On Monday, the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) celebrated Children’s Day with grandeur and joy at the Customs Barracks in Ebubu, Eleme, Rivers State. The event, organized by the Customs Area 11 Command in Onne Port Harcourt, highlighted the theme “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology: Promoting Inclusivity.”

The celebration was graced by Haj. Amina A. Babandede, COWA Chairperson for the Customs Area 11 Command, expressed her gratitude to the parents for bringing their children to the festivities. In her opening speech, Haj. Babandede praised her predecessor, Mrs. Yakaka Imam, for establishing a solid foundation for COWA. “I met a very well-laid foundation established by my predecessor, Mrs. Yakaka Baba Imam, and I will continue to build on that for the betterment of all COWA members,” she stated.

Haj. Babandede also thanked the COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her support and revitalizing COWA with her husband’s help, Comptroller General of Customs BA Adeniyi MFR. Miss Ọchị All-Round Success further elaborated on the day’s theme, emphasizing the importance of protecting Nigerian children from the dangers of online technology and encouraging parents to be more attentive to their children.

The event featured various games and competitions, bringing the children joy and excitement. Treasure Umezurike, one of the competition winners, expressed her gratitude to the organizers and encouraged her peers to remain focused and make their parents proud. Master Joseph Oko also praised COWA for organizing the event.

Mrs. Philomina Isibor, a COWA member, highlighted the organization’s objective of creating lasting bonds among members and thanked Haj. Babandede for the wonderful experience. She emphasized the importance of such events in empowering women and encouraging them to harness their potential.

Superintendent of Customs (SC) Leticia Ikegwuonu, the COWA liaison officer for Area II Customs Command Onne, reiterated COWA’s mission of empowering Customs Officers’ wives and contributing to society. She praised Haj. Babandede for ensuring the event’s success and for extending the National President’s fellowship to show love to the children through various activities, including quizzes, fun games, and a bouncing castle.

The celebration concluded with the distribution of educational tools such as exercise books and stationery to the children, leaving them with smiles and fond memories of the day.

Written by Bon Peters, Port Harcourt, Rivers State