From Abubakar Yunusa , Abuja
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has launched its Eco Club initiative with the adoption of Coronation Prep Academy, Abuja, as the first beneficiary school, marking a significant step in its youth-focused environmental advocacy under the Green Borders Initiative.
The Eco Club was unveiled during an Environmental Education Workshop held on 19 February 2026 at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall, TRADOC, Gwagwalada, bringing together government representatives, COWA members, Customs community residents, environmental stakeholders, and pupils to promote climate awareness and sustainable practices among young people.
Speaking at the event, COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the decision to begin the Eco Club rollout in schools reflects the association’s belief that long-term environmental sustainability must start with children. She described young people as critical partners in shaping greener communities and emphasised that the Green Borders Initiative is designed to translate environmental awareness into structured, measurable action across Customs formations nationwide.
“Instilling environmental responsibility at an early age is one of the most effective ways to secure a sustainable future. Through the Eco Club initiative, we are empowering children to become ambassadors of positive environmental change within their schools and communities,” she said.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Environment, Halima Bawa Bwari, Director of Forestry at the Federal Ministry of Environment, commended COWA for prioritising grassroots engagement and youth inclusion in climate action. She stressed that meaningful environmental progress begins with awareness at the community level, particularly among children and young people.
“Environmental stewardship does not rest on government alone; it starts with knowledge in our homes, schools, and communities. For this reason, environmental education must remain at the centre of our national effort,” she said.
She encouraged participants to adopt environmentally responsible habits, noting that tree planting, proper waste management, and conservation practices remain critical tools in addressing climate-related challenges.
A goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change praised COWA’s Green Borders Initiative as a timely and people-driven response to environmental concerns, highlighting the importance of community participation and youth involvement in building a culture of sustainability.
The workshop featured interactive sessions on climate change and its local impacts, the role of trees in environmental protection, and practical waste management using the 3Rs; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Pupils and participants also took part in demonstrations on waste separation and responsible consumption.
As part of outcomes from the engagement, COWA announced the establishment of structured Eco Clubs in schools, Monthly Clean Barracks Days, state-level tree planting programmes, and regular environmental education activities aimed at sustaining momentum across State Commands.
The adoption of Coronation Prep Academy as the first Eco Club school sets the tone for a broader national rollout, as COWA continues to expand its Green Borders Initiative through environmental education, youth engagement, and community-driven action aimed at fostering cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.
