The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Oyo/Osun Chapter, has launched a series of humanitarian visits to support vulnerable children and widows, highlighting its commitment to social welfare.

Led by Chairperson Mrs. Omowunmi Adewole, the association visited the Ibadan Motherless Babies Home and the House of Providence Special School for Children with Intellectual Disability, bringing gifts and engaging personally with children in care.

“Every child deserves an opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel valued,” Mrs. Adewole said. “Our outreach reinforces the importance of love, care, and inclusion for all children, especially those in motherless homes or with special needs.”

Recognizing Leadership and Dedication

Mrs. Adewole expressed gratitude to Dr. Mrs. Adeniyi Kikelomo, the National President of COWA, for her guidance and leadership, which she said continues to inspire members nationwide.

She also commended the caregivers and management of both institutions, describing their work as “impactful and deserving of recognition.”

Extending Support to Widows

In addition to supporting children, COWA reached out to widows of Customs officers, presenting items to assist them and reaffirming the association’s commitment to the welfare of officers’ families.

“Even small acts of kindness can create lasting hope and positive change,” Mrs. Adewole added. “COWA remains committed to making meaningful contributions to society.”

Why It Matters

COWA’s outreach underscores the role of professional associations in complementing government welfare efforts. By supporting children and widows, the association fosters inclusion, social solidarity, and community development—values aligned with the principles of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Acting Customs Area Controller for Oyo/Osun, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, visited two prominent traditional leaders on 12 March 2026 to enlist their support in the fight against smuggling.

The visits to the palaces of the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, are part of a wider stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at mobilizing community cooperation in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.

Why It Matters

Smuggling remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s economy, undermining revenue generation and distorting trade. Customs officials say engaging traditional institutions can help enforce regulations at the community level and raise public awareness about the economic impact of illicit trade.

“Traditional authorities play a crucial role in maintaining peace, security, and order within communities,” DC Adewole said. “We are committed to our mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, and we need community leaders to help sensitize residents about the dangers of smuggling.”

Community Leaders Respond

Oba Adeyeri III of Iseyin praised the Customs Service for its efforts, assuring that his institution would support initiatives aimed at discouraging illegal trade and promoting lawful commerce.

Similarly, Oba Ghandi Olaoye of Ogbomosho described the visit as “timely and commendable,” pledging that his people would assist the Nigeria Customs Service in combatting smuggling and fostering legitimate trade.

“These engagements strengthen operational effectiveness and demonstrate the value of local partnerships in economic governance,” DC Adewole added.

What’s Next

The Oyo/Osun Area Command plans to expand such outreach, engaging more traditional authorities and community stakeholders to ensure the success of anti-smuggling campaigns and sustainable economic growth.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has sworn in a new set of Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State, urging them to improve performance and strengthen service delivery across government institutions.

The ceremony took place on Friday at International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, where the governor said the appointments were part of wider reforms aimed at making the public service more efficient.

He said the civil service remains the backbone of governance, responsible for implementing policies regardless of political changes.

“The Public Service is a time-tested institution that drives the delivery of government policies and programmes. Government changes hands from time to time but the Public Service remains constant,” the governor said.

Why the appointments matter

The swearing-in comes as the Ondo State government seeks to modernise its public sector and strengthen policy implementation.

Permanent Secretaries are the most senior career officials in ministries and agencies, responsible for managing budgets, coordinating programmes and ensuring government decisions are carried out.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said many of the newly appointed officials had served for years in acting capacities without the full benefits of the position.

“You have distinguished yourselves through hard work, diligence and perseverance,” he told the officials.

“A significant number of you have acted in the capacity of Accounting Officers for considerable periods without commensurate remuneration, yet you continued to give your best.”

He described their appointment as recognition of their service and dedication.

Push for stronger civil service

The governor said his administration has prioritised strengthening the state workforce.

According to him, the government has recruited more than 4,000 personnel across teaching, medical, legal, agricultural and administrative sectors.

He also said the state has maintained regular staff promotions and cleared salary obligations.

Aiyedatiwa added that his government was working to clear inherited gratuity liabilities owed to retired workers.

“We remain committed to offsetting outstanding retirement benefits within the shortest possible time,” he said.

The governor also urged the new permanent secretaries to demonstrate transparency and professionalism in their roles.

“You must be exemplary in conduct, uphold transparency and accountability, and remain politically neutral in line with the Public Service Rules,” he said.

Call for humane leadership

Governor Aiyedatiwa reminded the officials that their roles involve managing people as well as policies.

He urged them to show empathy toward junior officers and avoid harassment in the workplace.

Permanent Secretaries, he said, serve as the key link between political leaders and career civil servants.

Their performance, he added, will determine how effectively government policies reach citizens.

Public service leadership reacts

The Head of Service in Ondo State, Bayo Philip, said the appointments mark the beginning of a new phase of responsibility for the officials.

“Your appointment marks the beginning of a new phase of responsibility and service to the state,” he said.

He urged them to justify the trust placed in them by demonstrating diligence, loyalty and commitment.

Philip also praised the governor for continuing reforms aimed at strengthening the public service.

Permanent secretaries pledge commitment

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Steven Rotimi Aworere thanked the governor for the opportunity.

He described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility.

“We fully understand the weight of the duties entrusted to us,” he said.

Aworere added that the new officials would work to advance government policies and improve public service delivery.

What’s next

Governor Aiyedatiwa said this was the third promotion exercise in the state civil service since he assumed office.

Within two years, about 57 officers have been elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary.

The government says the promotions are part of a broader effort to boost morale and ensure continuity in governance.