COWA Sets Seme-Badagry Aglow With Green Borders Initiative

BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a bold stride toward environmental sustainability and community upliftment, the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Seme Area Command Chapter, has launched the transformative Green Borders Initiative (GBSI) with a symbolic tree planting ceremony at the Nigeria Customs Service premises in Seme, Badagry.

Led by its National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, COWA planted 30 coconut trees—chosen for their ecological and economic value—to combat environmental degradation and promote socio-economic development in border communities. The initiative also featured the distribution of waste bins to security agencies and traditional palaces, reinforcing the message of recycling and environmental responsibility.

Mrs. Adeniyi emphasized that the GBSI is not just about restoring ecosystems but also about empowering women and youth in underserved areas. “We’re turning trash into treasure and going beyond the usual. With the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, now chairing the World Customs Organization, COWA is thinking globally,” she said.

The event also marked the unveiling of the newly remodeled Officers’ Mess, now named the “Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena,” a serene space entrusted to COWA for relaxation and community engagement. This is even as the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga announced the installation of solar-powered street lights to enhance security and comfort within the barracks.

As part of the Customs Cares Initiative, COWA provided business tools to its members and launched a medical outreach expected to benefit over 1,000 residents.

Adenuga thanked the COWA President and her delegation for the initiative and pledged to continue to encourage its sustenance via regular interventions.

Dr. Sadiya Baba, Head of Gynaecology at the Customs Hospital, highlighted the outreach’s focus on breast cancer awareness, screenings, and general health checks including HIV, hepatitis, and blood pressure tests. She also stressed the importance of first aid training in preventing avoidable deaths during emergencies.

Representing the Comptroller General, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede praised the reduction of checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme corridor and commended the collaboration between Customs and local stakeholders. He linked insecurity to environmental neglect and urged that the tree planting campaign be expanded nationwide.

Mrs. Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers of Badagry and neighboring communities for their support and presence. She revealed that COWA will be participating in an international conference in Brazil to further promote the GBSI, encouraging all stakeholders to adopt the initiative as a lifestyle and cultural norm.

The event was attended by representatives and heads of the various security apparatus operating at the border, sister special agencies of government and the police.