The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has commenced the planting of trees to tackle environmental challenges in Nigerians Customs Service (NCS) formations and border communities in Sokoto State.
The Sokoto State COWA Chairperson, Mrs Hajara Idris-Aliyu inaugurated the exercise on Sunday in Sokoto.
Idris-Aliyu said the exercise was part of the National Green Border Initiative aimed at transforming border communities into sustainable, eco-friendly hubs that empower women and youths.
The chairperson, who is the Wife of the Comptroller, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, Mr Aliyu Isa-Ndako, charged the wives of customs officers and other members of the society to engage in lawful climate-friendly trades and other environmental friendly engagement.
She said the initiative aligned with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targeting empowerment for widows and low-income families.
She lauded the COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi’s vision and commitment to community service.
“It is about a movement of hope, responsibility, and transformation that connects our people, our borders, and our planet.
“A greener border environment is not just beneficial to our communities but also essential to maintaining safe and prosperous borders,” she said.
A Resource Person, Dr Bello Hassan-Almustapha, who delivered a lecture on the importance of trees to human lives and environmental sustainability, urged the stakeholders to increase commitment on climate change and resilient strategies.
Hassan-Almustapha dwelt on different species of trees suitable at different locations, values, nursing techniques and enjoined COWA to dedicate more efforts on awareness to ensure public ownership of the initiative.
The representative of the Sokoto State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mansur Yahaya, assured the customs officers’ wives of the commitment of the state government to partner in making the programme a success.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that COWA’s Green Border Initiative is a national campaign aimed at cleaning, greening, and empowering the border communities through sustainable and inclusive development.
