The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) recorded a significant milestone on Thursday, May 22, 2025, as it held the maiden graduation ceremony of the COWA Skills Acquisition Centre in Karu, Abuja. The historic event celebrated the first batch of 100 women wives of gallant Customs officers who successfully completed training in a variety of vocational skills.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as graduates, adorned in ceremonial attire, processed into the venue amid applause. They had undergone intensive training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring, hairdressing, adire and bag making, catering, makeup, bedding, and fascinators.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Jane Itotoh welcomed dignitaries and guests, stressing the importance of economic empowerment for women in the Customs community. A highlight of the event was the graduates’ exhibition, which displayed impressive products made during their training.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, expressed immense joy and satisfaction at the programme’s impact. “Today marks the fulfilment of a noble vision and the beginning of new possibilities. These 100 courageous women have emerged from this programme not only empowered with skills but equipped with purpose,” she stated.
Mrs. Adeniyi announced that all graduates would receive full starter kits tailored to their respective skills to aid their entrepreneurial journeys. “These tools of the trade will enable our women to start their own businesses and contribute meaningfully to their households and society at large,” she added.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the COWA initiative, promised continued support from the Nigeria Customs Service. “I make a firm promise today that the Nigeria Customs Service will patronise the products and services of these women. We will also provide a generator for the centre to ensure uninterrupted training,” he assured.
He described the occasion as one of transformation and urged the graduates to use their new skills for personal growth and national development.
In her goodwill message, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Ogogo Musa, lauded the leadership of COWA for the bold initiative. She congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to remain focused on achieving economic independence.
The event was attended by representatives of sister organisations, including the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Their presence demonstrated strong inter-agency collaboration and support for women empowerment initiatives.
Certificates of excellence were awarded to the best-performing graduates in each skill category in recognition of their dedication and outstanding performance.
The graduation ceremony not only marked the success of the centre’s pilot programme but also reaffirmed COWA’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods among women in the Customs community.
Guests were later taken on a guided tour of the exhibition stands, where they witnessed the creativity, innovation, and high-quality output of the graduates—a true testament to the transformative power of skills acquisition.
