COWA Sustains Seme Border Community Environment, Plants Trees, Launches Green Border Initiative
To invest in a sustainable future by improving the environment, supporting the ecosystems and benefitting human well-being, the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Customs Seme Area Command Chapter has planted 30 trees and launched the Green Border Initiative ,a programme set up to address environmental degradation and socio-economic issues in border communities .
The Association also empowered it’s members with machines and tools for their businesses and provided free healthcare services under the Customs Cares Initiative .
During the launch of the Green Border Initiative and Tree Planting Ceremony which was held at the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on 11th November, 2025, the COWA National President, Kikelomo Adeniyi stated that the initiative is not meant only to restore the ecosystem but it’s also a way of giving back to the youths and women at the border areas .
She gave out waste bins to security agencies and traditional rulers in the area and urged that recyclable wastes are reprocessed .
“We see trash around and we can turn all of these things to useful materials.COWA is concerned about empowerment. We’re looking away from the usual and that’s why we’re going international given that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is now the World Custom Organisation (WCO) Chairperson.”
The Controller of the Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga explained that to secure the Command’s barracks, the Command has commissioned solar street lights.He added that the officers’ Mess which has been remodelled and named after Mrs. Adeniyi will enable them have good relaxation experience often.
“We cleared this environment to make it an extension of the Mess and that’s why we named it “Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena” and we are entrusting it to the care of the COWA .We are planting 30 coconut trees. Coconut grows very well in this area and it has economic benefits.
“The CGC gave me a mandate to light up the barracks command and I am glad to inform you that we have brought it to fulfillment. We are assuring you that One thousand people will benefit from the medical outreach. ”
Dr. Sadiya Baba, the Head of Gynaecology and Controller at the Customs Hospital explained that the outreach will cover breast cancer awareness, education and even screening. She noted that there’ll medical consultations, lab tests, HIV tests, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antigen and Blood Pressure screening.
“The Comptroller General of Customs considers the welfare of men and officers very important.We are here initially on first aid training. First aid training is proactive. Recently, we’ve noticed that people are slumping and dying in the community. Emergencies are on the increase. You don’t have to be a medical person to be able to give first aid. First aid, when given at the right time, in the right way, is going to save a lot of people.”
Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Lagos, Mohammed Babandede who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi commended Comptroller Adenuga for his collaboration with sister security agencies and traditional rulers .
He also lauded Comptroller Adenuga for reducing the number of Customs checkpoints along the Badagry – Seme area. He stated that insecurity in the nation is as a result of environmental degradation .He assured the traditional rulers that the CGC is passionate about making the community more habitable.
He appealed to the COWA National President that the tree planting should not just stop at the borders but it should be extended to other parts of the nation.
“I appreciate the level of collaboration here.On my way, I noticed that the number of checkpoints along the road has reduced .We have been having challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. The issue of insecurity we are facing in this country is as a result of climate change.
“I appeal that this should not stop at the borders. It should be taken to all the corners of this nation so that people would know the importance of planting trees, at least to be to sustain our environment.
“To the royal fathers, especially our host communities, Badagry, the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has not forgotten you and what we are seeing today is just a starter. It means the main course and deserts are coming.This initiative about health care is just a starter. Thank you for your cooperation and for partnering with us to ensure that this country and the economy is well secured.”
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