ZAINAB JUNAID
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Ogun 1 Area Command has organised a 2-day free medical check-up and distributed drugs, eyeglasses to Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), COWA members, other security agencies and host communities.
COWA Chairperson of Ogun I Area Command, Mrs. Fausat Ajoke Otunla, and some members of the association
According to a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the exercise, which was held on Thursday, 30th October and Friday, 31st October 2025, at the Idiroko border, benefited over 450 people.
COWA Chairperson of Ogun I Area Command, Mrs. Fausat Ajoke Otunla
Speaking during the event, the COWA Chairperson of Ogun I Area Command, Mrs. Fausat Ajoke Otunla noted that the initiative is part of the association’s resolve to improve the health status of its members and families.
“It is also part of our commitment to drive sustainability, people’s empowerment and promote the welfare of our members, families and host communities”.
Speaking on behalf of the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, she emphasised that the exercise also aligns with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremin Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focused on empowering widows, supporting children and vulnerable families.
The Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, benefitting from the medical outreach
In his opening remarks, the Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla said the exercise reinforced the association’s commitment to the wellbeing of its members, their families and host communities including: youths, women, children, and aged people.
Other COWA members and the Chairperson, Ogun 1 Command
According to him, it aligns with the policy thrust of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in maintaining mutual beneficial relationships with sister agencies and host communities.
“The association is passionate about the health and safety of the people in the communities we operate, and we uphold the maxim “Customs cares”, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative,” he added.
Also, the Officer in charge of the Command’s medical Centre, Superintendent of Customs Dr. Abdulmalik Zakariyya lauded the association for the initiative, stressing the need to maintain quality health.
Some of the medical team attending to beneficiaries
To him, Health is not just the absence of disease, it is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
“Unfortunately, many people only think about their health when illness has already set in, taking deliberate steps to stay well and detect diseases early. Preventive care is like staying away from danger. It is just like popular saying prevention is better than cure.
“Our bodies need periodic maintenance and that is how to identify silent killers like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain cancers before they cause damage,” he stressed.
Zakariyya informed that the 20 man medical team that conducted the exercise included: 2 Medical Doctors, 1 Pharmacist, 2 Pharmaceutical technicians, 4 Nurses, 4 Medical records, 3 Opticians and 4 lab technicians.
The two-day exercise offered blood pressure checks, hepatitis screening, free medical consultation, drug distribution, free eye screening, blood sugar screening, obesity assessment and medications.
