…. Women instrumental to our improved revenue generation- Comptroller Nnadi
….COWA chairperson advocates women inclusion
Female officers of the Tin Can Island Port command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) joined the global celebration of the 2024 International Women’s Day on Friday.
The day, observed on March 8 every year, is dedicated to recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
The theme for the 2024 International Women’s Day is “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress.”
The celebration featured the Customs Officers Wife Association (COWA) Tin Can Port Chapter, led by Chairperson Mrs. Chinelo Dera Nnadi, alongside female staff from sister agencies, including the Department of State Security Services, and clearing agents.
In his welcome address at the event, Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, expressed the command’s commitment to recognizing the vital role women play in the maritime industry.
He highlighted the misconception of the industry being considered a men’s world, emphasizing the indispensable contribution of women to its success.
Nnadi acknowledged the significance of women in revenue generation, support for industry activities, and their leadership roles in various units and terminals at the command.
He thanked the women for their roles in surpassing the revenue target for February, achieving a collection of N100 billion against a set target of N94 billion.
“The maritime industry is an industry that is erroneously considered a men’s world but the truth is that without the women who take care of the men that come to this place, this industry cannot survive. One of our greatest stakeholders in this industry are the women.
“It is the women that trained the world because you are the ones that take care of the children who grow up to become men.
“We recognize the role that women play in helping us generate revenue and other women in the industry who support what we are doing, ” he said.
The Chairperson of COWA, Tincan Island Chapter, Mrs. Nnadi, in her address called for continued efforts to ensure a world where every woman can thrive without discrimination or violence.
She emphasized COWA’s role in advocating for women’s inclusion in various aspects of society, urging women to be patient, humble, and play their part.
Her words, ” As chairperson of COWACOWA, what we do is all about bringing women to the limelight to be included in whatever we are doing. Women are always sidelined so we are advocating that women should be included in everything in the society. We are not agitating for equality but for women to be loved and respected and included. COWA is about empowering women to come out in the society and have a sense of belonging in what others are doing.”
The event also featured a resource person, Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Catherine Ekekezie (rtd), who emphasized the inherent qualities in women such as honesty, integrity, and long-suffering.
Ekekezie encouraged women to embrace these qualities and contribute to creating a better society.
She underscored that women should be celebrated not for equality but for their role in helping men make society work.
Reflecting on the 2024 IWD theme, Ekekezie emphasized the need to empower women for a better world, highlighting the importance of placing competent women in appropriate positions.
She stressed that women, when given the right opportunities, contribute positively to societal development.
Photo caption:
Chairperson, Customs Officers Wife Association (COWA) Tin Can Island Port Chapter, Mrs. Chinelo Dera Nnadi ( 5th from right); resource person, Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Catherine Ekekezie (rtd) (4th from right); members of COWA and female customs officers during the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration at the Tin Can Island port Command in Lagos on Friday.
