The National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said customs officers, especially those at the border areas, are battling enormous challenges daily in a bid to protect Nigeria’s economy.

According to her, the pressure and anxieties that come with the anti-smuggling battle are taking a toll not just on the officers but also on their families.

Mrs. Adeniyi spoke on Friday at Idiroko, Ogun State, during her visit to the headquarters of Ogun 1 Area Command.
During the visit, the COWA president awarded scholarships to 54 outstanding pupils from Nigeria Customs schools and distributed palliatives to over 50 widows of fallen customs officers.

In her speech, she maintained that as wives and mothers, they experience anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having loved ones on the frontlines.

Mrs. Adeniyi said, “As one of our country’s key border areas, Idiroko has long been a frontline in the battle against smuggling and cross-border crimes. The constant battle against smugglers, traffickers, and criminals often takes a toll not just on the officers but on their families as well.

“As wives and mothers, we know firsthand the anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having our loved ones on the frontlines.

“The threat of danger is ever-present, and the pressure on their shoulders can sometimes weigh heavily on us too—but I stand here today to encourage each and every one of you: Remain steadfast.”

The COWA president explained that the visit was meant to celebrate the achievements of the chapter and to show solidarity with officers and their families who bear the weight of this noble duty.

She urged officers’ wives to continuously seek ways to improve themselves through capacity building and skills acquisition.

“As COWA members, it is also crucial that we do not rest on our laurels. We must continuously seek ways to improve ourselves, particularly through capacity building.

“Capacity building equips us with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support our families better and contribute meaningfully to our communities. In a developing country like Nigeria, empowering women through education, training, and skills development is not just beneficial—it is essential,” she said.

She also urged the executives and members of the Ogun 1 Area Command chapter to maintain unity and harmony within the fold, saying, “We are stronger when we work together in love and understanding.”