COWA empower widows, vulnerable women, promote child immunization in Sokoto

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has rolled out a wide-ranging empowerment initiative in Sokoto State, targeting widows and vulnerable women while also championing child immunization against measles and rubella.

The programme, led by the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, was held o. Monday, at the Nigeria Customs Service Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, with the Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Fatima Ahmed, as special guest.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adeniyi said the initiative reflected COWA’s long-standing commitment to empowering women, uplifting widows, and improving public health.

 “We are here to impact lives and empower women because when you empower a woman, you empower a community,” she said.

“Through this initiative, we are supporting widows with starter packs to help them become self-reliant and contribute to the development of their families and communities.”

She also announced that COWA, under her leadership, had embarked on several humanitarian projects across the country, including the establishment of a health clinic in Illela, Sokoto State.

Mrs. Adeniyi further emphasized the importance of vaccination for children between zero and eight years, urging mothers not to neglect routine immunization against measles and rubella.

“Please do not be too busy to ensure your child gets vaccinated,” she urged.

 “Vaccination protects our children and secures our future.”

In her remarks, Dr. Fatima Ahmed, wife of the Sokoto State Governor, commended COWA for its humanitarian drive, describing the empowerment initiative as “a beacon of hope and resilience” for widows and vulnerable women in the state.

 “Today’s event represents hope, growth, and compassion. When you empower a woman, you empower a community,” she said. “This gesture shows that these women are not forgotten — our society stands firmly with them.”

Dr. Ahmed noted that the Sokoto State Government had trained thousands of women and youths in various skills and supported them with tools and start-up capital through ongoing empowerment programs.

She also highlighted the state’s ongoing tree-planting campaign as part of its commitment to tackling climate change and protecting the environment.

 “Trees symbolize life and sustainability. Our government is committed to greening Sokoto to safeguard the future of our children,” she added.

The Comptroller of Customs for Sokoto/Zamfara Command praised Mrs. Adeniyi for her leadership and commitment to women’s welfare, pledging the command’s continued support for COWA’s activities.

The event featured the distribution of food items and starter packs to widows and other beneficiaries.