By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, is set to lead a climate advocacy walk themed “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen environmental sustainability, climate awareness, and community-driven ecological action across the country.
The initiative, which will commence from the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, is expected to bring together members of the Association, environmental advocates, community stakeholders, volunteers, and members of the public in a coordinated call for increased environmental consciousness and sustainable living practices.
The exercise forms part of COWA’s broader Green Borders sustainability drive, which promotes grassroots environmental stewardship through advocacy, public participation, and community-focused sustainability interventions. The campaign follows the Association’s recent nationwide “1,000 Trees in One Hour” initiative, which mobilised participants across multiple locations in Nigeria in support of climate action and ecosystem restoration.
Speaking ahead of the advocacy walk, Mrs Adeniyi described environmental sustainability as a shared civic responsibility requiring sustained collaboration and active citizen participation.
“If we are to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities, we must all recognise that environmental stewardship is a shared duty. This initiative is not simply about environmental advocacy; it is about inspiring responsibility, strengthening awareness, and encouraging collective action that can endure for generations,” she said.
She explained that the “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” campaign is designed to promote cleaner environments, encourage responsible environmental habits, and stimulate wider public conversations around climate change, waste management, and ecological preservation.
According to her, the initiative also reflects COWA’s growing emphasis on advocacy-driven sustainability programmes that combine awareness, participation, and measurable social impact.
“Our vision is to make environmental consciousness a way of life in our communities. Through the Green Borders initiative, we want to inspire local ownership, encourage partnerships, and build a nationwide movement where sustainability is driven not only by policy, but by people,” Mrs Adeniyi added.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR as well as Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, are expected to participate in the exercise alongside other notable dignitaries, demonstrating institutional support for climate advocacy and environmental sustainability initiatives.
The campaign is also expected to reinforce collaboration among government agencies, communities, environmental groups, and institutional stakeholders, while encouraging Nigerians, especially women and young people, to play more active roles in protecting the environment and supporting long-term ecological preservation.
Participants at the event are expected to use the platform to amplify calls for greener communities, sustainable environmental practices, and stronger public engagement in addressing climate-related challenges affecting the country.
With the planned advocacy walk, Mrs Adeniyi continues to advance COWA’s role in community-based environmental mobilisation, while strengthening public awareness on the importance of collective environmental action and sustainable development.
