The National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has organised a free medical check-up and distributed nearly 100 electric upper arm blood pressure monitors to officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and COWA members.
Speaking at the Nigeria Customs Service Management Quarters in Abuja on Thursday, 15 July 2025, during the exercise, Mrs Adeniyi said, “this initiative is part of COWA’s effort to encourage the wives of Customs officers to keep their families healthy.”
The COWA national president, who described hypertension as a chronic medical condition that contributes to the development of numerous diseases and silently kills people, also stated, “the good news is that hypertension is preventable and manageable with early detection and proper care.”
The CGC’s wife enjoined all Customs officers’ wives to encourage their husbands to embrace the culture of monitoring their health status, whether at home or in the field, adding, “through simple and accessible methods such as manual or digital blood pressure monitors, individuals can stay informed about their health.”
She explained that the outreach was initiated out of a desire to prioritise the wellbeing of officers and their families who often lack time for routine check-ups due to demanding schedules.
“What we’re doing today is very dear to us. We realised that many of our people don’t have time to go to the hospital for regular check-ups. So we decided to bring the checks to them. If they can’t come to us, we will come to them because their health matters.” She said.
Mrs Adeniyi recalled past sensitisation efforts carried out by the association in Customs barracks, where residents were educated on the dangers of hypertension, adding, “we’ve gone to some of our barracks to sensitise our people on how deadly hypertension can be. It’s not something to take lightly.”
She also noted that last year, the association carried out a similar initiative at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters and provided digital blood pressure monitors to officers.
“This year, we’re doing the same. We’re giving out upper arm BP monitors, so that in the comfort of their homes, they can keep track of their health. We’re also checking their sugar levels today, and for those who need follow-up, we’ll ensure they receive the necessary care.” She added.
Speaking, the Head of Gynaecology at the Customs Hospital and officer in charge of the programme, Comptroller Dr. Sadiya Baba, provided further insight into the nature and impact of the medical outreach.
She said the team was offering a range of essential screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, and basic vitals such as weight and body mass index (BMI).
She said, “We are also educating beneficiaries on lifestyle changes and referring a few for follow-up where necessary.”
When asked about the most prevalent health concerns observed so far, Dr Baba revealed, “Hypertension remains the most common issue among both men and women. We’ve also noticed a growing number of people with elevated blood pressure, which is worrying. Many of them don’t even know they have these conditions.”
On the general health consciousness of officers, she noted: “Today’s turnout is encouraging, and it shows that awareness is growing. However, many still wait until symptoms become severe before seeking medical attention.”
She commended COWA and Mrs Adeniyi for their consistency and compassion. “This is not just medical care, it’s leadership through empathy. The Customs community is fortunate to have such proactive support.”
One of the beneficiaries, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Mutshiol Anthonia, expressed her gratitude to the association for the initiative.
She said, “this visit is timely and shows that we are valued and cared for. May God bless the association for their kindness.”
