The President of the Customs Wives Association of Nigeria (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, has launched a comprehensive empowerment programme under the Green Border Sustainability Initiative aimed at supporting women and boosting family livelihoods.
Mrs Adeniyi announced the development when she paid a courtesy visit to the Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Dr Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, at the Government House, Sokoto, North-west Nigeria.
She noted that the programme focuses on women’s economic empowerment, family welfare, and child health promotion.
The COWA National president urged women to see themselves as active partners in national growth by engaging in productive ventures capable of sustaining their families and reducing dependency for sustainable development in the country.
Mrs Adeniyi encouraged women to establish small-scale businesses from home, as well as contribute to household income and community resilience.
She also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of the ongoing National Immunisation Campaign against Measles-Rubella and other childhood killer diseases.
She described child immunisation as a “moral and social responsibility” essential to safeguarding the future of the nation.
Kikelomo noted that the Association has consistently supported women through vocational training, distribution of grinding and sewing machines, and financial assistance aimed at fostering self-reliance among women in Customs communities and beyond.
The COWA National president further called for stronger collaboration between the association and the Sokoto state government, particularly the Office of the First Lady, to advance initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, family welfare, and environmental sustainability in border areas.
In her remarks, the Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Dr Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, commended Mrs Adeniyi for the laudable initiatives, noting their direct impact on improving the lives of the people.
“I commend you for this laudable initiative and want to assure you of our full support for the success of the tasks ahead,” she said.
Dr Fatima Aliyu further highlighted the alignment of COWA’s activities with the ongoing efforts within Sokoto State.
“We wish to inform you that in Sokoto, we are also committed to improving the living conditions of our people through various government initiatives and interventions,” she added.
The Wife of the Governor assured Mrs Adeniyi that the State Government, through her office, would continue to partner with the Association to promote women’s empowerment and other initiatives in the state.