Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, National President, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), on Friday, inaugurated a transit camp and a skill acquisition centre built by the association in Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration in Apapa, the COWA President, also the wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, said the inauguration of the camp and the acquisition centre marked a new chapter for the association.
She said the camp and the centre were built to promote the empowerment and welfare of members.
The COWA president said that the association had long been committed to uplifting the lives of customs officers’ families and the wider community.
Adeniyi emphasised the core values of COWA, saying the mission of the association was to provide a supportive community and growth opportunities for wives of customs officers.
She said that by joining COWA, officers’ wives would connect with others, build lasting friendships and access training and development initiatives that would enhance their skills and confidence.
The COWA President said the association had a number of programmes designed to impact the home front and society positively while providing social, economic, and emotional support to members and their families.
COWA boss underscored the importance of collective effort and unity in driving change.
She urged members not to set limits for themselves, but to strive to do all to actualise their dreams.
“Together, let us break down barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous society.
“The power to create change lies within each of us. Let us unleash our collective potential and make a lasting impact.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs in a group photograph with COWA National president, Kikelomo Adeniyi and other members.
“Let us serve COWA with all our might, pouring our hearts, skills, and experiences into every endeavour.
“Let us rise together, shaping a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come,” she said.
Adeniyi charged members of the association to be agents of positive change.
She said as wives of customs officers, they were in a good position to make a lot of difference in society.
“Let us embrace our roles as change agents, empowering ourselves and those around us.
”Together, we can build stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future,” Adeniyi said.
Speaking, Mrs Funso Olomu, wife of the Apapa Customs Controller and Chairperson of COWA Apapa Chapter, said the COWA Transit Camp was a testament to the collective commitment of the association to providing a safe, supportive environment for members.
Olomu said the association cared so much about the welfare and empowerment of members, saying the association had trained and empowered members and supported widows.
“Today, 20 members were empowered as follows: three with outstanding business success stories received N200,000 each; 10 who excelled as fashion designers were given sewing machines and pressing irons.
“Four COWA members trained as professional make-up artists received full make-up kits and equipment.
“These initiatives are more than just programmes; they are the embodiment of hope, resilience, and the promise of a better tomorrow,” Olomu said.
She expressed gratitude to the COWA national leadership for support.
Olomu appreciated the cooperation of the Area Command management of COWA, saying its collective effort and dedication made the achievements possible.
Speaking, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Apapa Customs Controller, lauded the efforts of COWA under Mrs Adeniyi’s leadership.
“The activities embarked upon by Mrs Adeniyi have left indelible marks, wiped out tears from the faces of the downtrodden, and lifted the hearts of women and children touched by her kindness.
“The projects commissioned today are a testament to her Midas touch. We assure you of proper utilisation and sustained impact,” he said.
Apapa boss praised COWA’s initiatives for their positive impact on the Customs community and beyond, noting the association had placed the Nigerian Customs Service on the map of customs organisations where care for one another is paramount.
He said that COWA’s efforts had mobilised support for widows fostered skills acquisition for entrepreneurship, and upheld moral values and promoted a sense of belonging.
The customs boss said the inauguration of the camp and the centre was more than just a ceremonial event, but also symbolised hope, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to empowering customs officers’ families and their communities.
