The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Seme Area Command Chapter, has launched the Green Border Initiative, a programme aimed at addressing environmental degradation, promoting sustainability, and improving the socio-economic well-being of border communities.
The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), featured the planting of 60 coconut trees, empowerment of COWA members, and free healthcare services under the Customs Cares Initiative.
Speaking at the event, the COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the project was conceived to restore the ecosystem while empowering youths and women in the border communities.
Mrs. Adeniyi also distributed waste bins to security agencies and traditional rulers in the Seme area, encouraging them to promote recycling and environmental cleanliness.
“This initiative is not just about restoring the ecosystem but also about giving back to the community — especially the youths and women in the border areas.
“We see trash around, but we can turn all of these things into useful materials. COWA is concerned about empowerment, and that’s why we are thinking beyond the usual, going international, especially now that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO).” Mrs. Adeniyi said.
Representing the Comptroller General of Customs, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, commended Comptroller Adenuga for fostering strong collaboration with sister security agencies and traditional rulers.
ACG Babandede also praised the reduction of Customs checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme corridor, linking insecurity to environmental degradation and calling for nationwide tree planting.
“I appeal that this initiative should not stop at the borders, but be extended to other parts of the country so that more people understand the importance of sustaining our environment. To the royal fathers and our host communities, this is just the beginning. What we are seeing today is a starter — the main course and dessert are coming” Babandede said.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, highlighted the Command’s commitment to community development and sustainability. He disclosed that the Command had installed solar street lights to secure the barracks and remodelled the Officers’ Mess, now renamed the Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena.
Comptroller Adenuga, said the initiative was designed to touch lives through free medical services and empowerment opportunities. According to him, the Command, in collaboration with the military and other sister agencies, planned to reach about 1,000 beneficiaries through the medical outreach, which includes laboratory tests, provision of drugs, and replacement of eyeglasses for those with sight challenges.
“In this medical outreach, we intend to reach out to about a thousand people. We are giving them all they will need — both laboratory analysis, medicaments, and even replacing their glasses for anyone requiring medical attention,” Adenuga said.
He acknowledged the support of the military and other agencies, noting that the Nigerian Navy, Army, and other security bodies were part of the joint initiative. He also appreciated the presence of medical personnel from Abuja and representatives of health-focused organizations, including breast cancer advocacy groups.
Speaking on the empowerment segment of the event, Comptroller Adenuga explained that each beneficiary received not only empowerment tools but also a financial grant to start small-scale businesses.
He further disclosed that a philanthropist friend of the Command had supported widows of Customs officers with ₦200,000 each, while ten other beneficiaries received ₦2 million in total to enhance their businesses.
Adenuga praised the consistent support of the Assistant Comptroller-General and acknowledged the efforts of the wife of a senior officer, Mrs. Adeni, for her role in promoting welfare among officers’ families. He added that a section of the Command’s arena had been named after her as a mark of honour.
Speaking on the healthcare component of the programme, Dr. Sadiya Baba, Head of Gynaecology and Controller at the Customs Hospital, said the outreach would cover breast cancer awareness, education, screening, and various medical tests, including HIV, hepatitis, and blood pressure checks.
“The Comptroller General of Customs considers the welfare of officers and men very important,” Dr. Baba said. “We are also offering first aid training because emergencies are on the rise. You don’t have to be a medical person to save a life with timely first aid.”
The event was attended by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, military representatives, traditional rulers, health professionals, and members of the Seme border community, all of whom commended COWA for its impactful contribution to environmental sustainability and community welfare.
