The Outstanding Legacy of COWA President, Kikelomo Adeniyi.
…Inaugurates officers’ Transit Camp, Empowers 20 Women in meaningful initiatives.
It was a historic day at the Apapa Area Command, as the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, unveiled the COWA Transit Camp and Skill Empowerment Centre in a grand and memorable ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
The first order of business was the official commissioning of COWA’s Transit Camp, located at the Enforcement Unit of the Command, which was then followed by the empowerment program, designed to inspire and equip beneficiaries with valuable skills.
COWA empowerment program was a success as the lives of 20 women were impacted. 3 outstanding business women received N200,000 each to scale up their business. 10 talented fashion designers were awarded sewing machines and equipment to launch their ventures. 4 skilled make-up artists received full make-up kits to enhance their craft. Women who acquired skills in catering and other areas also benefited from the COWA empowerment program’s support and resources.
The generosity extended to widows as well, with Mrs. Adeniyi providing them with financial support and essential items, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and care for the vulnerable.
In a gesture of appreciation and encouragement, four exceptional and highly committed officers were honored with Award plaques, recognizing their outstanding contributions and motivating them to strive for even greater excellence.
In her speech at the event, Kikelomo Adeniyi highlighted COWA’s role as a transformative platform for personal development, collective upliftment, and social transformation, emphasizing its commitment to empowering individuals and creating a lasting, positive influence in the community.
Mrs Adeniyi encouraged the women to play their part as change agents, empowering themselves and touching lives around them. “Together, we can build stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future” she said.
“By joining COWA, your wives will connect together with fellow officers’ Wives, build strong friendship, have access to training and development initiatives that enhance one’s skill and confidence.
“As women behind the men in uniform, we have the power to create a ripple effect of positive change.
Together, we can break barriers, challenge the status quo and pave the way for more inclusive, compassionate and prosperous society.
“Remember, the power to create change lies within each of us. Let us unleash our collective potential and make a lasting impact”.
“Let us serve COWA with all our might, pouring our hearts, skills and experiences into every endeavour.
“Our association is a powerful force for good. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Let us rise together, shape a brighter future for ourselves, our children and generations to come.”
Mrs Adeniyi said the skill empowerment project is designed to unlock hidden potentials in women, to shatter glass ceilings, and to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. Adding; “We will equip ourselves with skills, knowledge and confidence to soar to greater heights.
“This lodge 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”.
Unveiling the Transit Camp; she stressed ; “As we commission this lodge and launch this project, let us embrace our collective strength, let us celebrate our victories, let us continue to inspire and uplift one another. You must be bold, fearless and work together to build stronger families and communities. ”
She urged officers present at the occasion to encourage their Wives to join the association, so as to also experience the transformative power of unity and support.
Also speaking, the COWA Chairperson, Apapa Command, Mrs. Funsho Olomu, the beautiful Wife of Apapa Customs Area Controller, highlighted the outstanding achievements of COWA under the dynamic leadership of Kikelomo Adeniyi.
Her words ; “The COWA Transit Camp stands as a testament to our collective commitment to providing safe, supportive environment for our community members. It embodies our shared vision of a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and excel.
“These initiatives are more than just programmes; they are embodiment of hope, resilience and the promise of a better tomorrow, especially for the beneficiaries.
“COWA programmes are designed to impact the home front and the society positively. They come with triple benefits of social, economic and emotional support to our members”.
Mrs. Olomu, who extolled the virtues of Kikelomo Adeniyi, applauded her for transformational leadership and motherly love she has shown to women and the less privileged in the country.
She enthused, “Let me use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the National President of COWA, the management of Apapa Area Command, my ever-supportive COWA executives and members for their cooperation. They are part of the success story we are celebrating today, without their cooperation it could have been difficult to achieve this milestone”.
More so, Compt Olomu; added; “COWA as a rebranded organisation has placed Nigeria Customs Service in the map of government agencies where care for one another is paramount.
“Madam President, your mark of excellence on many fronts is indelible as the association wiped out tears from many downtrodden and lifted the morale of women and children who are daily being touched by your acts of kindness and selflessness”
The event was a resounding success, featuring a well-structured program that empowered women with entrepreneurial skills. A seasoned entrepreneur and financial expert was invited to share valuable insights, and the National President inspected the products created during the skill acquisition session. The presentation of empowerment certificates to the participants added a sense of accomplishment. The occasion also celebrated Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity with three vibrant cultural displays, representing the country’s major languages. The highlight of the event was a captivating drama performance by COWA members, concluding with a heartfelt song, ‘Sweet Mother,’ as the women celebrated Kikelomo Adeniyi, hailing her as a shining example of motherhood and a true treasure.
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