The National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has commission the newly rebranded COWA Secretariat at Tin Can Island Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
While unveiling the facility in Lagos on Monday, Mrs. Adeniyi described the modern edifice as a legacy that will serve as a beacon of hope for COWA members at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
Her words: “This development marks a significant attainment for COWA as an association, it underscores NCS’s support, commitment and solidarity that defines Customs Officers Wives Association. Today, we have gathered to celebrate and inaugurate the new Secretariat of COWA Tincan Island Chapter and also give out palliative items to widows in our community and COWA members being empowered.
“Allow me to begin by commending a leader with a vision that has left an indelible mark on the TCIP Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni. Under your distinguished leadership, the TCIP Customs Command has not only surpassed an extraordinary revenue milestone of N1trillion but also uplifted the face of Tin Can Island Port. This is no small feat and we salute your profound leadership that has transformed this Customs Command.
“This achievement not only enhances the efficiency at the Command, but will also inspire pride in all those who serve here. Moreso, your support for COWA is deeply appreciated and your efforts to provide an office for COWA within this Command underlines your understanding of COWA noble goals and initiatives.”
Mrs. Adeniyi equally commended the COWA Tin Can Chapter Chairperson, Mrs. Chinelo Dera-Nnadi for leading the COWA Tin Can chapter with excellence and an unwavering sense of purpose.
Earlier, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) in-charge of Zone A Lagos, Charles Orbih, extolled the renovated TCIP Customs administrative office and new COWA Secretariat at TCIP.
ACG Orbih, who was making his first official outing as Zonal Coordinator, remarked that the role of our officers extends far beyond the purview of their offices and COWA represents a body of people who care for the homes and families of Customs officials.
“Most times, it is also this group (COWA) who bear the brunt of the sacrifices made by Customs officers to the nation. The establishment of this secretariat is a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive community for the remarkable COWA members. It will be a hub for networking and empowerment. As we commission this COWA secretariat, let us take a moment to recognize the crucial role that families play in the overall effectiveness of Customs officers and their operations.”
In her welcome remarks, the Chairperson, COWA Tin Can Island Port Chapter, Mrs. Chinelo Dera-Nnadi, posited that it was both an honour and a pleasure to welcome Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi, FMPC, the National President of the COWA, and her distinguished team of national executives to the grand occasion.
According to Chinelo, the formal commissioning of the newly rebranded secretariat and the Skill Acquisition Program of the Tin Can Island Command chapter of COWA is in line with COWA’s mission to equip women with the tools they need to attain economic independence through education, sensitization, and capacity building.
Her words: “Our vision at COWA is clear: to ensure that every wife of a customs officer is free from poverty and empowered to achieve self-sustainability. In line with this mission and vision, we are privileged today to have our National President commission the newly revamped secretariat.
“Additionally, we are proud to recognize some of our members who have completed the following skill acquisition programs: Multi-purpose liquid soap production, pastry baking, and production of all-purpose seasoning powder.”
However, she seized the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni and his incredible team for their unwavering support which was crucial to bringing the project to fruition.
“Achievements are best celebrated when shared, and for that, we thank our National President for her generous donation and ongoing encouragement. Her contribution has been invaluable in making today possible.
“Today’s achievements are just the beginning they are the steppingstones to future successes. I encourage all of my members to continue working hard and supporting our National President and her team, so that COWA may continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.” she added.
In his remarks, the Area Controller, TCIP Command, Comptroller Nnadi, extolled the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership and goal-oriented approach which provided the platform for the transformational changes at the Command.
Noting that 2024 was declared the year of stakeholders at the Command, he expressed gratitude to all categories of stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the infrastructural transformation at the Command as well as the historic N1trillion revenue collected.
The event was graced by several maritime stakeholders including the Vice President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Princess Chi Ezeh; Vice Chairperson, AML Bonded Terminal, Mrs. Affiong Ibanga; as well as senior Customs officers in the rank of Deputy Controllers and Assistant Controllers at TCIP Command.
