The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has inaugurated the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, calling for greater participation of women in peacebuilding and national security while seeking broad partnerships to strengthen the initiative.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, members of the diplomatic community and civil society organisations to discuss the role of women in promoting peace, justice and national development.
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Delivering her welcome address, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, said lasting peace and security can only be achieved when women are actively involved in decision-making processes.
“Sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when women are recognised, empowered, and given a seat at the decision-making table,” she said.
She noted that the summit was conceived to address the limited recognition given to women serving in Nigeria’s security and peacebuilding sectors despite their immense contributions.
According to Ibrahim, women continue to distinguish themselves as members of the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, correctional services, the media, humanitarian organisations and community-based peace initiatives.
“Across Nigeria, women continue to serve with distinction… Yet, many of these remarkable contributions often go unnoticed,” she stated.
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She explained that WINSEC would provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, security institutions, the media and civil society while recognising individuals making outstanding contributions to peace and national security.
The NAWOJ chairperson also announced a major milestone for the association, revealing that it has acquired land and secured a Certificate of Occupancy for its first permanent national secretariat after nearly 38 years.
“After almost thirty-eight years, our Association now owns land and has obtained its Certificate of Occupancy. This achievement represents more than property; it is a symbol of institutional stability and a legacy for future generations of women journalists,” Ibrahim said.
She said the association’s next objective is to build a modern national secretariat that will serve as a centre for journalism excellence, leadership development, research and professional training.
Ibrahim paid tribute to the association’s former national leaders, including pioneer President Brenda Akpan, Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole and Ladi Bala, describing their contributions as the foundation of NAWOJ’s growth.
She added that the summit aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to gender equality, peace, justice and strong institutions, as well as the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Calling for support, Ibrahim appealed to governments, development partners, corporate organisations and media stakeholders to contribute to the construction of the proposed national secretariat.
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“We firmly believe that collaboration is the key to sustainable development, and this Summit is a reflection of that conviction,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), development partners, sponsors and volunteers for supporting the successful launch of the maiden summit.
