Maternal Mortality Tops Agenda as COWA Drives Health Awareness in Lagos
Author: Lucy Nyambi.
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has stepped up advocacy on maternal health, warning that preventable deaths during childbirth remain a pressing challenge in Nigeria.
The Association, through its Healthy Wife, Wealthy Lives initiative, educated members on Maternal Health, Child Development, and Family Planning on Monday, 29 September 2025, at the Apapa Area Command.
In her address, the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, stated that maternal mortality must be addressed with urgency, emphasising that awareness and access to proper healthcare can save lives.
“Maternal mortality is something that we should all put our hands on deck to tackle in the country. Over the past months, we’ve had a few women die giving birth. It shouldn’t happen at this age”, she said.
Mrs Adeniyi explained that the programme was designed to educate women on the importance of regular hospital visits, check-ups, and self-care, while balancing family responsibilities.
“The essence of COWA is empowering people, impacting lives. Our mission is to ensure that all COWA women have something to do, something that can sustain them while their husbands are away. We also want to empower them with health information that will keep them alive and strong”, she added.
The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the initiative, noting that it reflects a broader vision of gender inclusion and empowerment.
“Your commitment to female gender emancipation has been very encouraging because women are not just part of the conversation, they are leading it, shaping it, and redefining what’s possible. You have proven that empowerment isn’t just about words. It’s about action, opportunity, and creating systems that lift everyone up”, he stated.
Other Customs Area Controllers at the event pledged their support for the success of COWA’s programmes.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of skills acquisition tools, including sewing machines, industrial ovens, and other equipment, aimed at helping members achieve self-reliance while strengthening their families’ economic base.
