The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) on Friday launched its first Green Border Day in Seme, Lagos State, marking what the association describes as a major step in its ongoing push for environmental sustainability across Nigeria’s border communities.
The event, held under the theme “Our Borders, Our People — Greening Communities for a Sustainable Future,” drew participants from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), climate advocacy groups, border community leaders and youth volunteers.
In a statement issued after the event, COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the initiative is part of a nationwide campaign designed to promote climate consciousness, improve border-area sanitation, and empower women and youths through green skills.
Mrs Adeniyi said the programme builds on resolutions from the recently concluded COWA Green Borders and Sustainability Summit in Abuja, where the association announced the establishment of the COWA Sustainability and Innovation Centre, a hub expected to support climate education and green entrepreneurship.
She said, “What began in Abuja as an idea has now taken shape in Seme. Through this initiative, we aim to plant over 5,000 trees, train 1,000 women and youths in recycling and green enterprise, and set up solar-powered eco-hubs across border communities.”
Activities at the Seme launch included tree planting, community clean-ups, waste-sorting demonstrations and recycling training sessions.
In the same vien, market women and youths all participated in what organisers described as a symbolic commitment to sustaining the project through monthly “Clean Border Days.”
Mrs Adeniyi commended the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and other partners for supporting what she called a “community-driven pathway to environmental responsibility.”
She also disclosed that COWA will present the Green Borders initiative at the global stage during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where the association will host a Side Event on 17 November 2025 at the Nigerian Pavilion.
“We are taking the story of COWA’s Green Borders Sustainability Initiative to the world. Border communities are not only centres of trade; they are also frontline environments in need of protection, and Nigerian women are leading this transformation.” She added.
The Green Border Day, according to Mrs Adeniyi, will continue in border locations across the country over the next year, including Idiroko, Jibia, Illela, Maigatari, Mfum and Calabar.
She added that, “The programme will culminate in the publication of a National Green Borders Impact Report and the commissioning of the new Sustainability and Innovation Centre during COWA’s next national summit.”