By Nkechi Eze
The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has commended the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) for its role in equipping women with practical skills and empowering them to become self-reliant contributors to national development. She made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of the COWA Skills Acquisition Training Centre held recently in Abuja.
The event, which celebrated the achievements of participants who completed an intensive three-month training programme in ICT and entrepreneurship, attracted dignitaries from across the military, paramilitary, and law enforcement communities. The ceremony featured exhibitions, certificate presentations, and a showcase of products created by the graduating class.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Musa congratulated the graduands and charged them to become worthy ambassadors of the COWA Skills Acquisition Centre. She expressed satisfaction with the quality of training received by the participants and urged them to utilise their newfound knowledge to create meaningful impact in their communities.
“You are a lucky and privileged set of individuals. What you have gained here is more than just skill; it is empowerment. You must go out there with confidence and put these skills to good use. Build yourselves, support your families, and become positive examples to others,” she said.
Mrs. Musa further encouraged the graduates not to rest on their laurels but to continue to seek personal development and partnerships that would enhance their productivity and impact.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, lauded the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the graduates. He was visibly impressed by the exhibitions and the quality of products displayed.
“I am deeply inspired by the talents and determination on display today. This is what transformation looks like. These women have proven that with the right training and support, there is no limit to what they can achieve,” Mr. Adeniyi stated in his address.
He further advised the graduands to explore collaboration and networking as tools for success. “Don’t walk alone. Form alliances with one another. Together, you can pool resources, share ideas, and create thriving businesses beyond the support already given by the Centre,” he added.
The President of COWA and Chief Host of the event, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, expressed immense pride in the graduating participants, describing them as symbols of courage and determination.
“You have faced challenges, and yet here you are bold, skilled, and ready to shine. You must continue to lead with integrity, remain confident, and never lose sight of your goals. You have everything it takes to make a lasting impact in society,” she remarked.
Mrs. Adeniyi reiterated COWA’s commitment to empowering women and urged the graduands to defy limitations and become agents of change in their homes and communities. She concluded by wishing them prosperity, success, and a legacy that will endure.
Also in attendance at the colourful event were the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun; representatives of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), and Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA); as well as members of DEPOWA, and other dignitaries.
The event was marked by vibrant displays of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. Guests were taken on a guided tour of the various items produced by the graduands, ranging from fashion and textile crafts to household products and tech solutions.
Certificates and awards were presented to outstanding participants, while group photographs and lively social interactions added colour to the event. The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, with attendees applauding COWA’s continued strides in empowering women across the country.
