By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has officially launched the inaugural Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, a landmark initiative aimed at celebrating excellence and advancing the role of women in peace, security, and national development.
The historic event, held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, drew dignitaries from across the security sector, government, diplomatic corps, and civil society, marking a significant milestone in the association’s nearly four-decade journey.
In her welcome address, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, declared that “sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when women are recognised, empowered, and given a seat at the decision-making table.”
The Summit comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, and organisers believe women’s perspectives remain critically underutilised in addressing these threats.
The launch of WINSEC represents a crowning achievement for NAWOJ, which has spent 38 years championing professionalism and amplifying marginalised voices across Nigeria. The association’s journey has been marked by the sacrifices of visionary women leaders whose contributions Hajia Ibrahim honoured during her address.
”Each of our past leaders left an indelible mark and a unique legacy that continues to shape the identity and direction of NAWOJ,” she said, acknowledging the foundation laid by pioneer President Brenda Akpan and the contributions of subsequent leaders including Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, and Ladi Bala.
In what Hajia Ibrahim described as “one of the greatest milestones of this administration,” NAWOJ has secured a permanent national secretariat after nearly four decades of operating without a fixed address.
”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,” she announced.
The association now aspires to construct a befitting national secretariat that would serve as a centre for journalism excellence, leadership development, research, and professional training.
The Chairperson explained that the Summit was established to address a persistent gap in Nigeria’s security architecture.
”Across Nigeria, women continue to serve with distinction as military officers, police officers, intelligence personnel, correctional officers, journalists, humanitarian workers, community leaders, and peace advocates. Yet, many of these remarkable contributions often go unnoticed,” she noted.
WINSEC aims to change this narrative by providing a platform for meaningful dialogue among policymakers, security institutions, the media, and civil society, while recognising outstanding individuals whose dedication strengthens peace and security.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting Gender Equality, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Hajia Ibrahim used the occasion to invite governments, development partners, corporate organisations, and friends of the media to support the construction of NAWOJ’s national secretariat.
”We firmly believe that collaboration is the key to sustainable development, and this Summit is a reflection of that conviction,” she stated.
She expressed profound appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its unwavering support, as well as partners, sponsors, and volunteers who made the historic event possible.
