COWA President, Adeniyi empowers members with skills, cash, working tools

….inaugurates transit camp in Apapa Customs

The National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller General of Customs, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has commissioned the Apapa Command Transit camp and launched a skill empowerment program for members.

At the ceremony held at the command in Lagos on Thursday, 20 members and widows who benefitted from various skills received cash gifts and takeoff equipment including sewing machines and pressing irons.

Among the 20 beneficiaries three with outstanding business success stories were empowered with the sum of N200,000:00 each. 10 members who excelled in their training as fashion designers were empowered with sewing machines with one pressing iron each.

Four were also given one gas cooker and other necessary cooking utensils each.

Additionally, three who trained as professional Make-Up Artists were given one sets of Make-Up kits, ring lights and other equipment while four outstanding and highly dedicated officers were given plaques to motivate them for better performance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Adeniyi said the empowerment program aims to support and equip COWA members with skills and knowledge in their economic and personal development and to promote a culture of entrepreneurship.

She said the event marks a significant milestone in the association’s journey, symbolizing its commitment to growth, unity, and empowerment.

Her words, “”This lodge (transit camp) represents a sanctuary of hope, a beacon of light in the face of adversity. It embodies our unbreakable spirit and serves as a testament to the power of unity

“The Skill Empowerment Project is a clarion call to unlock our potential, to shatter glass ceilings, and to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. We will equip ourselves with skills, knowledge, and confidence to soar to greater heights.

“As we commission this lodge and launch this project, let us embrace our collective strength, let us celebrate our victories, and let us continue to inspire and uplift one another.”

Mrs. Adeniyi urged COWA members to embrace their roles as change agents, empowering themselves and those around them.

She also encouraged them to be bold, fearless, and work together to build stronger families and communities.

Highlighting the core values of COWA, Adeniyi said,, “This organization offers a supportive community, empowering programs, and opportunities for growth.

“COWA is a platform for personal growth, collective empowerment, and positive change. Encourage your wives to join and experience the transformative power of unity and support.

In her welcome address, Chairperson of COWA Apapa Area Command Chapter, Funso Olomu emphasized the importance of the occasion, saying it was not only a celebration of the camp’s inauguration but also a recognition of members’ achievements in skill development and self-sufficiency.

She highlighted the significance of COWA’s initiatives, stating they were designed to positively impact the home front and society, providing social, economic, and emotional support to members, their families, and the community.

“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, of course, excell! – However, as we celebrate the empowerment of our trained-skilled members and the distribution of relief items to our widows, let us remember that our efforts are reflections of our dedication to justice, dignity, and compassion, ” she said.

Olomu expressed gratitude to the National President, management, staff, COWA executives, and members for their cooperation and support, acknowledging the critical role of COWA as a pillar of support for customs officers and their families.

In his remarks, Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu praised the efforts of COWA under the leadership of Mrs. Adeniyi.

He noted that COWA’s activities has made a significant impact, bringing joy and relief to those in need.

He said, ” 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.

“The projects commissioned today are a testament to her midas touch. We assure you of proper utilization and sustained impact.”

He added that the initiatives by COWA has placed the Nigeria Customs Service on the map of customs organizations where care for one and other 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,” he said.