COWA extends green border initiative to Seme, plants 30 coconut trees

In continuation of its drive toward environmental sustainability and community upliftment, the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has launched the transformative Green Borders Initiative (GBSI) with a symbolic tree planting ceremony at the Nigeria Customs Service premises in Seme border.

Led by its National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, COWA planted 30 coconut trees—chosen for their ecological and economic value—to combat environmental degradation and promote socio-economic development in border communities.

The initiative also featured the distribution of waste bins to security agencies and traditional palaces, reinforcing the message of recycling and environmental responsibility.

Mrs. Adeniyi emphasized that the GBSI is not just about restoring ecosystems but also about empowering women and youth in underserved areas.

“We’re turning trash into treasure and going beyond the usual. With the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, now chairing the World Customs Organization, COWA is thinking globally,” she said.

“People at the borders have long been neglected—environmentally and economically.

“At COWA, we are not just wives of officers; we are domestic engineers, nurses, and community builders.

“We want to turn waste into wealth. Tomorrow, we’ll be in Brazil to engage global partners on the Green Border Initiative. Our goal is to empower border communities and protect our planet.”

The event also marked the unveiling of the newly remodeled Officers’ Mess, now named the “Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena,” a serene space entrusted to COWA for relaxation and community engagement.

As part of the Customs Cares Initiative, COWA provided business tools to its members in Seme command and launched a medical outreach expected to benefit over 1,000 residents.

In the empowerment programme , 10 grinding machines, 10 industrial sewing machines, 10 industrial gas burners with cylinders and ₦50,000 start-up were given out to beneficiaries.

In his remarks, tthe Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga announced the installation of solar-powered street lights to enhance security and comfort within the barracks.

Adenuga thanked the COWA President and her delegation for the initiative and pledged to continue to encourage its sustenance via regular interventions.

Head of Gynaecology at the Customs Hospital, Dr. Sadiya Baba, highlighted the outreach’s focus on breast cancer awareness, screenings, and general health checks including HIV, hepatitis, and blood pressure tests. She also stressed the importance of first aid training in preventing avoidable deaths during emergencies.

Representing the Comptroller General of Customs Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede praised the reduction of checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme corridor and commended the collaboration between Customs and local stakeholders. He linked insecurity to environmental neglect and urged that the tree planting campaign be expanded nationwide.

Mrs. Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers of Badagry and neighboring communities for their support and presence. She revealed that COWA will be participating in an international conference in Brazil to further promote the GBSI, encouraging all stakeholders to adopt the initiative as a lifestyle and cultural norm.

The event was attended by representatives and heads of the various security apparatus operating at the border, sister special agencies of government and the police.