By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri Chapter, has joined the nationwide Green Border Initiative tree-planting campaign tagged “Plant 1,000 Trees in One Hour.”
The initiative, led by COWA’s National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, is aimed at raising awareness—especially among students—about the dangers of global warming and environmental degradation. The programme was held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Community Secondary School, Orogwe, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
COWA Engages Students in Climate Awareness Campaign in Owerri.
Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of COWA, FOU Zone ‘C’ Chapter, Dr. Mrs. Bolanle Balogun, stressed the need for urgent action to protect the environment. She encouraged students and members of the community to take environmental responsibility seriously, noting that human activities continue to drive rising global temperatures and climate change.
She also urged the school management and students to serve as Green Border Initiative ambassadors, promoting sustainable practices within their communities. According to her, failure to protect the environment could lead to severe consequences, including extreme weather conditions, depletion of natural resources, and loss of biodiversity.
The highlight of the event was a tree-planting exercise carried out by the COWA chairperson, the school principal, students, and other participants. Dr. Balogun further encouraged the students to replicate the exercise in their various communities. She also announced that the association would support the school by renovating its physics, biology, and chemistry laboratories.
In her remarks, the school principal, Mrs. Nwanu Clothilda Anayochi, expressed appreciation to COWA for selecting the school for the campaign. She pledged the school’s full support and assured that both staff and students would continue to promote environmental awareness in their community.
