka Oluwaseyi

Co-Founder & Treasurer/Director of Finance

Oluwaseyi is a seasoned professional with over 33 years of corporate experience across business development, data analysis, quality management, and cooperative administration. He is known for his strategic mindset, data-driven decision-making, and passion for improving productivity through innovation and teamwork.

A Fellow of the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (FICP) and the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), Akande exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to cooperative growth and financial transparency.

He currently serves as Senior Manager (Investments/Assets) at The Medicals Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd. (LASCOMED) and the Director of Finance at CRASoN.coop He also serves as Resident Accountant and Pastor at MFM Lagos Region 138, Ikorodu, and Treasurer of Future Earners Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd.

His expertise spans business innovation, risk and financial management, cooperative investment operations, and quality leadership.

Hon. Victor Oyegoke

CRASoN President/CEO

Victor Oyegoke is a seasoned Cooperative and Micro-finance expert, a business development professional, a sales person, team leader, and manager of people with almost two and half decades of working experience in Commercial Banking, Retail Marketing, Financial Cooperatives, Micro-finance Banking, Cooperative Bookkeeping & Auditing, Business Development, Consultancy and Advisory services.

He is a resourceful person, an author, and a mentor with a great passion for cooperative youth and women socio-economic empowerment. Prior Starting up Cooperative Support Services (CoopSupport.ng), a Management Consulting & Advisory Services firm wholly for Cooperatives based in Lagos, Nigeria and the pioneering of Cooperative Rating & Award Institution known as the Cooperative Rating & Award Society of Nigeria (CRASoN.coop), he grew along the ladder of corporate governance and has held various management levels and member Board of Trustees at various financial institutions and Cooperative Organizations.

He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON). He graduated with distinction from the prestigious premier cooperative institution in Africa – the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, Oyo State, where he studied Cooperative Economics and Management. Had a Professional Graduate Certificate on Platform Cooperative Now from Platform Cooperative Consortium at The New School, New York, USA, and MTA-Mondragon University, Spain

He believed so much in personal development and, hence, has attended several seminars, workshops, and conferences at home here in Nigeria and abroad at the Cooperative College, Manchester, United Kingdom. He is currently a faculty team member of the North America Student of Co-operation (NASCO) Institute in Michigan USA.

He is currently the Special Assistant on Cooperatives and Farmer’s Welfare to the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He loves travelling, volunteering, cooking, dancing, listening to news, and surfing the internet for information on everything Cooperatives and Financial Services coupled with eCommerce and Cryptocurrency as an enthusiast.

Mrs. Sikaiye O. Temitope

President LIMCU Member, Advisory Board

Engr. Akintola started his professional career in 1983 as a Seed Processing Engineer with the National Seed Service Ibadan. His proficiency stamp could be seen till today in the 6 seed processing installations he helped to establish at Oyo, Ilorin, Damaturu, Jos, Talata Mafara, Kontagora and excellent mechanization activities in several seed farms across the country.

Engr. Akintola is registered with many professional bodies, some of which include: Nigeria Society of Agricultural Engineers (NSAE) 1983; American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) and British Institution of Agricultural Engineers 1983; Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) 1986 and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in 1986. He is a prolific machine designer, fabricator and agro-industrial project consultant. Some of his works include: palm oil mills, cassava processing machinery, rice processing mills, grain threshers, air-screen grain cleaners, soya beans threshers, feed mills, harmer mills, crops dryers etc. In short, the projects that bear the professional stamp of Engr. Akintola are too numerous for listing but it suffices to say that Engr. Akintola has handled projects in nearly all the states of Nigeria. He has also been a consultant to some state governments in the establishment of rice and cassava processing factories.

In research and development, Engr. Akintola has authored over 14 engineering policy and scientific papers. He has served as a member of COREN ACCREDITATION TEAMS to many Nigerian Universities. He is well travelled both nationwide and globally.

On resumption of office as Federal Director of Cooperatives in February 2016, he was passionate about re-engineering and modernizing the Cooperative sector and sharpening the business/entrepreneurial focus of the sector. This he pursued and attained to a large extent till his retirement from service in September, 2018.

Other notable achievement of Engr. Akintola in the Cooperative sector include;

  • Implementation of curriculum review of Federal Cooperative Colleges to include 9 micro finance and entrepreneurship courses.
  • Status upgrade of Federal Cooperative Colleges from Mono-technics to Polytechnics through the addition of degree programmes in Banking and Finance and Computer Science to ensure that the Colleges produce 21st century Cooperative Professionals.
  • Strengthening of the performances of major National Cooperative Apexes and Societies and their business focus.
  • Ensured regular hosting of NCCA and effective guidance of the council to take far reaching decisions aimed at revitalizing and strengthening of the Cooperative sector.
  • Strengthened the role of Nigerian Cooperative movement in ICA – Africa Alliance and ensured Nigeria hosted the 2018 African Ministerial Cooperative Conference (AMCCO).
  • Encouraged closer interaction of all Cooperative Directors in the country through ICT and physical contacts.
  • Promoted and strongly advocated for the deployment of ICT management solutions for the management of Cooperative Societies.
  • Encouraged the establishment of CRASoN and ensured the Endorsement of the Honorable Minister in Charge of cooperative affairs that led to Maiden Edition of the Nigerian National Cooperative Awards.

He is a fellow of Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FNIAE), a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Administrators of Nigeria (FCAI), and a Fellow of Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC). He is an astute personality and a quintessential public servant, a motivator and leader of men full of practical talents and insight.

Engr. Akintola is happily married with wonderful children.