COWA President, Kikelomo Adeniyi, a cynosure in humanitarian work …Awards scholarship to 54 students, supports over 50 widows

COWA President, Kikelomo Adeniyi, a cynosure in humanitarian work
…Awards scholarship to 54 students, supports over 50 widows

Friday, September 27, 2024, was a special day at Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, as a woman described by all as the best Mother everyone will wish to have, turned around the lives of numerous Wives, children and orphans of both serving and fallen officers, giving them new hope for a better life.

It was the day the National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, inspected important projects at Ogun 1 Command, awarded scholarships to 54 students of Customs Primary/Secondary schools at Idiroko border, Ogun State, supported more than 50 widows with cash and gift items to improve their living condition.

Certainly, it was a joyous day, as Kikelomo Adeniyi, a woman whose good deeds and tremendous support for women and youths across the country have made a cynosure in humanitarian work, displayed love and compassion for widows and orphans.

In giving her keynote address, Mrs Adeniyi showed even greater motherly affection. Her approach was unique, her words gracious, encouraging, comforting and up-building. In a soft spoken voice, she said; “It is with great pleasure and a sense of purpose that I stand before you today in Idiroko, a place that holds significant importance not just for the Nigeria Customs Service but for the entire nation. As one of our country’s key border areas, Idiroko has long been a frontline in the battle against smuggling and cross-border crimes.

“Our Customs officers stationed here, including the courageous men and women in Ogun 1 Command, face immense challenges daily in protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring the safety of our borders.
The work of COWA, especially here in Idiroko, is a testament to the strength of the Nigerian woman — resilient, resourceful, and always ready to serve. Together, let us continue to uplift our Customs officers, support their vital work, and build a brighter future for our families, communities, and our nation”.

She went on : “We gather not only to celebrate the achievements of this Chapter but to show solidarity with our officers and their families who bear the weight of this noble duty. As the National President of COWA, I am deeply aware of the unique challenges faced by the families of our Customs officers, particularly those stationed in difficult border regions like Idiroko. The constant battle against smugglers, traffickers, and criminals often takes a toll not just on the officers but on their families as well.

“As Wives and mothers, we know firsthand the anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having our loved ones on the frontlines. The threat of danger is ever-present, and the pressure on their shoulders can sometimes weigh heavily on us too. But I stand here today to encourage each and every one of you: Remain steadfast. Stay prayerful. Continue to support your husbands with strength and courage.

“Your unwavering support is not just a comfort to them, but a vital source of inspiration that helps them carry out their duties diligently. Together, as families and as a community, we have a critical role to play in keeping Nigeria safe.

“This visit is also an opportunity for us to show our commitment to the well-being and development of our members. I am proud to commission your new projects, award scholarships to the children of some of our officers, and distribute support to the widows of our fallen heroes.

“These actions reflect COWA’s core values of compassion, solidarity, and empowerment. Our scholarship awards to the children of Customs officers symbolise our belief in the power of education as a pathway to a brighter future, while the support to our widows reminds us all that we are one family and will never forget the sacrifices made by our loved ones.”

“We are stronger when we work together in love and understanding. As an organisation, COWA is built on the foundation of sisterhood and mutual support, and it is vital that we uphold these values at every level. Internal unity is the cornerstone of our success, and I trust that you will continue to promote this in all your activities.”

Mrs Adeniyi also displayed humility in her visit to Idiroko, during her speech, she openly acknowledged the hard work, diligence, and intellectual acuity of Comptroller James Ojo, the Area Controller of the Command. She enthused: “I want to thank the Customs Area Controller for his immense support to COWA. I also thank each and every one of you for your dedication to our shared mission.”

Also speaking, the COWA Chairperson, Ogun 1 Chapter, Princess Folu-Ojo Adenike expressed her profound gratitude to Mrs Adeniyi for the attention she brought to the welfare of Customs families and orphans in Idiroko.

The exact words of Princess Folu-Ojo;
“Our beloved National President of COWA, your visit is a clear testament to your unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Customs officers’ families. Under your leadership, COWA has become more than just an association—it is a lifeline to the wives, children, and orphans of both serving and fallen officers. Your efforts have touched every corner of the nation, and we are privileged to experience that care firsthand.

“As the Chairperson of COWA Ogun I Chapter, I am proud of the work we have accomplished together. Our mission here is to ensure that the families of Customs officers, those still in active service and those who left us are supported, valued, and cared for.
This is not just about duty; it is about compassion and the responsibility we have to one another.

“Your leadership, Madam President, reassures them that while their husbands and fathers protect the borders, we, as association, are committed to protecting their families. To the families of our fallen heroes, your visit is a beacon of hope and strength. We know that their loss is immeasurable, but COWA’s constant presence in their lives helps to soften that pain. These families are a central part of our community, and we are bound by our commitment to ensure their welfare.

“Madam President, your support to their well-being has given them the courage to move forward, knowing that they are never alone.
COWA members in Ogun 1 chapter are resilient, supportive, and deeply connected to the values that define our association—solidarity, care, and service. Together, we have worked hard to provide emotional and material support to the families in our Command, and your visit reaffirms our shared mission”.

More so, Ogun 1 Command under Comptroller Ojo has performed creditably in anti-smuggling duties with seizures worth millions of Naira recorded under his watch. For instance, Compt Ojo and his team made seizures of prohibited items with duty paid value of over N770.6million from April to June, 2024. The Command also collected N92,369,227million as revenue within the same period under review.