The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has unveiled two initiatives in Nigeria’s premier border post, Seme. They are the Green Border Initiative and the Customs Care Initiative.
The two initiatives were formally unveiled at the headquarters of the Seme Area Command recently.
COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi was on ground to witness the unveiling of the two initiatives which attracted stakeholders from far and near.
Customs Officers from the Republic of Benin, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, military, paramilitary and other sister agencies, captain of industries were also present at the event.
Not a few stakeholders in the maritime industry and beyond have opined that the two initiatives and the attendance of key players from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin will further strengthen what they called “cross-border” collaboration in the two West Africa neighbouring countries.
The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Zone ‘A’, Mr. Mohammed Babandede represented the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi at the occasion.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the twin initiatives underscore NCS commitment to community welfare, environmental sustainability and regional cooperation, besides bringing together officers, families, sister agencies, and local communities in a collective drive for impact.
It was also gathered that the unveiling of the two initiatives also symbolize NCS holistic approach to service, sustainability and social impact.
COWA National President in her keynote address, described the Green Border Initiative as an environmental and economic empowerment project aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and empowering women and youth across border communities.
Her words: “This initiative is not just about planting trees. It is about planting opportunities. We are turning waste into wealth, giving our women and youth the skills to thrive in a greener economy.
According to Mrs. Adeniyi, COWA would soon be taking the programme global, with partnerships to expand the empowerment model internationally.
The Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga in his remarks expressed appreciation for the support of the COWA National President and the Customs Headquarters for identifying Seme as one of the launch points.
Adenuga who has recorded some strides since he took over the reins of administration in the command a few months ago, revealed that the Customs Care Initiative will provide free medical consultations, laboratory tests, medications and eyeglasses for over 1,000 beneficiaries, including screenings for breast cancer, hepatitis B and C and blood pressure checks.
“Beyond trade facilitation, we are touching lives and supporting the communities that host us. Every life improved today strengthens the bond between Customs and our people,” Adenuga added.
While unveiling the medical outreach, ACG Babandede commended the command and COWA for aligning their humanitarian efforts with the vision of the CGC. According to the ACG, what we are witnessing today is a reflection of a new era in Customs; one that values not only border security but also human and environmental security. This initiative should extend to all commands nationwide.
Comptroller (Dr.) Saadatu Lafia Baba from Customs Medical Headquarters, Abuja in her remarks, outlined the health services available and emphasized the CGC’s dedication to wellness through proactive medical education and first aid training across commands.
The event also featured tree planting by the COWA President, empowerment of widows and women in the border community with financial support and tools for self-reliance as well as commissioning of solar-powered streetlights and the remodeled Officers’ Mess by ACG Babandede. The highpoint of the occasion was the provision of money, gas cookers, grinding machines, sewing machines, and gas cylinders to some COWA members.
