Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi has officially commissioned the Apapa Officers’ Transit Camp and Skill Acquisition Centre.
The event which held at the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday, was another milestone for the association which has long been committed to uplifting the lives of customs officers’ families and the wider community.
Apart from cash gifts, Mrs Adeniyi presented twenty beneficiaries with sewing machines, as well as other takeoff equipment for entrepreneurship.
A breakdown of the twenty COWA beneficiaries includes; Three of them with outstanding business success stories are empowered with the sum of two hundred thousand naira (200,000:00) each.
Ten of them who excelled in their training as fashion designers were given one (1) sewing machines with (1) pressing iron each.
Four of them are also given one (1) Gas Cooker and other necessary cooking utensils each.
Additionally, three (3) of them who trained as professional Make-Up Artists are given one sets (1 set) of Make-Up kits, ring lights and other equipment. Interestingly, four (4) outstanding and highly dedicated officers are given plaques to motivate them for better performance.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs. Adeniyi highlighted the core values of COWA, emphasizing unity, empowerment, and support. “As women behind the men in uniform, we have the power to create a ripple effect of positive change,” she declared. “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.”
She further explained the mission of COWA to provide a supportive community and growth opportunities for the wives of customs officers. “By joining COWA, your wives will connect with fellow officers’ wives, build lasting friendships, and access training and development initiatives that enhance their skills and confidence,” Mrs. Adeniyi stated.
“Our programs are designed to impact the home front and society positively, providing social, economic, and emotional support to our members and their families.”
Mrs. Adeniyi underscored the importance of collective effort and unity in driving change, saying that “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,”
“Let us serve COWA with all our might, pouring our hearts, skills, and experiences into every endeavor. Let us rise together, shaping a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.” She said
Mrs. Funso Olomu, the wife of the Apapa Customs Controller and Chairperson of COWA Apapa Chapter, welcomed attendees with a message of purpose and dedication, emphasizing the significance of the new facilities.
Accoding to her “The COWA Transit Camp stands as a testament to our collective commitment to providing safe, supportive environments for our community members. It embodies our shared vision of a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and excel,” Mrs. Olomu said.
Highlighting the empowerment of COWA’s trained-skilled members and widows, Mrs. Olomu detailed the distribution of support and tools to those who had completed their training.
“Today, twenty members are empowered as follows: three with outstanding business success stories received two hundred thousand naira each; ten who excelled as fashion designers were given sewing machines and pressing irons; four trained as professional make-up artists received full make-up kits and equipment.
“These initiatives are more than just programs; they are the embodiment of hope, resilience, and the promise of a better tomorrow,” she explained.
Mrs. Olomu expressed gratitude to the COWA national leadership for their guidance and support. “I must use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the Area Command management, my ever-supportive COWA executives, and members for their cooperation. They are part of the success story we are celebrating today,” she said, recognizing the collective effort that made the achievements possible.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Apapa Customs Controller, lauded the efforts of COWA under Mrs. Adeniyi’s leadership. “The activities embarked upon by Kikelomo 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,” he remarked.
“The projects commissioned today are a testament to her midas touch. We assure you of proper utilization and sustained impact.”
He praised the initiatives for their positive impact on the Customs community and beyond, noting that COWA has placed the Nigerian Customs Service on the map of customs organizations where care for one another is paramount.
“COWA’s efforts have mobilized support for widows, fostered skills acquisitions for entrepreneurship, and upheld moral values and a sense of belonging among us,” Comptroller Olomu added.
According to the customs boss, the commissioning of the COWA Apapa Officers’ Transit Camp and Skill Acquisition Centre is more than just a ceremonial event; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of COWA to empowering customs officers’ families and their communities.
