In a demonstration of compassion and commitment to community well-being, the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Ogun I Command, has organized a two-day free medical outreach for officers, security agencies, and residents of its host communities.
The outreach, which took place at the command headquarters, provided a range of free healthcare services including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hepatitis screening, eye examinations, obesity assessment, medical consultations, and the distribution of free drugs and eyeglasses.
Declaring the event open, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, commended the initiative, describing it as a key part of the association’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and an extension of the service’s people-oriented policies. He noted that the programme aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Ph.D, which emphasizes community engagement and welfare.
According to a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, Public Relations Officer for the Ogun I Command, the outreach underscores COWA’s unwavering commitment to health and safety within its host communities.
“The association is passionate about the well-being of people in the communities where we operate. In line with the CGC’s vision of mutual cooperation, this initiative reinforces our belief that ‘Customs cares,’” the statement read.
Speaking during the event, the COWA Chairperson, Ogun I Command, Mrs. Fausat Ajoke Otunla, who represented the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, reiterated the association’s focus on sustainability, empowerment, and the welfare of women and children.
She explained that the initiative aligns with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which advocates for the empowerment of widows, protection of vulnerable families, and care for children.
“COWA remains committed to improving the health and welfare of not only customs families but also those in our surrounding communities,” Mrs. Otunla stated.
The Command’s Medical Officer, Superintendent of Customs Dr. Abdulmalik Zakariyya, praised COWA for the initiative, stressing the importance of preventive healthcare.
“Health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Preventive care helps us detect silent killers such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol before they cause damage,” he said.
Dr. Zakariyya revealed that the 20-member medical team included two doctors, one pharmacist, two pharmaceutical technicians, four nurses, four medical records officers, three opticians, and four laboratory technicians.
The outreach, which benefitted over 450 participants, was widely commended by community members and security personnel who described the exercise as timely, impactful, and a testament to COWA’s humanitarian spirit.