Tinubu ’s wife urges women to spread messages of hope, compassion

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday, emphasised the need for women to spread the message of care and compassion beyond families.

Mrs. Tinubu disclosed this in Abuja, at the relaunch and Investiture of Patrons / Patronesses of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), with the theme: ‘COWA 2.0: Shared Values, Integrated Community’.

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, restated her commitment to women empowerment in addressing economy challenges.

She said: “What makes our nation truly special is not only our shared political beliefs, but also our collective ideals and core values, such as compassion, respect, integrity, and empathy. These are the fundamental principles that form the foundation of a strong and cohesive community. Each and every one of us holds the responsibility to uphold and celebrate these values.

“I urge all of you to spread the message of care and compassion beyond our borders, extending our support to those who are disadvantaged. As women, we have a unique role to play in shaping the future. We are the pillars of our society.

“It is essential that we introspect and instill these values in the younger members of our community. As caregivers and homemakers, the well-being and progress of our home lie heavily upon our shoulders. We must also be the support system for our husbands to succeed in their professional job.”

The president of Customs Officers Wives’ Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, revealed that the association’s intention was to empower no fewer than 1,200 of its members with relevant vocational skills.

The association also announced plans to provide food and other humanitarian support to about 100,000 less-privileged, across the country, before the end of 2024.

She said: “The COWA is planning to establish nursery, primary and secondary schools across major border communities, and even within cities and towns to offer decent, qualitative and affordable education to the children and wards of serving and retired customs officers.

“The schools will reduce the financial burden of Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. it will also enable us to include in our children high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service.”

She further called on Nigerians to help the association realise N500m to implement its various projects.

Also speaking, the Comptroller-general of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to officers’ welfare and pledged to support the COWA in its activities and urged them to sustain their good work.

Adeniyi said: “Under the leadership of the newly appointed Secretary General of Customs organisation, gender equality has been identified as top priorities. It is widely acknowledged that the more balanced of workforce leads to greater innovation, effectiveness and sustainability.

“At Nigeria Customs Service, we have wholeheartedly embraced this vision. We have made significant progress in achieving gender balance with our women’s holding key positions across the department, especial units and commands.

“We remain steadfast committed to gender equality, focusing on creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the best of their abilities.”

He commended COWA for its efforts towards improving the welfare of Customs’ personnel’s wives and children, particularly the widows.