The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) , Federal Operations Unit, Zone A Chapter has empowered it’s newly trained members with tools and resources to launch their businesses while providing financial grants to members already in business, to help them thrive.
The Association also distributed support packages to widows and retirees .
During the empowerment ceremony which was held at the FOU ,Zone A on 9th November, 2025 , themed ” Empowering Women, Strengthening Families”, the COWA President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi emphasised that providing support for Customs’ wives is her priority.
She disclosed that COWA is going beyond empowerment programmes by getting involved in the “Green Borders Initiative” a programme which focuses on women’s economic empowerment, family welfare, and child health promotion amongst other initiatives in embrayo.
She encouraged the women to take care of their health as they must be regularly active in making the home comfortable for their husbands and children.
Mrs. Adeniyi affirmed that the Association is becoming international as it is getting involved with international bodies to improve the standard of living of its members .In addition, she stated that the Comptroller General of Customs who is the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) is helping in achieving this goal.
“We want to move away from the usual. We want to go global. We are giving our women tools to work with and we also want them to work in a cleaner environment. We want to teach them how to make something out of the waste they generate from their homes to make good money and also start something in recycling. We are also creating a group for women where they can come together and learn green climate skills.
“Most times, we neglect those people at the border area and they are the ones going through a lot. When you go to the border areas, there are so many dirts everywhere. They dump refuse here and there.Sometimes they burn it. All of these have a way of impacting our lives negatively.”
The Acting Chairperson of the COWA FOU Zone A Chapter , Juliet Nnenna Eya appreciated the COWA National President , Mrs. Adeniyi for her tireless dedication to the empowerment of every COWA member across the nation.
She said the empowerment ceremony is not just a celebration of skills but an ignition of futures.
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She appreciated the National President, Mrs. Kikelomo, the CGC and the FOU Zone A Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu for their invaluable contributions to the association.
The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu emphasised that the initiative stands as a vital effort to uplift the families of courageous officers who serve and protect the nation.
He noted that the empowerment programme is designed to address the economic and social challenges faced by officers’ wives by equipping them with vocational skills, supporting small-scale businesses and providing training in makeup, sewing and catering among others.
Comptroller Shuaibu urged all beneficiaries to make judicious use of the meager resources provided and to see themselves as active partners in national development.
“The strength of our great institution lies not only in the dedication of its members but also in the well-being and support of their families.The COWA has long been a resilient pillar, ensuring that the wives and families of our officers are empowered to lead sustainable and independent lives.
“This is more than charity.It is an investment in the future of our families and communities.Through this programme, we have witnessed the transformative power of empowerment. Wives who were once dependent are now entrepreneurs,contributing meaningfully to their households and the society at large.
“Widows and families of injured or fallen officers are not left behind.They continue to receive targeted support to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their dignity, easing some of the burdens caused by the sacrifices their loved ones have made.”
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