MAXCOOP Launches Ground-breaking Housing Cooperative to Empower Nigerian Youth
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
In a strategic move to address Nigeria’s massive housing deficit, Dr. Augustine Onwumere, Founder of PWAN Group, has launched the Max Construction Housing Cooperative Society LTD (MAXCOOP). This innovative housing cooperative aims to provide affordable housing solutions for Nigerians across all demographics.
Over 5,000 youths gathered at LTV’s Combo Hall in Ikeja to embrace this transformative initiative, which promises to equip young people with essential skills to thrive in the real estate industry. Dr. Onwumere emphasized that MAXCOOP was created to bridge the housing gap, affecting a significant percentage of Nigeria’s 240 million citizens.
He described MAXCOOP as a game-changing venture combining cooperative ideology with housing scheme and an affiliate marketing model. This model allows co-operators (members) to earn passive income by bringing in new members. Dr. Onwumere highlighted that the cooperative was designed to break the cycle of generational tenancy and build a future where every generation can own a home, thereby addressing Nigeria’s housing shortage.
The initiative also aims to create employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, technicians, and artisans while providing affiliates with passive income through network marketing.
“Nigeria faces a severe housing shortage and lacks adequate mortgage facilities. Where mortgages are available, the requirements are excessively stringent. As a result, many Nigerians cannot afford basic homes like one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or bungalow units. This realization led to the creation of MAXCOOP,” Dr. Onwumere explained.
He reflected on the challenges faced by PWAN Max—one of the 63 affiliate companies under PWAN Group—which sold over 40,000 plots in four years, yet less than 0.1% of buyers had started building. This gap between land ownership and homeownership prompted the launch of MAXCOOP on August 24, 2024, to encourage clients to build homes on their purchased plots.
Dr. Onwumere urged young people to join the cooperative, emphasizing the importance of early planning for homeownership. “It’s not too early to start planning to build your own home. Join a platform that allows you to grow your wealth of experience and finance,” he advised.
MAXCOOP’s Executive Secretary, Engineer Okwuosa Baron, expressed excitement about the program’s potential. Describing it as a novel approach in the global housing industry, Baron emphasized its promising success due to its blend of cooperative features and a network marketing model. He outlined that new co-operators could choose from different membership levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—and gain access to over 300 exquisite house designs.
Baron further explained the process, noting that construction begins once a member contributes 50% of their desired house type’s cost, the house is completed, and members receive their keys, allowing them to move in immediately and pay off the remaining 50% over 4-5 years while enjoying their new space.
MAXCOOP’s innovative approach has generated enthusiasm among youths, who will learn to leverage their mobile phones to generate income. With a focus on cooperative values, MAXCOOP promotes collective effort and mutual support to build and achieve common goals.
A participant, Mr. Stephen Okeke, praised the initiative, calling it divinely ordained. As Nigeria grapples with its housing deficit, the launch of MAXCOOP marks a significant step toward addressing this critical issue. With its innovative approach, MAXCOOP is set to revolutionize the housing landscape and empower a new generation of homeowners.
