Customs, COWA Introduce Community Empowerment, Health, Economic, Green Initiatives at Seme Border

By Francis Ugwoke
In a move to improve the living condition and economic well being of host communities and others, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), have introduced healthcare and women’s empowerment programme in Seme border community.
The Service in collaboration with COWA also a launched Green Border initiative in a bid to promote environmental friendliness.
In the empowerment programme , 10 grinding machines, 10 industrial sewing machines, 10 industrial gas burners with cylinders and ₦50,000 start-up were given out to beneficiaries.
The Assistant Comptroller-general Muhammed Babandede who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in his speech was full of praises to the Seme Command for fostering inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
He said that while he was on his way , he noticed synergy and collaboration, adding , “even on my way from Mile 2, I noticed fewer checkpoints—a clear sign of teamwork and coordination.”
On the green border initiative, he explained that this was necessary considering that environmental degradation is linked to insecurity, stating that it was necessary for the public to begin tree planting and sustain the exercise.
According to him, “The insecurity we face is partly due to climate change. When trees are cut down, herders move south, causing friction. This initiative should extend beyond the borders so everyone understands the importance of protecting our environment”.
On the economic empowerment, Babandede promised that the Customs Service under CGC Adeniyi is committed to improving the welfare of the host community.
He added, “What we’re seeing today is only the starter; the main course and dessert are coming.”
In his speech, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi said the welfare programme was to support the CGC’s mandate in addressing some community challenges, particularly in the area of healthcare.
Adenuga said the Service discovered that medical challenges remain a key issue, explaining that this was why the Command decided to provide comprehensive health care.
He said that the outreach will reach about 1,000 people with laboratory tests, medications, and free eyeglasses.
On the empowerment, the Controller said the scheme has been designed to strengthen families and local livelihoods.
He said, “When you empower a family, you secure a community. Each beneficiary gets equipment and ₦50,000 support”.
He was full of praises for a businessman, Remi Adesanya who made a donation of ₦2 million, ₦200,000 each to 10 widows of Customs officers.
Adenuga said, “He came to my office and asked, ‘Are there no widows of officers?’ before pledging his support. We appreciate such partnership.”
In her speech, the National President of COWA who is also the wife of the CGC, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, commended the Seme Customs Command for giving honour to the Adeniyi family by supporting COWA’s Green Border Initiative which involved planting of cocoa nut trees with the area named after her.
She said, “People at the borders have long been neglected—environmentally and economically.
“At COWA, we are not just wives of officers; we are domestic engineers, nurses, and community builders.
“We want to turn waste into wealth. Tomorrow, we’ll be in Brazil to engage global partners on the Green Border Initiative. Our goal is to empower border communities and protect our planet.”
During the event, she was joined by the representatives of the CGC, Babandede, heads of other agencies and other traditional rulers in planting cocoa not trees.
In their goodwill messages, the traditional rulers and other heads of agencies in Seme commended the initiative.
The Oba Akram of Badagry said the programme is historic and timely.
“This is a big project in Customs’ history, long overdue but timely. God bless the initiators and COWA”.

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