…Implements Back-to-School, Health, Business Support Initiatives
Author: Efoguah Tobiloba.
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has extended its humanitarian and empowerment drive to Kano State with Officers’ families and host community members benefiting from interventions ranging from education, healthcare and economic upliftment.
The wide-ranging outreach, held on 21 August 2025 at the Customs Senior Staff Quarters, Dakata, was hosted by the Kano/Jigawa COWA Chapter Chairperson, Mrs. Sadiya Abubakar. Dignitaries present included the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, representatives of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and other sister agencies, and the Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Compt. Dalhatu Abubakar.
As part of the program, 100 back-to-school kits were distributed to children, alongside 100 entrepreneurship starter packs covering trades such as catering, fashion design, and makeup. Beneficiaries also received household appliances to support small business start-ups. To enhance healthcare access, 100 blood pressure monitoring machines were donated, and a free medical outreach was conducted. In addition, 20 wheelchairs were presented to members of the host community, while widows of officers also received empowerment packages.
The event also marked the commissioning of a new recreational park for children within the Kano/Jigawa Command, further reinforcing COWA’s community development efforts.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs Sadiya Abubakar noted the vibrancy of the Kano/Jigawa Chapter, with 298 active members, including 97 trained in vocational programs. She praised the leadership of the National President.
“Your motherly love and advocacy for economic empowerment and healthcare give us hope that the future is bright for our children, girls, and women,” she said.
Declaring the program open, Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu commended the partnership between COWA and the Command, stressing that collaboration yielded tangible results.
“The results of our collective strategies are why we are here this morning to empower our women and provide medical services at zero cost to beneficiaries,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, reaffirmed COWA’s mission of empowering women, promoting unity, and enhancing family welfare across all Customs formations.
“I urge you to keep empowering women, fostering unity, and promoting welfare among our members. Your commitment is truly inspiring, and I am confident your leadership will continue to yield positive results,” she stated.
She further highlighted COWA’s achievements nationally, including the establishment of a skills acquisition centre, which has trained 200 women since the commissioning of the centre in Abuja. She also informed the house about the success story of COWA’s health awareness campaigns, student scholarships, and support programs for the widows of Customs officers.
Entertainment at the event included a drama presentation by corps members on women’s empowerment and a cultural dance performance. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the intervention as timely support that would ease school expenses, strengthen household businesses, and encourage healthier living.
