The President of the Customs Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, who is also the wife of the Comptroller-General of the Customs Service, has powerfully underscored the critical importance of empowering women for national development.
A New Vision for Empowerment
Speaking at an empowerment program organized by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Mrs Adeniyi declared that "when a woman is empowered, the nation is also empowered." She urged women to prioritize their health by undergoing regular checks for blood pressure and sugar levels, stating that "with good health, all other responsibilities can be achieved."
Outlining a progressive new direction for COWA, she announced a shift from traditional support methods. "We want to go beyond giving sewing machines and catering facilities. We are going green; we will soon be learning how to recycle so many things," she revealed.
Going International with Renewed Hope
Mrs Adeniyi explained that COWA is aligning its goals with the First Lady's Renewed Hope Agenda. The association's ambitious plans include seeking investment opportunities from Brazil and establishing a research training centre. "We need to stop talking local, but go international," she asserted, highlighting the unique advantage presented by the Comptroller-General's current role as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
She and her members praised the Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu, for his unwavering support and prayed for his future success.
Commitment from the Customs Service
In his address, Comptroller Shuaibu urged the women to make judicious use of the resources provided and to see themselves as active partners in national development. He assured them of the unit's deep commitment to expanding the COWA programme by strengthening its reach and capacity to support families.
He maintained that the empowerment programme is specifically designed to tackle the economic and social challenges faced by officers' wives. The initiative equips them with:
- Vocational skills
- Support for small-scale businesses
- Training in areas like makeup and sewing
Comptroller Shuaibu concluded by noting that "the strength of our great institution lies not only in the dedication of its members but also in the wellbeing and support of their families," affirming their collective mission to build a resilient association that stands firmly behind the service's frontline defenders.
