CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has flagged off the Green Border Day for the South-South and South-East regions in Port Harcourt.
In a statement signed by its National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, the group said the event is part of the ongoing COWA Green Borders & Sustainability Initiative (CGBSI), aimed at promoting environmental restoration and resilience in border and coastal communities.
The programme in Port Harcourt featured tree planting, community sensitisation, environmental clean-up exercises, and direct engagement with residents of border and maritime areas.
Addressing attendees, Mrs. Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of Rivers State as a key border and maritime hub, underscoring that protecting the environment in such areas is vital for national security, economic stability, and the wellbeing of local communities.
Mrs. Adeniyi praised several milestones achieved under the Initiative, including the successful National Sustainability & Green Borders Summit held in Abuja, the conduct of similar Green Border Days in multiple border communities across Nigeria, and Nigeria’s representation at COP30, where COWA presented the initiative on the international stage.
According to the statement, these accomplishments highlight COWA’s expanding influence in environmental advocacy and community empowerment.
Reaffirming COWA’s dedication, Mrs. Adeniyi pledged to deepen partnerships, empower women and youth, and continue support for efforts to rehabilitate border ecosystems.
She called for strengthened collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders to build greener, safer, and more resilient communities.
COWA urged residents, stakeholders, and environmental partners in Rivers State to sustain their support for the Green Border movement, reinforcing its place as a collective effort towards environmental protection and national development.
