The Customs Officers' Wives Association (COWA) has launched a significant initiative to empower the wives and widows of officers serving in the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A. The program, designed to provide sustainable livelihoods, equipped over 36 beneficiaries with vocational skills and essential start-up kits to establish their own small-scale businesses.
Substantial Support for Economic Independence
During the graduation and presentation ceremony held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, beneficiaries received comprehensive support packages. These included practical equipment such as sewing machines, catering tools, gas cookers, and hairdressing kits. Additional materials for bead-making, gele-tying, and professional makeup were also distributed to enable diverse business ventures.
Widows of customs officers received enhanced support beyond the business kits. Each widow was provided with bags of rice, groundnut oil, other essential food items, and a cash grant of N100,000 to help stabilize their households while establishing their enterprises.
Leadership Commitment to Women's Empowerment
Speaking at the event themed "Empowering Women, Strengthening Families," the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, emphasized the association's commitment to financial stability through capacity building. "Our mandate is to ensure women attain financial stability through empowerment, capacity building, and skills acquisition," she stated.
Mrs Adeniyi encouraged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely, noting that "to empower women is to empower a nation." She specifically urged them not to see the skills as means to become proud but as tools to support their partners and families effectively.
Transformative Impact on Families and Communities
The Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Mohammed Shuaibu, described the initiative as more than charity, calling it an investment in family futures. He highlighted how the program has transformed previously dependent wives into active entrepreneurs who now meaningfully contribute to their households and society.
Dr Juliet Eya, Acting Chairperson of COWA FOU Zone A, confirmed that the newly trained members would receive all necessary tools to launch their businesses. She also announced that financial grants would be extended to existing business owners within the association to help them expand, while continuous support would be maintained for widows and retired members.
The event reaffirmed COWA's dedication to fostering unity among customs officers' wives while promoting financial independence and family strengthening across Nigeria.
