COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

President of Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi has unveiled an initiative that will help to empower 100,000 women in the fight against drug abuse.

Mrs. Adeniyi made this known while giving a speech at the relaunch of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in Abuja on Thursday.

The event witnessed the presence of members, stakeholders, government officials, business moguls, and diplomats – and was centred around the importance of the association.

According to the wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, it is an avenue to support the Federal Government in empowering women, mitigate drug abuse and job creation.

She also asked for the support of the country’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Bola Tinubu so as to improve the general well-being of women in Nigeria.

Mrs. Adeniyi stated that the association has launched a pilot program to empower 1,200 women, adding that the plan is to assist over 100,000 women, thereby making them to be impactful in their various families.

She revealed COWA’s readiness to kick-start a fully-equipped ultra-modern Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja, where members will undertake vocational training for empowerment.

The President of COWA added: “The association aims to provide food and other humanitarian support to about 100,000 less privileged individuals across the country before the end of 2024.”

Mrs. Adeniyi stressed that the relaunch of the association offers an opportunity to bring their activities to the forefront and will help in raising funds from corporate organizations and spirited Nigerians for the implementation of their programs and activities.

She continued: “COWA plans to establish 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.

“The schools will reduce the financial burden of Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. It will also enable us to instill in our children high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service.

“COWA has been established with a clear aim to touch lives in a meaningful and impactful manner, and our primary drive is to build relationships, partnerships, and friendships that support the nurturing of healthy communities to alleviate poverty, create jobs, and support the economic empowerment of our members through initiatives that promote prosperity and economic opportunities.”

She lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their support and commitment to improving the welfare of Customs officers.

Mrs. Adeniyi also disclosed that plans are being made to provide suitable accommodations to officers and their families.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who was also present at the gathering expressed delight towards the advancement made by the association.

Comptroller Adeniyi heaped praises on her wife and the rest of the team for their tremendous works that have resulted in COWA’s rise.

He revealed that NCS has placed women in strategic and vital positions across various units and commands, stressing that it is a significant achievement in attaining gender balance.

CG Adeniyi further stated: “We appreciate our wives whose support encourages us to maintain our stance in fighting against smuggling and sources of strength, especially during challenging times. We are fully committed to supporting them in their work whenever and wherever necessary.

“The service is supporting COWA in building schools, supporting widows, and conducting medical outreach programs in our border communities. This initiative significantly enhances our corporate social responsibility program and demonstrates our holistic approach to community engagement.”

“Given the substantial impact of COWA’s work, we wholeheartedly support the revival and relaunch of their activities. Confidently, we will continue to contribute positively to our organization and the community.”