The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) has advised secondary schools to introduce business studies and teach students how to generate income beyond white-collar jobs.
The National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, emphasized this during her visit to Idi-Iroko, Ogun State, last Friday, where she awarded scholarships to 54 outstanding pupils from Nigeria Customs’ schools and distributed palliatives to over 50 widows of fallen customs officers.
Mrs. Adeniyi stressed the importance of introducing children to business skills early to help tackle the nation’s economic challenges.
She noted that this aligns with the First Lady’s, Remi Tinubu vision of fostering a business-oriented mindset in women and children to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
To support this initiative, she presented a business book authored by the association’s General Secretary to the principal of a secondary school, encouraging its inclusion in the school’s library for student use.
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During her visit to the headquarters of Ogun 1 Area Command, Mrs. Adeniyi highlighted the immense challenges faced by customs officers, particularly those stationed at border areas like Idi-Iroko, who are tasked with protecting Nigeria’s economy from smugglers and cross-border criminals.
She acknowledged the toll this duty takes on officers and their families, noting that wives and mothers experience significant anxiety and fear due to the constant dangers their loved ones face.
“As wives and mothers, we know firsthand the anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having our loved ones on the frontlines,” Mrs. Adeniyi said. “The threat of danger is ever-present, but I stand here today to encourage each and every one of you to remain steadfast.”
The COWA president explained that the visit aimed to celebrate the chapter’s achievements and show solidarity with customs officers and their families.
She urged the wives of officers to invest in capacity building and skills acquisition to better support their families and contribute to their communities.
“In a developing country like Nigeria, empowering women through education, training, and skills development is not just beneficial—it is essential,” Mrs. Adeniyi said.
She also called on the executives and members of the Ogun 1 Area Command Chapter to maintain unity and harmony within the association, emphasizing that “we are stronger when we work together in love and understanding.”
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