The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has intensified its campaign against maternal mortality, describing preventable deaths during childbirth as an urgent national challenge that must be addressed.
The Association drove its health advocacy through the “Healthy Wife, Wealthy Lives” initiative, which held a sensitization programme at the Apapa Area Command.
The event focused on educating members on Maternal Health, Child Development, and Family Planning.
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In her address, the National President of COWA, Kikelomo Adeniyi, stressed the need for collective action to tackle the issue.
She specifically highlighted the recent deaths of women during childbirth, stating that such incidents shouldn’t happen at this age, and emphasised that increased awareness and accessibility to quality healthcare are vital for saving lives.
Adeniyi explained that the program was designed to educate women on the importance of regular hospital visits, consistent check-ups, and self-care while effectively managing family responsibilities.
She affirmed that the core mission of COWA is empowering people, impacting lives, with a focus on ensuring members have sustainable means of livelihood and the health information necessary to remain alive and strong.
Commending the initiative, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, noted that COWA’s efforts reflect a significant commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment.
He praised the women for not just participating in the conversation but leading it, shaping it, and redefining what’s possible, stating that their work demonstrates that empowerment is about action, opportunity, and creating systems that lift everyone up.
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Other Customs Area Controllers present at the event pledged their full support for COWA’s programmes.
The event ended with the distribution of skills acquisition tools, including sewing machines and industrial ovens.
