BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU, KSM
Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, came alive as the Fexdora Agro Development Cooperative Union held the 2026 edition of its Cultural Agricultural Harvest Exhibition.
The event, with the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Showcasing Our Harvest, Empowering Our Co-operatives,” took place at the Villa Maria Centre, Wetheral Road, Owerri.
It was held under the distinguished chairmanship of Sir Hogan Achigbu, Esq., who enjoined all present to see the gathering as a summit for progressive discussion. The exhibition afforded stakeholders in agricultural development in Imo State an opportunity to appreciate farm produce from the various cooperatives under Fexdora, while exploring culture and strengthening partnerships to make Imo State the hub of agriculture in the South-East.
In her welcome address, the National Coordinator of Fexdora Agro Development Cooperative Union, Mrs. Ngozi Nwadike, described the gathering as a celebration of the resilience of farmers, the strength of cooperatives, rich cultural heritage, and a promise of a more prosperous future for farming.
Mrs. Nwadike specially appreciated the development partners who have supported Fexdora’s growth over the years. They include Sir Anthony Ajuruchi, State Coordinator of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Mrs. Ifeoma Onyia, State Coordinator of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. David Enemuo, State Coordinator of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and Mazi Martins Okonkwo, State Coordinator of the National Productivity Centre (NPC).
She said the vision of Fexdora is to build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant cooperative movement that promotes economic empowerment, food security and sustainable community development.
Speaking on the mission of the union, which is to empower farmers through capacity building, modern agricultural technology, financial support and strategic partnerships, Mrs. Nwadike noted that Fexdora has supported its affiliated cooperatives over the years through the provision of processing machines, agricultural loans, training and other empowerment initiatives.
She appealed for support to improve their current operations, noting that the most pressing need of the union is the construction of a permanent operational site at Etioha to house its oil mill machines, as it currently operates on leased land.
“This facility will protect our equipment, improve processing capacity, create opportunities for increased production and enable us to serve our members and everyone more effectively,” she stated.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA), High Chief Charles Okeke Odiuko, described Mrs. Nwadike as the fulcrum on which Imo State will progress. He expressed delight that the Vice President of the Chamber, Chief Franklin Obilam, is the Patron of Fexdora, noting that cooperatives remain the soul of business.
“Identifying cooperatives in Imo is the core responsibility of our chamber and I am pleased to say that the initiative of Madam Nwadike through the Fexdora Agro Development Cooperative Union is the fulcrum which Imo State will work on. With Chief Obilam Franklin who is Patron of Fexdora as Vice President of the Chamber, I am convinced we will make headway,” he said.
“I have the capacity to ensure we achieve development but I will learn from Fexdora so I can understand what they do in detail and also learn their work and see what we can do to improve on this project. Cooperative is the soul of business, and that is what made China what it is today. Imo State will definitely progress through agriculture and we are on that path,” he added.
Also in attendance was the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a federal government parastatal under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Represented by its Area Manager, Mr. Akime Martins, the ITF shared its aims and objectives and announced its readiness to partner with Fexdora in the area of skill acquisition and training.
Hon. Peter Uwa, who represented the Imo State House of Assembly, conveyed goodwill and support from the Speaker of the House, assuring that the House will liaise with Fexdora to make the next edition bigger.
The event also featured cultural dance displays, agricultural harvest and food exhibitions from the various cooperatives, while awards of excellence were presented to individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Fexdora programmes in the state.
Recipients of the awards include Sir Hogan Achigbu, Esq., Sir Anthony Ajuruchi, Chief Franklin Obilam, Dr. Mrs. Ifeoma Onyia, Mr. David Enemuo, Comr. Tochukwu Nwachukwu, Chief Mrs. Ebere Akuechiama and Nze Calistus Nnayereugo Okorigwe.
Fexdora Agro Development Cooperative Union was founded in 2008 by 30 visionary women who believed in unity, hard work and cooperation. Since then, the union has become a key player in improving standard of living by creating a platform where farmers have found solace.