Customs, COWA empower Seme Border communities with green, health, economic initiatives
By Maureen Aguta
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has launched a major Green Border initiative in Seme aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in border communities.
The event, held at the Seme Border Area Command, featured the flag-off of a free medical outreach and an empowerment programme that provided 10 industrial sewing machines, 10 grinding machines, 10 industrial gas burners with cylinders, and ₦50,000 start-up support to each beneficiary.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-general Muhammed Babandede commended the Seme Command for fostering inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
“Today, I have seen synergy and collaboration with my own eyes,” Babandede said. “Even on my way from Mile 2, I noticed fewer checkpoints—a clear sign of teamwork and coordination.”
The ACG stressed that environmental degradation is linked to insecurity, urging the public to embrace tree planting and sustainable practices.
“The insecurity we face is partly due to climate change. When trees are cut down, herders move south, causing friction. This initiative should extend beyond the borders so everyone understands the importance of protecting our environment,” he said.
He reassured the host community of Badagry that the Service under CGC Adeniyi remains committed to improving local welfare.
“What we’re seeing today is only the starter; the main course and dessert are coming,” Babandede added.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi explained that the programme was part of efforts to support the CGC’s mandate by tackling pressing community challenges—especially healthcare.
“We discovered medical challenges were a key issue here, so we decided to provide comprehensive care,” Adenuga said. “The outreach will reach about 1,000 people with laboratory tests, medications, and free eyeglasses.”
He said the empowerment scheme was designed to strengthen families and local livelihoods.
“When you empower a family, you secure a community. Each beneficiary gets equipment and ₦50,000 support,” he noted.
Adenuga also commended businessman, who donated ₦2 million, Remi Adesanya, including ₦200,000 each to ten widows of Customs officers.
“He came to my office and asked, ‘Are there no widows of officers?’ before pledging his support. We appreciate such partnership,” the Controller said.
He further announced that a new arena named after COWA President Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi had been handed over to COWA as a revenue-yielding facility to sustain its welfare programmes.
COWA Green Border Vision
In her remarks, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, wife of the CGC and National President of COWA, expressed gratitude to the NCS and Seme Command for honouring the Adeniyi family and supporting COWA’s Green Border Initiative.
“People at the borders have long been neglected—environmentally and economically,” she said. “At COWA, we are not just wives of officers; we are domestic engineers, nurses, and community builders.”
She explained that the initiative aims to restore degraded ecosystems, manage waste, and empower women and youth through green enterprises.
“We want to turn waste into wealth. Tomorrow, we’ll be in Brazil to engage global partners on the Green Border Initiative. Our goal is to empower border communities and protect our planet,” she said.
She added that with CGC Adeniyi now chairing the World Customs Organisation Council, COWA would use that platform to promote Nigerian women’s empowerment internationally.
Security Agencies, Traditional Leaders Endorse Initiative
The Commander of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Station, Badagry, praised Customs for its leadership and commitment to community welfare.
“We are with you physically and in spirit. This empowerment and medical outreach should be sustained to achieve its full purpose,” he said.
Also speaking, the Oba Akram of Badagry described the programme as historic and timely.
“This is a big project in Customs’ history, long overdue but timely. God bless the initiators and COWA,” the monarch stated.
The Seme event underscored the Customs Service’s commitment to community service under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership—blending healthcare, empowerment, and environmental action to improve border life and national security.