COWA President Gives Scholarships to students, present cash and food items to Customs widows in Ogun
National President of Customs Officers Wives Association, COWA,Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi has presented cash and food items to more than 50 widows of late customs officers and also gives Scholarships to Students at Idiroko in Ogun State.
Mrs Adeniyi announced the scholarship support for more than 100 students in Nursery and Secondary schools of NCS at Idiroko Border after presenting them with academic materials in recognition of their outstanding performances.
The COWA President who also visited ongoing projects being done by the Ogun 1 Command Chapter of the association advised the pupils to double up on their academic activities as a way of preparing for a better future.
“It is with great pleasure and a sense of purpose that I stand before you today in Idiroko, a place that holds significant importance not just for the Nigeria Customs Service but for the entire nation”. She described idiroko border As one of the country’s key border areas, Idiroko has long been a frontline in the battle against smuggling and cross-border crimes. Our customs officers stationed here, including the courageous men and women in the Ogun 1 Area Command, face immense challenges daily in protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring the safety of our borders.
Today, we gather not only to celebrate the achievements of this chapter but to show solidarity with our officers and their families who bear the weight of this noble duty. “As the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), I am deeply aware of the unique challenges faced by the families of our customs officers, particularly those stationed in difficult border regions like Idiroko”.
The constant battle against smugglers, traffickers, and criminals often takes a toll not just on the officers but on their families as well. As wives and mothers, we know firsthand the anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having our loved ones on the frontlines. The threat of danger is ever- present, and the pressure on their shoulders can sometimes weigh heavily on us too. But I stand here today to encourage each and every one of you: Remain steadfast. Stay prayerful. Continue to support your husbands with strength and courage.
Your unwavering support is not just a comfort to them, but a vital source ofinspiration that helps them carry out their duties diligently. Together, as families and as a community, we have a critical role to play in keeping Nigeria safe.
This visit is also an opportunity for us to show our commitment to the well-being and development of our members. I am proud to commission your new projects, award scholarships to the children of some of our officers, and distribute support to the widows of our fallen heroes. These actions reflect COWA’s core values of compassion, solidarity, and empowerment. Our scholarship awards to the children of customs officers symbolize our belief in the power of education as a pathway to a brighter future, while the support to our widows reminds us all that we are one family and will never forget the sacrifices made by our loved ones.
As COWA members, it is also crucial that we do not rest on our laurels. We must continuously seek ways to improve ourselves, particularly through capacity building. This is a key focus at the national level of COWA, and I encourage each member here at the Ogun 1 Area Command to embrace this as well. Capacity building equips us with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support our families better and contribute meaningfully to our communities. In a developing country like Nigeria, empowering women through education, training, and skills development is not just beneficial – it is essential.
Women who invest in their personal development can better navigate the complexities of modern life, support their children’s education, and even explore opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence, Let us not forget that when women grow, families thrive, and societies prosper. I urge this chapter to actively participate in the capacity-building programs we offer and to explore new ways of developing your potential.
Furthermore, I charge the executives and members of the Ogun 1 Area Command Chapter to maintain unity and harmony within your fold. We are stronger when we work together in love and understanding. As an organization, COWA is built on the foundation of sisterhood and mutual support, and it is vital that we uphold these values at every level. Internal unity is the cornerstone of our success, and I trust that you will continue to promote this in all your activities.
Lastly Mrs Kikelomo thank the Customs Area Controller for his immense support to COWA. She also thank each and every one of the COWA members for their dedication to our shared mission. The work of COWA, especially here in Idiroko, is a testament to the strength of the Nigerian woman-resilient, resourceful, and always ready to serve. Together, let us continue to uplift our customs officers, support their vital work, and build a brighter future for our families, our communities, and our nation. She said.
