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The President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has called for urgent and collective action to tackle maternal mortality in Nigeria, describing it as a tragedy that should no longer be occurring in today’s world.
Speaking at a COWA empowerment and sensitization program at the Apapa Customs Command on Monday, Mrs. Adeniyi lamented the recent loss of a few women during childbirth, emphasizing that such deaths are preventable with the right awareness and medical attention.
“Maternal mortality is something we should all put our hands on deck to tackle. People seem not aware of their options; that’s why we have brought women together to discuss it today,” she said.
According to her, the event’s goal was to sensitize women on the importance of regular hospital visits, antenatal checks, and self-care.
“As mothers, while nurturing children and supporting their husbands, it is important that the women remain healthy,” she stressed.
The event, themed “Empowering Families, Enriching Lives,” also featured the distribution of sewing machines, ovens, and other empowerment tools to participants.
Mrs. Adeniyi noted that the essence of COWA is to help women build sustainable livelihoods, especially given the frequent transfers that take their husbands away from home.
“We don’t just give them things to work with; we teach them how to manage funds and grow businesses. Some of the women you saw today just started training three months ago, and they already presented a cake made by them. That is the impact of what we do.”
She further highlighted COWA’s flagship initiative, the Healthy Wife Wealthy Life, designed to combine economic empowerment with health education.
The COWA President revealed that the initiative holds three sessions annually in Abuja, often bringing together women from sister associations, including those from the army and other paramilitary organizations.
“We also encourage women to bring their wares for display and sales during these gatherings. So, as we are having fun and exercising, we are also making money,” she added.
Mrs. Adeniyi reiterated COWA’s commitment to enriching lives through empowerment and education, saying the association would continue to expand its reach and encourage more participation from women across all Customs commands nationwide.
In his welcome remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked COWA for its passion and commitment to drive diversity, inclusion and female gender emancipation.
“With the work being done by COWA, you’re proving that empowerment isn’t just by words but actions. Your activities such as; skills acquisition, intervention at schools, care for special needs children, grants for businesses, among others are all commendable.
“The passion with which you go about COWA activities is very impressive. On behalf of the officers and men of Apapa Command, I assure you that the Command will always support COWA,” the Apapa Controller said.
