#ACReSAL #Impact
The air at the meeting venue of the Bamaiyi Sai Allah, an inter-loaning cooperative society based in the Wadata area in Makurdi, was buzzed with joyous energy as the group held its end-of-cycle share-out ceremony. In the last ten months, the mood had been cautiously optimistic as the newly revitalized cooperative embarked on an ambitious plan, when the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loan scheme of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project was accessed. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to their remarkable journey and tangible gains.
It was a transformative period for the cooperative, comprising a small group of petty traders that later focused on selling of rice after accessing the loan, they had successfully repaid within the stipulated six-month period.
The celebration was not just about numbers; it was about the palpable sense of empowerment and unity. Members shared stories of how the cooperative had helped them send their children to school, improve their homes, and gain a sense of security they had not felt before. They were full of gratitude to the ACReSAL project for the feat, highlighting the significant positive impact of the intervention.
Mrs. Seember Mary Ugboho, the CRF Desk Officer of Benue ACReSAL, commended the cooperative members for their dedication and prudent management of the loan. “The entire ACReSAL team is incredibly proud of your achievements,” she stated during the ceremony. She further assured the cooperative that their excellent performance was recognized and may be rewarded in future loan opportunities from the ACReSAL project.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of membership contributions for the year, which were given back to them based on their participation and contribution. The cheers and applause that followed echoed the collective success and the bright future that lay ahead for the Bamaiyi Sai Allah Cooperative.
This success illustrates how a well-managed and community-focused cooperative can bring about significant economic and social benefits to its members within a single year.