2025 Empowerment Programme: Customs, Oko Opo Foundation Renews Collaboration to Support Widows, Vulnerable Families

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups as it prepares for another round of widow-empowerment initiatives in partnership with the Oko Opo Widows Foundation.

OTN News further reports that the Comptroller of FOU A, MS Shuaibu, made the pledge on Tuesday while receiving the promoter of Oko Opo Foundation, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja. 

Speaking, Shuaibu praised the foundation’s consistent efforts in providing relief to widows, vulnerable children and other disadvantaged citizens.

He assured that the NCS “Care Scheme” will continue to align with the foundation in its humanitarian mission.

"We are grateful for what you are doing for us and for aligning with us. We will continue to align with you. We have received your message. We will deliberate on it and revert to you," Shuaibu said.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Adeyemo, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the Customs’ role in last year’s NCS Care Initiative outreach, which was carried out in collaboration with the Foundation. 

He said the support given by the Service left a lasting impact on widows who benefitted from the programme, especially in Ogun State.

He also reflected on a near-tragic encounter with a Customs operative on December 8, 2024, noting that what could have escalated negatively became an unexpected catalyst for a stronger relationship between the foundation and the NCS.

He said, "On behalf of the Oko Opo Widows Foundation, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to your esteemed organisation for your generous support towards the Oko Opo Widows Foundation during last year's Nigeria Customs Care Initiative outreach programme in collaboration with Oko Opo Widows Foundation, organized as part our continuous support initiative for widows.

"Your presence and contribution made a remarkable impact on the success of the event and brought great relief and encouragement to the beneficiaries, especially in Ogun State.

"In line with the Customs Care Programme, and in continued collaboration with the Oko Opo Widows Foundation, we humbly announce another empowerment programme for widows which is slated for December 26, 2025 at the Pelican Valley Estate Laderin, Abeokuta.

"We, therefore, humbly request your presence in this year's edition and once again, thank you for your commitment to community development and humanitarian service." ambassador Adeyemo added.

OTN News observes that the renewed collaboration is expected to boost social welfare efforts targeted at widows and vulnerable households across the region, reinforcing both organisations’ shared commitment to community development and humanitarian service.