As part of effort to build a prosperous nation, the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) says it plans to train and empower 1,200 of its members in various skills, to enable them contribute meaningfully to the economy of their families and the society.
The National President, Customs Officers’ Wives Association, COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, unveiled the plan at the re-launch, investiture of Patrons/Patronesses and Fund-raising Dinner of the Association in Abuja, Nigeria.
She hinted that the training and empowerment started gradually last year to fulfill the Association’s mandate of extending support to the widows and children of fallen Customs officers as well as less privileged people in the society.
“It has been well established that investing in women is good for families, communities, and the national economy. Such investments pay dividends in terms of inclusive economic growth and human capital development. Investing in women’s economic empowerment also supports the drive to eradicate poverty.
“COWA is therefore determined to expand the economic opportunities of its members through significant investments in training and suitable empowerment programmes. Our plan is to train and empower 1,200 of our members in the course of this year, to enable them contribute meaningfully to the economies of their families and the society. We already started this training and empowerment gradually last year but our target this year is to spread it to a large number of our members in various parts of the country. We have also concluded plans to set up a fully equipped ultramodern COWA Skills Acquisition Centre here in Abuja where our members will receive regular training and retraining.”
Mrs. Adeniyi who expressed the belief that supporting the poor and needy not only benefits the economy but also improves society as a whole, said “over the past six months, we have supported many orphanages and brought smiles to the faces of many children, youths and even adults in various parts of the country. Our aim is to improve, contribute and promote equality for the less privileged and to advance their social and economic condition by providing education, food, shelter, health, clothing, employment programs and supports services to no fewer than 100,000 people before the end of this year.”
Mrs Adeniyi further explained that the organisation’s relaunch offers them an opportunity to bring the activities of COWA to the fore, while also raising funds from corporate organisations and spirited Nigerians for the implementation of their programmes and activities.
“COWA is planning to establish nursery, primary and secondary schools across major border communities, and even within cities and towns to offer decent, qualitative and affordable education to the children and wards of serving and retired Customs officers.
“The schools will reduce the financial burden of Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. It will also enable us to include in our children high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service, and in addition, we plan humanitarian aid and outreaches for 10,000 people across 36 states,” she said.
Comments are closed.