By Abigail Odubela
Hajiya Nabila Nura Miko has assumed office as the Chairperson of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), PTML Chapter, with a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers’ wives, expand empowerment programmes, and strengthen community service initiatives.
Speaking during a brief hand over ceremony held at the PTML Command in Lagos on Thursday, Hajiya Miko said she was honoured to take up the responsibility and pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership.
She expressed gratitude to the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikielomo Adeniyi for her leadership and support, noting that her guidance had continued to inspire and motivate members of the association across the country.
“I give all glory to Almighty God for the opportunity to stand before you today as the Chairperson of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, PTML Chapter. It is with deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility that I accept this mantle of leadership,” she said.
The new chairperson also commended her predecessor, Mrs Ifeoluwa Anani for laying a solid foundation and implementing programmes that positively impacted members and the wider community.
According to her, the PTML Chapter had successfully executed several initiatives, including International Women’s Day celebrations, the “COWA Healthy Wife, Wealthy Life” sensitisation workshop, breast cancer awareness campaigns, end-of-year outreach programmes, participation in the Green Border Initiative School Adoption Programme, and environmental sensitisation lectures.
She pledged to sustain the momentum and align her administration with the agenda of the national leadership by focusing on welfare, empowerment and community service initiatives.
“These achievements set a high standard, and I pledge to sustain this momentum. In line with the National Headquarters’ agenda, my administration will prioritise welfare by strengthening support systems for wives of officers, especially during challenging times; empowerment through expanded skills acquisition and financial independence programmes; and community service by deepening our impact in health, education and environmental initiatives,” she said.
Hajiya Miko called on members of the association, the command management, and other stakeholders to support her administration to achieve its objectives.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of PTML Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko, described the hand over ceremony as a celebration of continuity, service and the critical role played by officers’ wives in supporting the Nigeria Customs Service.
He commended the outgoing leadership of COWA PTML Chapter under Mrs. Anani for the successful projects executed during her tenure and praised members of the association for maintaining stable homes that enable officers to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“While we officers are engaged in the discharge of our statutory duties of revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling, you ensure that our homes remain stable, peaceful and productive. A stable home is the foundation of effective service delivery, and for that, we remain grateful,” he said.
The PTML Customs boss congratulated Hajiya Miko on her emergence as chairperson and expressed confidence in her ability to build on the achievements of her predecessor.
He assured the association of the command’s continued support, describing COWA as a strategic partner in promoting the welfare of customs officers and their families.
According to him, the command would continue to provide support for the association’s activities within its capacity, including logistics, venues and moral support, to ensure the success of its programmes.
DC Miko also commended Mrs. Adeniyi for her leadership of the association at the national level and prayed for a successful tenure for the new PTML Chapter leadership.
More to read
Senate clears Customs of N62.2bn under-remittance allegation
Customs, NESREA, WJC arrest four with N126.3m worth of elephant tusks
Customs, Police deepen collaboration on national security