In a strategic move to intertwine border security with environmental stewardship, the National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, officially inaugurated a cohort of “Green Border Ambassadors” on Monday at the Command Secondary School in Idiroko.
The ceremony, hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command, marks a significant expansion of COWA’s mission, transitioning from traditional humanitarian support to active ecological advocacy within Nigeria’s frontier communities.
Addressing a diverse gathering of customs personnel, educators, and students, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Ogun I, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, characterized the initiative as a historic milestone for the region.
He noted that the Sustainability and Green Border Initiative aligns perfectly with global environmental mandates, emphasizing that the prosperity of border towns depends as much on ecological health as it does on trade and security. According to Afeni, the command remains deeply committed to balancing its core operational duties such as revenue collection and anti-smuggling efforts with the urgent need for environmental preservation.
The program specifically targets the younger generation, positioning students as frontline advocates for sustainable practices. By appointing these school-based ambassadors, COWA aims to instill a culture of environmental responsibility that radiates from the classroom into the wider host communities.
Afeni praised Mrs. Adeniyi’s visionary leadership, noting that her approach has successfully elevated the association’s role to include high-level ecological stewardship. He further commended the Ogun I Chapter’s executive members for their grassroots mobilization, which he credited for the seamless implementation of this national sustainability vision.
As the new ambassadors take up their roles, the initiative is expected to bolster the bond between the Customs Service and its host residents. By fostering a “greener” border environment, the NCS and COWA believe they are laying the groundwork for more resilient and peaceful communities.
The launch concludes a series of strategic engagements aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s international gateways are not only secure and economically vibrant but also environmentally sustainable for future generations.
