The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Command, on Friday inaugurated the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) to foster unity and empower women in the state.
Inaugurating the office in Birnin Kebbi, the Area Controller of Customs, Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, described the launch as a day of thanksgiving and appreciation.
“We are grateful to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, whose leadership has redefined, re-energised and re-transformed COWA. To our National President and Chairperson, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, your presence here strongly signifies your passion and commitment towards enhancing the welfare of officers’ wives,” he said.
Nwokorie also commended the Kebbi Command Chairperson of COWA, Mrs Chinaa Nwokorie, for her dedication in establishing the association, adding that the office would become a wide and strong base that could be an example to other chapters.
“Now you have the platform to showcase your inherent nature to passionately and sacrificially serve humanity. Trust me, COWA will not just have a place here, it will have a wide and strong base here, that will be the envy of other chapters, God’s willing!” he prayed.
The National President of COWA praised the NCS management for its support and vision, which she said had enabled the association to make significant strides in empowering officers’ wives. She also lauded the Kebbi Command for its hospitality and the chairperson for establishing a functional office and extending support to orphanages in the state.
“Members should remain united, continue supporting one another, and strive to make a positive impact in their respective communities,” she said.
The Kebbi Command Chairperson of COWA said the establishment of the chapter signalled a new beginning for officers’ wives and their communities.
“COWA plays a vital role in supporting the welfare of customs officers and their families. Our initiatives focus on empowering women through skills and training, supporting families in need, and fostering community development,” she said.
She added that programmes such as skill acquisition, healthcare awareness and humanitarian outreach had already impacted many lives across the country, urging members to actively participate.
“Together, we can achieve great things and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and communities,” she said.
Hajiya Nafisa Idris, Wife of Kebbi Governor, commended the NCS for inaugurating the COWA office, expressing optimism that it would complement the charitable services and women empowerment initiatives already ongoing in the state.
The event, attended by various stakeholders, sister agencies and officers’ families, also featured presentation of relief items to families of deceased officers. (NAN)