COWA president, Kikelomo Adeniyi launches green border initiative, doles out empowerment tools, cash to widows at Seme.
COWA president, Kikelomo Adeniyi launches green border initiative, doles out empowerment tools, cash to widows at Seme.
Titi Adeleke
Seme-Badagry, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), has officially launched the Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena at Seme Border, transforming a formerly deserted refuse dumping site into a vibrant community center and coconut farm.
The arena, named in honor of Mrs. Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi, wife of the Comptroller General of Customs, was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests including Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, the Oba of Seme, traditional rulers, service chiefs, and other dignitaries.
The project marks a significant environmental rehabilitation effort in the Seme-Badagry corridor. The previously neglected area has been cleared and repurposed as part of the Green Border Sustainability Initiative, with coconut trees planted as a strategic economic resource.
Coconut cultivation has historically thrived in the Badagry area and represents a sustainable income source for the community.
During the ceremonial tree-planting exercise, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, alongside the Oba of Badagry, traditional rulers, and Customs officers, planted coconut trees using a traditional method that includes sugar during planting a local practice symbolizing sweetness and prosperity.
She also gave out waste bin to some of the dignitaries present the likes of the NDLEA,the oba of seme,and many more stating that any waste being deposited there comes back to them which will be refined and turned into wealth.
In a demonstration of commitment to community welfare, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi gave out Cash grants of ₦50,000 to each beneficiary, Sewing machines, Blenders, Makeup kits, Cooking gas cylinders as empowerment to the widow and members of the initiative hereby helping them survive and stand in on their own financially.
The Comptroller General of Customs further enhanced this initiative with additional support of ₦200,000 for each widow and ₦10 million toward the overall empowerment program, recognizing Mrs. Adeniyi’s outstanding contributions to community development.
Medical Outreach Program
Addressing critical healthcare gaps in the border community, the initiative includes a comprehensive medical outreach targeting approximately 1,000 residents. The program provides
-General medical consultations and treatment
– Free prescription eyeglasses for those requiring vision correction
-Free drugs
The Green Border Sustainability Initiative, championed by Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, seeks to create sustainable job opportunities for women and youth in border communities. With membership spanning Abuja, Badagry, and international locations, the initiative addresses the long-standing neglect of border populations through economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, and social development programs.
The Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena has been officially entrusted to the care of COWA, ensuring continuous community engagement and sustainable management.
Speaking at the event, the Seme Customs Area Comptroller, Comptroller Wole Adenuga praised Mrs. Adeniyi’s dedication saying, “Your name will be written in gold, both you and your husband because you have done tremendously well.
“This arena, named after you, we have handed to God and to the service of our border communities.”
The President of COWA also commended the initiative as more than just empowerment, describing it as a holistic approach to transforming lives in previously underserved border areas.
About the Green Border Sustainability Initiative
The Green Border Sustainability Initiative is a community development program focused on economic empowerment, environmental rehabilitation, and healthcare delivery in Nigerian border communities, with particular emphasis on supporting women, widows, and youth.
