Akutah Urges Staff Cooperative To Prioritise Housing, Investment Opportunities

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, MON, has encouraged NSC Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited members to prioritise real estate and other viable ventures to grow their financial stability and long-term wealth.

Dr Akutah made the charge during the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the cooperative society, held at the NSC headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

Commending the cooperative’s performance, especially its financial record and unity among members, the NSC boss called on the leadership to do more to educate staff on the importance of property ownership.

“I didn’t get to learn the value of owning properties early. As a young man, I thought shelter was my father’s responsibility. But land and property investments are the best you can make. Properties appreciate; cars depreciate,” he remarked.

In his remarks, the president of the NSC Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, Mr Adeyemi Olaolu, announced a net surplus of ₦156.41 million for the 2024 financial year, representing a ₦14.56 million increase from the previous year.

Delivering his address under the AGM theme “Sustainable Practices for Cooperative Development Amid Global Trade Wars,” Mr Olaolu emphasised the need for innovation, risk management, and diversification to sustain the cooperative’s strength despite global economic challenges.

Olaolu also presented updates on the cooperative’s housing schemes and land acquisition efforts. He drew attention to infrastructure needs on the Mowe property, especially in drainage, and appealed to the council for intervention.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and acting director of finance and accounts, Mr Stephen Olaniyi, represented by Mrs Foluke Olaleru, commended the transparency and accountability demonstrated by the cooperative’s leadership.

Other dignitaries at the event included the director of strategic planning and research, Mr Rotimi Anifowose; the immediate past cooperative president, Dr Bashir Ambi; and Mrs Olubunmi Lawson, Apapa Area Office, Cooperative.