The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) has planned to train and empower 1,200 of their members in the course of this year, to enable them contribute meaningfully to the economies of their families and the society.
COWA, a not-for-profit organisation set up on 13th August 2009 to promote the welfare of the families of Customs officers, and foster the bond of friendship, unity and understanding among the wives of officers.
As part of COWA mandate; extending support to the widows and children of fallen Customs officers as well as less privileged people in the society.
COWA relies on the support and goodwill of well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to execute its programmes.
COWA is not just another association created for the sake of having one of such women groups in Customs; it was set up as an NGO to touch lives in a meaningful and impactful manner.
The Members of COWA are wives of serving officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs, ASC II.
Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, the National President, Customs Officers' Wives Association, COWA at the re-launch, investiture of Patrons/Patronesses and Fund-raising Dinner on Thursday 15th February 2024 stated that, this training and;h empowerment started gradually last year but the organization target this yealast
to spread it to a large number of their a in various parts of the country.
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'We hddfgggg2:bv we@1 fb bf1!nn marksman? 2mavevv also concluded plans to set up a fully equipped ultramodern COWA Skills vv Centre he!ñnre in Abuja where our members will receive regular training and retraining,' she added.
According to her, COWA has decided to lead the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers that illicit drugs pose to our society as a whole, and especially to the youths.
However, the goal of the campaign is to mobilize support and inspire people in the Customs community to act against drug use.
She noted that, the campaign against drug use and abuse was conceived out of a compelling need to support the government in eliminating the scourge of hard drugs in the country.
During her address, she stressed that, COWA is joining the global effort to curtail the scourge by organizing strategic enlightenment campaigns and seminars as may be deemed appropriate.
'We will also support the rehabilitation and recovery of victims.' Mrs Adeniyi said
She expressed that, by helping the poor and needy, COWA will raise the standard of living in the society. While the little acts of kindness and support might not completely close that wide gap between the rich and the poor, but it can narrow it down.
Mrs Adeniyi further noted that, COWA also strongly believe that supporting the poor and needy not only benefits the economy but also improves society as a whole. This is why over the past six months, they have supported many orphanages and brought smiles to the faces of many children, youths and even adults in various parts of the country.
COWA aim is to improve, contribute and promote equality for the less privileged and to advance their social and economic condition by providing education, food, shelter, health, clothing, employment programs and supports services to no fewer than 100,000 people before the end of this year.
She promised that support will also be extended, as much as possible, to wives and children of Customs officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
While addressing the Your Excellency the First Lady, Having strongly identities with the Renewed Hope Initiative, COWA promised to play their part in creating better life for families and ensuring that those within our circle of influence receive the attention and comfort they deserve.
It has been well established that investing in women is good for families, communities, and the national economy. Such investments pay dividends in terms of inclusive economic growth and human capital development. Investing in women’s economic empowerment also supports the drive to eradicate poverty.
COWA is therefore determined to expand the economic opportunities of its members through significant investments in training and suitable empowerment programmes. She said
COWA appealed to all patrons, patroness, invited guests present at the event to support our financially to meet our target of raising Five Hundred Million Naira (#500,000,000) to implement our numerous humanitarian programmes and projects for this year.
COWA assured the federal government of judicious use of the resources made available to them.
While, commending the Federal Government and the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their unflinching commitment to the welfare of Customs officers serving in various parts of the country; she noted that the organization are convinced that efforts and initiatives by well-meaning Nigerians to support the government in providing decent accommodation for Customs officers and their families in remote border areas will go a long way in boosting the morale of these officers and enhancing the fight against smuggling.
In light of this, COWA had planned to explore ways of supporting this category of officers and their families in their areas of primary assignments.
'We can no longer close our eyes to see Customs officers becoming tenants to smugglers in border communities," she added.
In the same vein, she explained that COWA are planning to establish COWA Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools across major border communities and even within cities and towns to offer decent, qualitative and affordable education to the children and wards of serving and retired Customs officers.
Furthermore, COWA Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools will reduce the financial burden on Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. It will also enable us inculcate the high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service in our children.
She hopes that with the support of the federal government, the proposed schools and housing support for concerned families will take off soon.
She acknowledged the support of her husband and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his Management Team.
'There is nothing more encouraging than knowing that someone believes in you. CGC Sir, your encouragement and support have been invaluable to me and to all of us at COWA'. She expressed
While, appreciating the CGC, she noted that, COWA certainly would not have made it this far without his support.
"You have pushed us to be our best, and you've never given up on COWA. All the officers and members of COWA are grateful for all that you do for the association."
On a personal note, I must say that your unwavering support has been a solid rock for me to lean on, and a steady hand to guide me through difficult times. Your love, kindness and generosity are legendary and highly appreciated. She further expressed
Finally, Mrs Adeniyi said, 'we are aware that the path we’re treading is a long and bumpy one; but with all of you on our side, we will confidently weather the storm.'
People present at the the re-launch, investiture of Patrons/Patronesses and Fund-raising Dinner are as follows, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR; the Chairman of this event, Hajia Bola Shagaya, MON; our Chief Launcher, Prince (Engr. Dr.) Arthur Eze; President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa;
More also, Patrons and Patroness - Alhaji (Dr) Dahiru Mangal; Barrister (Dr) Taiwo Afolabi; Alhaji Saleh Admadu and Princess (Dr) Vicky Haastrup; Presidents of other sister NGOs including the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association; Naval Officers' Wives Association; Nigerian Air Force Officers' Wives Association; Police Officers Wives' Association; Immigration Officers' Wives Association, Nigerian Correctional Officers Wives Association and Road Safety Officers Wives Association; Board of trustees of customs officers’ wives association
Including the Former Presidents of COWA - Hajiya Sa’adiya Abdullahi Dikko; DCGs, ACGs, Comptrollers and other senior officers of Nigeria Customs Service; President, National Council of Women's Societies; UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria; Country Representatives of international donor agencies; Executives and Members of COWA; Media.
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