COWA, NCS partner to promote health and environmental sustainability at Seme border

By Godwin Oritse

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), under the leadership of its National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has launched the Green Border Initiative at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command. The event, which also featured the official flag-off of the Customs Care Initiative a medical outreach programme was declared open by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Babandede, on behalf of the Service’s leadership.

The twin initiatives reflect the NCS’s growing commitment to community welfare, environmental sustainability, and regional collaboration, bringing together officers, their families, sister agencies, and residents of host communities in a unified effort to make lasting impact.

In her remarks, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi described the Green Border Initiative as both an environmental restoration and economic empowerment project designed to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems while creating livelihood opportunities for women and youth in border communities.

“This initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting opportunities. We are turning waste into wealth, giving our women and youth the skills to thrive in a greener economy,” she ststed.

Adeniyi also said that COWA would soon be taking the program global, with partnerships to expand the empowerment model internationally.

Similarly, the Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga appreciated the support of the COWA National President and the Customs Headquarters for identifying Seme as one of the launch point.

Adenuga explained that the Customs Care Initiative will provide free medical consultations, laboratory tests, medications, and eyeglasses for over 1,000 beneficiaries, including Screenings for breast cancer, hepatitis B and C and blood pressure checks. “Beyond trade facilitation, we are touching lives and supporting the communities that host us. Every life improved today strengthens the bond between Customs and our people,” Comptroller Adenuga said.

In his comments, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, in charge of Zone ‘A’ Mohammed Babandede, commended the Command and COWA for aligning their humanitarian efforts with the vision of the CGC. “What we are witnessing today is a reflection of a new era in Customs; one that values not only border security but also human and environmental security. This initiative should extend to all commands nationwide,” he stated.

Also speaking, Comptroller (Dr.) Saadatu Lafia Baba from the Customs Medical Headquarters, Abuja, outlined the health services available and emphasized the CGC’s dedication to wellness through proactive medical education and first aid training across commands.

The event featured tree planting by the COWA President, empowerment of widows and women in the border community with financial support and tools for self-reliance as well as commissioning of solar-powered streetlights and the remodeled Officers’ Mess by the Assistant Comptroller General Zone A Lagos.

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