The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has launched a major medical outreach and tree-planting programme to support border communities and promote environmental sustainability.

The twin initiatives — the Green Border Initiative and the Customs Cares Medical Outreach and Empowerment Programme — took place at the Seme Area Command Officers’ Mess, with over 1,000 residents benefiting from free medical care, empowerment tools, and community support.

A Legacy of Service and Compassion

The programmes were held under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, and the COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi.

Represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Muhammed Babandede, the CGC commended the partnership between Customs, other security agencies, and local leaders, describing the event as “a legacy of service and compassion.”

“We’ve seen true collaboration today. The challenges of insecurity and environmental degradation stem from climate change, which this initiative seeks to address. I urge that the Green Border Initiative be expanded across Nigeria to build awareness about tree planting and environmental protection,” he said.

The CGC assured residents that Customs will continue prioritizing the welfare of host communities, adding that the Seme programme is “just the beginning of broader engagements to improve border communities’ livelihoods.”

Empowering Communities Through Health and Skills

Comptroller Adewale Adenuga, Area Controller of Seme Command, said the initiative aligns with the CGC’s community welfare and outreach vision.

“We identified health as a key concern in border communities, and that’s why this outreach focuses on free medical care, laboratory tests, and eye screenings,” Adenuga explained.

The empowerment phase provided industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners, and ₦50,000 startup grants to beneficiaries. Donations also included ₦2 million from philanthropist Remi Adesanya, supporting widows and small-scale entrepreneurs.

“Each widow received ₦200,000 to start small businesses. When one person is empowered, a family is secured,” Adenuga added.

COWA Champions Environmental Action

In her remarks, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, COWA President, said the initiative was designed to restore the ecosystem and uplift women and youth through sustainable empowerment.

“Border communities have been neglected for too long. Through the Green Border Initiative, we are turning waste into wealth and empowering families. This project is going global because empowerment must go beyond borders,” she said.

She revealed that the programme, previously launched in Idiroko, will be presented at an upcoming international conference in Brazil to attract global partnerships.

New Arena Dedicated to COWA President

During the event, Customs unveiled a new multipurpose facility, the “Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena,” named in honour of the COWA President. The arena will host women-led initiatives and serve as a revenue-generating facility for community projects.

Medical Outreach and Tree Planting

The medical team, led by the Controller of Medical Services, offered free consultations, screenings, and medication to residents. Many beneficiaries were diagnosed with previously undetected health conditions, including hypertension.

“Some patients didn’t know their health status until today. This outreach is saving lives,” the controller said.

The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting ceremony, where dignitaries, traditional rulers, and security chiefs planted 30 coconut and palm trees, watered with a mix of water and sugar — symbolising “sweet future fruits.”

Community Leaders Commend Customs’ Impact

Traditional leaders and security representatives praised the initiative for its humanitarian and environmental focus.

Oba Akran of Badagry described it as “a historic and timely intervention that marks a new chapter in Customs’ community engagement.”

A representative from the 653 Nigerian Air Force Station, Badagry, lauded the initiative, saying:

“This is a model of empowerment that should be sustained across all border communities.”

Promoting Welfare, Climate Action, and Collaboration

Stakeholders noted that the Seme Customs and COWA partnership demonstrates the NCS’s broader vision under Dr. Adeniyi’s leadership — combining community welfare, climate action, and inter-agency collaboration for sustainable national development.