Mrs Adeniyi Charges Customs’ Wives To Remain Steadfast, Stay Prayerful, Give Unwavering Support To Husbands …awards scholarships to 54 outstanding students of NCS …gives palliatives to 50 widows

Mrs Adeniyi Charges Customs’ Wives To Remain Steadfast, Stay Prayerful, Give Unwavering Support To Husbands …awards scholarships to 54 outstanding students of NCS …gives palliatives to 50 widows

 

By Adetokunbo FAKEYE

The National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association, COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, has charged wives of the Customs Officers to remain steadfast, prayerful and give unwavering support to their husbands with strength and courage.

Mrs Adeniyi, who made the charge in her keynote address to COWA members on Friday, 27th September, 2024, at Idiroko border town of Ogun State, said, “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 with our husbands, and the pressure on their shoulders can sometimes weigh heavily on us (wife) too.

“But I stand here today to encourage each and every one of you: Remain steadfast. Stay prayerful. Continue 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.

Mrs Adeniyi during the occasion, awarded scholarships to 54 outstanding students from Nigeria Customs’ Secondary and Primary/Nursery schools.

The students also received writing materials, including books and math sets. Additionally, over 50 widows of customs officers received palliatives to improve their livelihoods.

Her full address:
“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 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 the Ogun 1 Area Command, face immense challenges daily in protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring the safety of our borders.

Today, 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 the Customs Officers Wives Association (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 symbolize 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.

As COWA members, it is also crucial that we do not rest on our laurels. We must continuously seek ways to improve ourselves, particularly through capacity building.

This is a key focus at the national level of COWA, and I encourage each member here at the Ogun 1 Area Command to embrace this as well. Capacity building equips us with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support our families better and contribute meaningfully to our communities. In a developing country like Nigeria, empowering women through education, training, and skills development is not just beneficial — it is essential.

Women who invest in their personal development can better navigate the complexities of modern life, support their children’s education, and even explore opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence. Let us not forget that when women grow, families thrive, and societies prosper. I urge this chapter to actively participate in the capacity-building programs we offer and to explore new ways of developing your potential.

Furthermore, I charge the executives and members of the Ogun 1 Area Command Chapter to maintain unity and harmony within your fold. We are stronger when we work together in love and understanding. As an organization, 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.

In closing, 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.

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, our communities, and our nation.
“Thank you, and may God bless us all”.

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