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COWA President Advocates Women’s Wellness, Empowers Apapa Customs Officers’ Wives
COWA President Advocates Women’s Wellness, Empowers Apapa Customs Officers’ Wives
The National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has called on officers’ wives to prioritize their health and well-being, emphasizing that a healthy mother is the bedrock of a thriving family.
Speaking at a sensitization and empowerment program held at the Apapa Customs Command in Lagos on Monday, Adeniyi highlighted the urgent need to address Nigeria’s rising maternal mortality rate, describing the situation as unacceptable in modern times.She expressed concern over recent maternal deaths resulting from childbirth complications, stressing that such tragedies are preventable with proper awareness, information, and timely medical intervention.
Health First, Prosperity FollowsThe program, themed “Healthy Wives, Wealthy Lives: Empowering Families, Enriching Lives,” was designed to encourage women to be proactive about their health through regular hospital visits and medical check-ups while balancing family responsibilities.
“There are so many medical advances and technologies available today, but many people are either unaware or indifferent to them. That’s why we’ve brought women together today—to sensitize them on the importance of regular hospital visits, proper health checks, and self-care while nurturing their homes and children,” Adeniyi explained.She urged mothers not to sacrifice their well-being for their families, stating: “God has given you children, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect yourself.
Take care of yourself first, and you’ll be better equipped to care for your husband and children.
If you’re not healthy as a wife, there’s no way your life or home will be balanced.
“Beyond Health: Economic Empowerment Adeniyi reiterated COWA’s dual mission of promoting health awareness and economic empowerment, particularly crucial given the frequent transfers customs officers face across the country.
“Our husbands can be transferred at any time, leaving wives to fend for themselves in Lagos or elsewhere. The empowerment initiatives ensure women don’t solely depend on their husbands’ income. We’re equipping them with skills and resources to generate sustainable income,” she said. She added that COWA events also provide opportunities for members to showcase and sell their products, combining fellowship with financial gain.Adeniyi encouraged officers’ wives who have not joined COWA to register, emphasizing the platform’s potential for idea-sharing and community impact.
Command Leadership Commends COWAIn his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, commended COWA’s achievements under Adeniyi’s leadership.”Your commitment to female empowerment has been truly encouraging. Women are not just part of the conversation—they are leading it, shaping it, and redefining what’s possible,” he said.Olomu highlighted COWA’s diverse initiatives, including skill acquisition programs, school construction, provision of learning materials, maternal health advocacy, care for special needs children, and artisanship grants. He urged beneficiaries to utilize their newly acquired skills to contribute positively to society and pledged the Command’s continued support for COWA’s initiatives.
Expert Health Talks The program featured presentations from several resource persons, including Mrs. Mabel Okeriafor, Mrs. Bukky Aluko, Mr. Tunde Adunola, and the Zonal Nursing Officer for Zone A, Comptroller Victoria Bishen.The speakers addressed critical warning signs women should monitor from pregnancy through childbirth to reduce risks associated with special needs children.Child development psychologist Mabel Okeriafor particularly emphasized that with proper information, sensitization, and regular prenatal care, the challenges of special needs children can be better managed or potentially prevented.
Empowerment in Action The event’s highlight was the distribution of empowerment kits, including industrial ovens and sewing machines, to officers’ wives at the Apapa Customs Command, providing them with tools to establish income-generating ventures.