Women behind the Men in uniform, what makes them outstanding

Unforgettable moments at the launch of COWA Transit Camp in Apapa :  Going Memory lane
…Women behind the Men in uniform, what makes them outstanding 

Apparently, the official launch of COWA Transit Camp and skill empowerment Centre at Apapa Customs Command, had come and gone, but the glamour, excitement and good memories that characterised the entire event will linger for long on the minds of guests, especially the beneficiaries of that unique initiative.

That special day, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, will remain indelible on the minds of numerous women, who were trained on various skills, at the same time given equipment and the financial empowerment to become entrepreneurs, in order to improve their living condition.

It was also a  spectacular moment for many, a day of commendations for good deeds. A day that will remain unforgettable in the history of humanity and Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service.

Our Correspondent, who covered the event, observed closely all details, speeches and expressions of real love made by everyone.  In this Sunday analysis, she went memory lane to recall activities that played out behind the scene on that momentous day.

The first person who spoke in the ultra-modern conference hall of Apapa Command was the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD. A result oriented officer, who is exceptional in revenue collection for the Federal Government and entrepreneurship development.

He began by describing the COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi as the Mother of Customs and a woman who has shown extraordinary love for women and indigent ones in the society.

His words : “Madam President, your visit gives us an enriching fulfilment we lack words to describe. We are all witnesses and beneficiaries of CGC’s Work-life balance initiative, which seeks to promote the well-being of officers and many laudable initiatives championed by COWA to integrate our families into our plan for comfort, security and welfare.

“Let me use this medium to express our profound appreciation to COWA President for the unprecedented leadership role that has seen our Wives mobile nationwide in supporting widows of fallen heroes in the Service, skill acquisition for entrepreneurship, promotion of moral values and upholding the deserving sense of belonging among us”.

The second speaker was the host, the Chairperson of COWA, Apapa Command, Mrs Funsho Olumo, who openly extolled the virtues of Kikelomo Adeniyi, describing her as a Mother with a good heart.

While commending the efforts of Compt Olomu, who worked tirelessly to make the occasion a huge success, Mrs Funsho couldn’t hold back her emotions.

In a girlish voice like a new-found love, looking directly at her Husband, she said; “I thank my friend, confidant, the love of my life, the Husband of my youth, the one who found me worthy, his love cannot be taken for granted. My pillar of support, the source of my strength, who motivates and encourages me always.”

The third speaker was the COWA President herself, the Special Guest of Honour, a woman described by all as a Mother everyone will wish to have. A leader who has empowered many widows and orphans, putting smiles on the faces of the needy ones.

Her speech was in tandem with the core values of COWA. She emphasised more on love, the role of women as change agents in the society, unity of the Nigerian nation, support for government to grow the economy and empowerment for women, as well as the youths.

Our Correspondent observed the amiable COWA President throughout the event, her beautiful attires, height, self- comportment, carriage and calmness.

Her spoken English, diction and pronunciation captured the attention of everyone during her brief speech.

Even the Image Maker of Apapa Command couldn’t hold back his admiration, as he openly applauded the COWA President on her spoken English.

In deed, Kikelomo has a pleasant personality. The moment she arrived,  her stunning beauty sparkled, as she stepped into the conference hall that was filled to capacity with freight forwarders, women, Customs officers, widows, newsmen and other dignitaries. She was surrounded by COWA members who turned out elegantly in their beautifully designed attires.

More so, the cultural display, which came in three segments, was carefully selected to promote the national unity of the Nigerian nation.

After the cultural display was a drama segment by COWA members, which dovetailed into the women singing and dancing Sweet Mother around Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi.

The programme was indeed remarkable.  Everything about the event was interesting and everyone was thrilled. Compt Olomu ensured the event was top-class. The Image Maker of the Command, Usman Abubakar, who doubled as the Master of Ceremony, kept the flame burning throughout with great excitements.

Women behind the Men in uniform, what makes them outstanding :  They are virtuous, intelligent, beautiful, kind but unassuming. Their outside appearance is as appealing as their inner beauty. They are Wives, Mothers, Sisters and Friends.

Their values are inclusivity, mutual respect, unity of purpose, accountability, compassion and transparency. They believe in giving care with humility. Their unifying force is love, a strong bond that binds them together and moves them to show compassion to one another and the less privileged in the society.

They are Women behind the Men in uniform. They are members of Customs Officers Wives Association, COWA. They are Women who believe in the unity of the Nigerian nation, giving a helping hand to those in need.