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By Adeobowale Johnson
Six years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic, and the world has never been the same. It began in December 2019 with a cluster of patients in Wuhan, China, manifesting a mysterious pneumonia-like illness. Then it became a global existential threat, killing millions of people across continents.
The pandemic changed the world, just like that, as Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo, would say.
Businesses stagnated, millions of workers lost their jobs, movements were restricted and countries shut down.
In the Ejigbo area of Lagos, some friends were meeting at Yusuf Street to while away time and sometimes share a drink or two. Then one day, one of the young men, Amaechi Chibueze, had a sort of brain wave. He suggested that they should start saving money because no one knew what the future held. Others found sense in the suggestion and agreed.
The group became known as “I Can’t Kill Myself.” It was an unusual name but the import was not mistaken. It simply meant that, no matter how difficult things were, life must continue.
With time, the numerical strength of the members began to increase, including diasporan Nigerians. The members were savings-driven. They made weekly contributions or savings.
Naturally, things began to change as events unfolded. When the cashless policy was introduced in Nigeria, they grabbed the opportunity and ran with it. In those early days, the wife of one of the members, the late Mrs. Chinyere Okolo (Mama Charles) kept the cash. And not a dime went missing.
Subsequently, an executive committee was inaugurated to oversee the affairs of the group. Interestingly, membership cut across different professions: businessmen, engineers, media gurus and marketers, among other.
An entrepreneur, Mazi Fidelis Okpoko, was the first chairman. He ran the affairs of the group between 2020 and 2023.
At the helm, Okpoko was good. He demonstrated visionary and ethical leadership. His administration was characterized by qualities like integrity, empathy and self-awareness. He led by example and inspired the team through clear communication, active listening and focusing on shared goals, growth and building trust.
Okpoko disclosed: “The aim of forming G-Friends was basically to promote thrift culture. Thrift is careful management of money for a purpose. In other words, it’s a savings culture.
“This idea came up during the #EndSARS protest of 2020. Friends of like minds used to gather every morning due to the sit-at-home, discussing the impact of the situation on the Nigerian economy and family management.
“We felt the situation would affect most families in due course. So, we decided to form a thrift society where we could save, as one’s resources can carry, on an agreed period. An account was opened. The saving is weekly. You will receive whatever amount contributed within the period agreed upon.
“This yielded positively on members. For instance, if you are making a contribution of N10,000 every weekend, you stand a chance of getting about N520,000 at the end of the year. This year, some members went home with N2 million or more, depending on what they were able to contribute. This helps in the running of the family.
“This is prudence. When a member remembers his commitment for saving every weekend, he will cut down on his expenses.
“The importance of the society cannot be overemphasized. Many groups around us have keyed into our idea and are asking to belong. I pray that almighty God will help us to grow with more innovation to carry on with better ideas.”
He added that, in G-Friends, they recognise that all work without play makes Gabby a dull boy. “So, after meetings, we contribute a token each to entertain ourselves. Sometimes, some members make voluntary donations for entertainment. We call it, ‘I can’t kill myself.’ It’s a win-win situation.”
Okpoko’s philosophy of leadership in capsule form: Transparency, accountability, honesty and equity.
After Okpoko, Mazi Cyril Okemuo took over. He came with ideas on how to enrich the organisation. He introduced such ideas as investing in the money market before it became a cooperative society. He recognizes that cooperative societies thrive on collective effort, equity and shared purpose, emphasizing that “alone we can do little; together we can do so much.”
On the inauguration date, Okemuo remarked: “It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you today on this historic occasion—the inauguration of G-Friends (Ejigbo) Co-operative Multipurpose Society Limited. Today marks not just the birth of a society but the beginning of a vision: a vision of unity, empowerment and shared prosperity.
“At its heart, a cooperative is more than an organization, it is a family bound together by trust, mutual support and collective responsibility. G-Friends (Ejigbo) Co-operative Multipurpose Society Limited has been established to: Promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment among our members, provide a platform for savings, investments and access to credit facilities, encourage entrepreneurship, skill development and sustainable livelihoods and foster a spirit of solidarity, where no one is left behind.”
Explaining the power of togetherness, Okemuo stated: “We live in a time when individual efforts often fall short of meeting the challenges of daily life. But together, as a cooperative, we can pool our resources, share our knowledge, and uplift one another. “This society is a testament to the belief that alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.
“Beyond financial growth, we are committed to building a society that values integrity, transparency and accountability. We aim to be a beacon of hope in Ejigbo, supporting families, empowering youth and contributing to the overall development of our community.
“As we inaugurate this cooperative today, let us remember that success will not come overnight. It will require patience, discipline and unwavering commitment. But with determination, we will build a society that generations to come will be proud of.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all founding members, visionaries and supporters who have made this day possible. Your dedication and sacrifice have laid the foundation upon which we now stand.
“Let us step forward with courage and conviction. Let us embrace this cooperative spirit, knowing that, together, we can achieve greatness.
“On behalf of the leadership and members, I would like to announce that G-Friends (Ejigbo) Co-operative Multipurpose Society Limited has been officially inaugurated. May this society thrive, prosper and fulfill its noble mission.”
Last December, the group celebrated with its members, family and associates. In his welcome address, Okemuo said: “It gives me great joy to welcome you all this evening on behalf of Great Friends (Ejigbo) Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, formerly known as G-Friends Thrift Society. Under my leadership, we have proudly secured our registration in Lagos State, marking a new chapter in our journey together.
“This year, also, our management committee attended the induction course for newly registered cooperative societies in Lagos State on October 21, 2025. That experience strengthened our resolve and reminded us of the immense benefits cooperatives offer: They foster unity and mutual support, they empower members to pool resources for greater impact, they create opportunities for financial growth and stability and, most importantly, they lay the foundation for building generational wealth.
“Despite the tough economic realities of our time, we have weathered the storm together. Our resilience proves that, when friends unite with a common goal, no challenge is too great. As we look toward 2026, let us remember our duties as cooperative members and prepare for prosperity. The coming year holds promise for growth and, together, we will embrace it.
“Tonight, however, is a moment to celebrate. I invite all our guests and members to relax, enjoy the evening and share in the joy of friendship and progress.”
Awards were given to members, particularly those regular and punctual during meetings. Elders were also appreciated, as all members went home with gifts.
The organisation also has a benevolent arm. It was the brain child of one of the illustrious members and spiritual leader, Chief Uche Umahi. He said: “As Mahatma Gandhi would say, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
In a chat, Umahi encouraged all members, particularly the leaders of the group, to invest bountifully so that harvest will be greater.
