COWA Intensifies Nationwide Campaign Against Climate Change

Customs Officers’ Wives Association has intensified campaign for environmental sustainability, urging Nigerians to take collective action against climate change through tree planting and environmental advocacy.

Speaking at the association’s “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” event in Abuja, representative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller-General Timing Bomodi, described the initiative as a major step toward promoting environmental sustainability and ecological preservation.

Bomodi said the campaign, which has already led to the planting of more than 1,000 trees, demonstrates COWA’s commitment to building a greener environment and improving public health.

He said the initiative, which began in border communities, should be expanded across Customs formations and other parts of the country.

According to him, establishing sustainable ecological systems within border communities would deliver long-term benefits for environmental health and national well-being.

“This is a remarkable green initiative by COWA and deserves commendation. Though it started at the borders, it should not end there. We want to see it replicated across the nation because a greener environment promotes healthier living,” he said.

Bomodi also stressed the importance of tree planting in improving air quality and creating healthier communities.

“The more trees and green leaves we have around us, the fresher the air we breathe,” he added.

President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the “Green Border Initiative” was aimed at raising awareness about climate change and its growing impact on communities nationwide.

She noted that climate change was no longer a distant concern, as both rural and urban communities were already experiencing its effects.

According to her, the initiative has already been implemented in border communities including Idiroko, Seme and Ufom, with plans underway to extend the campaign to more locations across the country.

“Climate change affects everyone, whether in border communities or urban centres. Pollution and poor air quality are issues that concern all of us,” she said.

Adeniyi explained that the association was not only planting trees for environmental purposes but also prioritising economic trees that could benefit future generations.

“The food we consume today exists because someone planted trees years ago. We are planting not only for today but for generations yet unborn,” she said.

She added that the association would continue expanding its advocacy beyond border communities into states across Nigeria to deepen climate awareness and environmental action.

Also speaking, the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate, Mariam Bukar Hassan, commended the initiative, describing climate change as a challenge with direct consequences for livelihoods and communities.

She urged Nigerians to stop viewing climate change as a distant issue and instead recognise its local effects, including desert encroachment and environmental degradation.

“When we talk about climate change, we must understand that it directly affects our people and communities. COWA taking the lead in supporting a greener Nigeria is highly commendable,” she said.

Hassan also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, non-governmental organisations and international bodies, including the United Nations, to support and expand the initiative.

She described the planting of over 1,000 trees within a short period as a significant achievement deserving broader support.

“I believe there are enormous opportunities for partnerships to help COWA expand what it is doing. Planting over 1,000 trees within such a short time is no small feat and is truly remarkable,” she added.