Author: Ibe Wada.
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Onne Chapter, has ushered in the New Year with a significant display of compassion by extending support to orphanages and empowering widows within the community.
The COWA Chairperson Hajiya Amina Babandede distributed food items, including rice, noodles, and cooking oil, to orphanages and less privileged individuals during an event held at the Customs House in Onne on Tuesday, 31 December 2024.
Additionally, 40 widows were empowered with grinding mills and sewing machines to enhance their economic independence and improve their livelihoods.
Hajiya Babandede expressed gratitude to COWA President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi for her unwavering support and commitment to the association’s mission. She acknowledged her husband, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Area II Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, for his encouragement and fatherly support to COWA members.
Representatives from the Priesthood Orphanage Home and widows from the Ebubu Barracks community expressed deep appreciation for the generous donations, acknowledging their significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
Hajiya Babandede pledged to expand COWA’s outreach programme in 2025, reaffirming her commitment to supporting widows, orphans, and the less privileged members of the community.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, including the Chairlady of the Nigeria Immigration Service Wives Association, Rivers State Marine Command, representatives from the Port Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority, Onne, the Commandant, NDLEA Port Command, and the State Commander, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service.
