By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting economic empowerment among Customs families. The program, which recently graduated 36 beneficiaries from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A,Nigeria Customs Service provides Officers’ wives and widows with vocational skills, business start-up kits, and financial grants to support self-reliance and household stability.
The initiative is designed to equip women with practical skills to participate actively in the economy, transforming dependents into entrepreneurs capable of supporting their families and contributing to national development.
COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi on Sunday emphasized that the initiative aligns with the association’s mandate to enhance financial independence for Customs officers’ wives and provide sustainable means of livelihood for families of fallen officers. She noted that empowering women is crucial for economic growth and stability, as it benefits not only individuals but also the entire economy. “This is not just a welfare gesture, it is an investment in women as drivers of growth and stability. When women are empowered, the entire economy benefits,” she said.
The recent graduation ceremony held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, saw beneficiaries receive tools for small-scale enterprises, including sewing machines, catering and hairdressing equipment, bead-making and make-up kits, gas cookers, and food items. Each widow also received a N100,000 business grant to support their livelihoods. The program is designed to provide women with the necessary skills and resources to start and sustain their own businesses, contributing to household income and local enterprise growth.
Customs Area ControllerFOU Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, commended COWA for its initiative, describing it as a model of social investment that delivers long-term economic impact. He noted that many women trained under similar programs have successfully launched businesses that now contribute to household income and local enterprise growth.
“This programme goes beyond charity. It equips women with practical skills to participate actively in the economy. Families of injured or fallen officers are also not forgotten; they continue to receive targeted support to sustain their dignity and livelihoods,” he said.
The Acting Chairperson of COWA FOU Zone A, Dr. Juliet Eya, emphasized that the association remains focused on supporting women entrepreneurs through continuous training and access to small business grants. She noted that beneficiaries who already run businesses will receive additional financial support to scale their operations, while widows and retired members will continue to enjoy welfare assistance. “COWA’s long-term objective is to create a network of financially empowered women contributing meaningfully to both family welfare and community development,” she said.
Eya explained that the COWA initiative is part of a broader effort to promote women’s economic empowerment and contribute to national development. By providing women with vocational skills, business start-up kits, and financial grants, COWA is helping to bridge the economic gap and promote self-reliance among Customs families. The program is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as empowered women contribute to household income and local enterprise growth.
“Mrs. Adeniyi’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the COWA initiative, with her visionary approach and tireless commitment to women’s economic empowerment. “Her efforts have earned recognition and accolades from various quarters, with many hailing her as a champion of women’s empowerment. The COWA initiative is a testament to her leadership and commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment,Eya said.
The event’s highpoint was the distribution of several sewing machines, washing machines, catering facilities, and cash to COWA members, widows, and retirees. This gesture demonstrates the association’s commitment to enhancing the capacity and support of its members. The COWA President expressed her gratitude to the donors and sponsors of the event.
Newspoints247 reports that the COWA initiative has already made a significant impact on the lives of many women, providing them with the necessary skills and resources to start and sustain their own businesses. The program is expected to continue to transform lives, contributing to household income and local enterprise growth, and promoting self-reliance among Customs families.
