…Targets students as environmental ambassadors
…Promotes sustainable practices
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has launched a sustainability-driven Adopt-a-School campaign in Idiroko, Ogun State, positioning students as key drivers of environmental protection across border communities.
The initiative, unveiled on 16 March 2026 at the Command Secondary School football field, forms part of the broader Green Borders and Sustainability Initiative aimed at promoting environmental responsibility within Customs communities and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, described the programme as a deliberate effort to instil environmental consciousness in young people, noting that the campaign goes beyond symbolic action.
“Today is a very special day. It is special because today we are planting something much bigger than trees. Today we are planting responsibility, awareness, and leadership in the hearts of our children,” she said.
Adeniyi explained that the initiative was conceived against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, including flooding, plastic pollution, and rising temperatures, stressing that solutions must begin at the grassroots.
“These challenges may sound big and distant, but the truth is that solutions begin in the smallest places — our homes, our communities, and our schools,” she added.
She said the Adopt-a-School campaign would focus on equipping students with practical knowledge on tree planting, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship, while also establishing eco-clubs and promoting recycling practices.
Highlighting the choice of the pilot school, Adeniyi noted that COWA School, Idiroko, would serve as a model for other institutions across the country.
“This school now becomes a model for many others across Nigeria. Here, students will not only learn mathematics, science, and languages, they will also learn how to protect the earth,” she said.
Addressing the students, she urged them to take ownership of the initiative and embrace their roles as environmental advocates.
“From today, you are not just students. You are Young Green Guardians. Guardians of your school. Guardians of your community. Guardians of your future,” Adeniyi stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, described the visit of the COWA president as both historic and symbolic, noting that it reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and community development.
“Your visit today is not only historic but symbolic. It underscores the deep commitment of COWA under your purposeful leadership to promoting environmental sustainability, community development, and the welfare of families within the Customs community,” he said.
Afeni emphasised that the Green Border concept aligns with both national and global environmental priorities, adding that the command remains mindful of balancing trade facilitation, border security, and environmental preservation.
“This initiative comes as a welcome complement to our operational goals, particularly as we continue to strengthen partnerships with our host communities for peace, security, and prosperity,” he noted.
He also commended the leadership of COWA for expanding its scope beyond traditional humanitarian roles to include ecological stewardship.
“Your passion for the wellbeing of officers’ families and border communities is evident in this innovative step,” Afeni said.
The Customs chief further reaffirmed the command’s support for programmes that promote sustainable development, stressing that a greener border environment is critical to achieving safe and prosperous borders.
Participants at the event included chairpersons from various Customs commands, underscoring what organisers described as a collective commitment to environmental awareness across the Customs network.
COWA said the initiative would be expanded nationwide, with plans to support schools, encourage tree planting, and empower young people to take leadership roles in environmental protection.
