Author: Ibe Wada.

The Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, ACG Hammi Swomen, has charged over 60 officers to remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service as they concluded an intensive training on weapon handling.

Swomen, who also represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, made this remark on Friday, 19 April 2024, during the passing out Ceremony of Officers of the Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, who were trained on weapon handling at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.

Expressing appreciation for the dedication of all involved, Swomen emphasised the significance of the training in enriching the Nigeria Customs Service.

He said, “This is a wonderful milestone, not just for the Zone but the entire service. It is a message we would carry far and wide”.

With retirement on the horizon, Swomen expressed confidence in the Service’s future, stating, “My primary constituency, NCS, is moving to greater heights.” He urged the trained officers to positively influence their colleagues as a way of renewing their commitment to the Service.

Addressing pressmen on how the training would contribute to the general goal and mission of the Service, he said, “It is all-encompassing, ranging from how they deal with members of the public to carrying out operational affairs and others. They had classroom work, study tour to Seme checkpoints and went for shooting range too”.

Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training, which addressed challenges faced by Customs Officers in the field, Outgoing Federal Operations Unit Comptroller Hussein Ejubunu remarked, “It behoves on the leadership to ensure that training and retraining of personnel is done as and when due. This crop of Officers were posted to the Zone and my Command and I felt the need for them to be retrained on weapon handling as this has become a challenge”.

“It is an indication that the Service will still go places and that we have competent trainers in the NCS that can train our men. I have no doubt in me with the present crop of Officers that are passing out today”. He acknowledged.

Commandant of Customs Training College, Ikeja, DC Haniel Hadison, expressed gratitude to the CGC for the opportunity to conduct the one-month training on weapon handling.

Hadison emphasised the effectiveness of the modules covered, noting, “In the course of this training, we did not experience any casualty.”

Hadison highlighted its significance in addressing operational challenges faced by Customs Officers, from engaging with the public to executing operational affairs effectively.

…Reiterates COWA’s Plans For Robust Women Empowerment

Author: Muhammad Bashir.

National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Kikelomo Adeniyi, on Friday, 29 March, 2024, extended heartfelt Easter greetings to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Republic of Nigeria, and to all citizens of the nation.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja to commemorate Good Friday; a day marked by solemn reflection, and the forthcoming Easter celebrations, Mrs. Adeniyi urged Nigerians to ponder the profound message of love, sacrifice, and redemption while also emphasizing the importance of compassion, kindness, and unity during this spiritual season.

“In this season of spiritual significance, let us pause to contemplate the profound messages of love, sacrifice, and redemption. It is a time when hearts are stirred with compassion, minds are opened to kindness, and spirits are lifted with the promise of renewal. It is also a time for fervent prayer, as we beseech the Almighty for healing and unity to permeate every corner of our great land,” the statement reads.

Acknowledging the challenges of insecurity in some parts of the country and the prevailing economic hardships, Mrs. Adeniyi commended the level of President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing lasting solutions, recognizing the complexity of the issues and the efforts being made to address them.

“Despite the formidable obstacles, our government works tirelessly, day and night, to forge pathways toward lasting solutions. As patriotic citizens, we stand in solidarity with these efforts, steadfast in our belief that through collective resolve and divine intervention, Nigeria will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before,” the statement added

Mrs. Adeniyi reiterated COWA’s dedication to key into the visionary initiatives of women empowerment championed by Senator awayRemi Tinubu, to provide support and assistance to the women, especially widows of Nigeria Customs Service officers who lost their lives while discharging their lawful duties.

She emphasized the importance of uplifting and empowering women across Nigeria, announcing COWA’s plans for transformative projects and empowerment initiatives in 2024, adding that, “widows deserve our utmost respect and care, and it is our solemn duty to ensure that they receive the support they need to navigate life’s challenges with dignity and grace.”

The COWA National President, however, elaborated on these initiatives, outlining programs focused on skills training, entrepreneurship development, and access to education and healthcare for women in communities across Nigeria.

She emphasized the role of women as key agents of change and called for greater investment in their empowerment to drive sustainable development and societal progress.

Looking ahead, Adeniyi expressed optimism about the future and the potential for positive change in Nigeria while also advocating for unity and collaboration among citizens to overcome challenges and build a better nation for all.

She concluded her statement by extending warm wishes for a time of profound reflection, boundless joy, and abundant blessings for all Nigerians during the Easter season.

…As Other Branches Follow Suit to Distribute Food Items to Women Nationwide

Author: Abra Iruoghene, Muhammad Bashir.

In a concerted effort to alleviate the prevailing economic hardships faced by families across the nation, Kikelomo Adeniyi, the National President of the Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs spearheaded the extension of palliative distribution to COWA members on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.

Embarking on a tour that included visits to the Federal Capital Territory Command and Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Mrs. Adeniyi delivered a resounding message of solidarity and support to the officers’ wives in attendance.

Recognizing their immense challenges, she underscored the importance of standing united during trying times and reaffirmed COWA’s commitment to providing assistance and empowerment.

Expressing her gratitude to the attendees for their unwavering commitment, the COWA president acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers’ wives and their invaluable contributions to the Customs community.

She emphasized the significance of empowering women, aligning COWA’s initiatives with the broader national agenda of women’s empowerment championed by the First Lady, Remi Bola Tinubu.

Encouraging swift registration as members of COWA, President Kikelomo elucidated the myriad benefits awaiting registered members, ranging from access to support services to participation in empowerment programs.

She, however, articulated COWA’s vision of institutionalizing the association and maintaining a comprehensive database of registered members to ensure effective service delivery and support, saying, “COWA belongs to every one of us; it is not only for the executives.”

Highlighting the pivotal role of COWA in uplifting women across the nation, Adeniyi reiterated the association’s commitment to empowering widows, orphans, and officers’ wives alike to be self-reliant.

She emphasized the symbiotic relationship between personal empowerment and the ability to uplift others, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of support and solidarity within the association.

Addressing officers directly, the National President urged them to embrace their wives’ participation in COWA activities, recognizing the positive impact on family dynamics and societal progress.

She reassured officers of the benefits stemming from their wives’ involvement, highlighting the transformative power of mutual respect and support within marital relationships.

Expressing heartfelt appreciation to her husband and the Comptroller-General of Customs for his steadfast support, Adeniyi cited tangible examples of commitment, including the re-establishment of the COWA National Secretariat.

She underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change within the Customs community, emphasizing the indispensable role of collective support and partnership.

During her visit to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Mrs. Adeniyi commended the Commandant of the Collage, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Kingley Egwuh for his unwavering support of COWA activities and his dedication to the institution’s growth and development.

ACG Kingsley Egwuh echoed the president’s sentiments, praising her leadership and commitment to her members.

ACG Egwuh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to providing unwavering support to COWA, recognizing the pivotal role of the association in fostering unity and support within the Customs community.

He pledged continued collaboration and assistance, acknowledging the indispensable nature of COWA’s initiatives in driving positive change and empowerment, stating that “as the distribution of palliatives and empowerment initiatives continues to unfold, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi’s visionary leadership stands as a course to give hope and resilience to officers’ wives nationwide.

“Through her unwavering commitment to their welfare and empowerment, she embodies the spirit of solidarity and service at the heart of COWA’s mission, ensuring that officers’ wives are not just recipients of assistance but active participants in their upliftment and empowerment.”