In a landmark step toward environmental sustainability and community empowerment, the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Seme Area Command Chapter, has planted 30 trees and launched the Green Border Initiative—a programme designed to tackle environmental degradation and promote socio-economic growth in Nigeria’s border communities.
The event, which took place on Tuesday at the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), also featured the empowerment of members with business tools and equipment, as well as the provision of free medical services under the Customs Cares Initiative.
Speaking during the launch, the COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the Green Border Initiative was conceived to restore ecosystems, empower local women and youth, and encourage recycling practices among residents and security agencies.
“This initiative is not only about planting trees or restoring the environment—it’s about giving back to the communities at our borders,” Mrs. Adeniyi said. “We see waste everywhere, but waste can become wealth if properly managed. COWA is concerned about empowerment, and that’s why we are going beyond the usual, going international, especially now that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Chairperson.”
As part of the programme, Mrs. Adeniyi distributed waste bins to security agencies and traditional rulers, urging them to ensure that recyclable waste materials are properly managed and reused.
The Controller of the Seme Area Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, revealed that the Command has taken several steps to enhance the environment and welfare of officers, including the installation of solar streetlights to illuminate the barracks and the remodeling of the Officers’ Mess, which has been renamed the “Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena.”
“We are planting 30 coconut trees today because coconut grows very well in this area and has economic benefits,” Comptroller Adenuga said. “The CGC gave me a mandate to light up the barracks, and I’m proud to say we have fulfilled that. We’re also targeting 1,000 beneficiaries for our medical outreach.”
Speaking on the health component of the initiative, Dr. Sadiya Baba, Head of Gynaecology and Controller at the Customs Hospital, explained that the outreach includes breast cancer education and screening, HIV and hepatitis testing, blood pressure checks, and other health consultations.
“First aid training is a key part of our outreach because emergencies are on the rise,” Dr. Baba said. “You don’t have to be a medical professional to save lives. Timely first aid can make a huge difference.”
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Lagos, commended the initiative and praised the synergy between the Seme Command, sister security agencies, and traditional institutions.
“I commend Comptroller Adenuga for reducing the number of checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme corridor.
COWA members also conducted tree planting as part of demonstration for their pet project cade-named ‘Green Border Sustainability Initiative’ Tree Planting ceremony in which over 30 Coconut trees were planted with all the security agencies officials in attendance planting at least one including journalists and traditional rulers in the area.
The event also saw the official launch of Customs Care Initiative (CCI), a medical outreach programme of the Service.
The CCI provided several invitees at the event to undergo special medical checks and many were given treatments including new eye-glasses.
