By Chi Aisha Chukwu, Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has thrown its weight behind the 2026 Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards, while opening the door to what could become a landmark partnership with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) aimed at equipping women journalists with cutting-edge digital skills.
The commitment emerged during a courtesy visit by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, and members of her delegation to the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The Director-General was represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnership, Dr. Aristotle Onumo.
The meeting marked more than a routine courtesy call. It signalled a shared determination to strengthen digital literacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking and responsible technology reporting among women journalists, while extending those benefits to communities across Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the NITDA Director-General, Dr. Onumo described collaboration as one of the pillars of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, noting that NAWOJ’s vision aligns perfectly with NITDA’s mission of building a digitally empowered and inclusive Nigeria.
He revealed that gender inclusion remains central to the agency’s operations, with about 40 per cent of its programmes deliberately designed to promote women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
According to him, NITDA is pursuing an ambitious target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2027 through partnerships with institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Federal Ministry of Education, universities and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Dr. Onumo expressed confidence that partnering with NAWOJ would significantly accelerate that vision.
“Women journalists are uniquely positioned to become digital ambassadors who can transfer knowledge to women in communities across the country. By working together, we can multiply our impact and bring digital opportunities closer to ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Beyond endorsing the WINSEC Summit, NITDA also invited NAWOJ to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining areas of collaboration, technical support and the agency’s role during the event.
The agency further proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalise the partnership, with clearly defined objectives, timelines and measurable outcomes.
Dr. Onumo also extended an invitation to NAWOJ members to participate in the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2026, describing it as Nigeria’s flagship government-backed technology conference that offers invaluable opportunities for digital learning, networking and innovation.
Also speaking during the meeting, NITDA’s Deputy Director of Cybersecurity, Dr. Ayo Bakare, urged journalists to embrace artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to remain relevant in an increasingly digital media environment.
He warned that AI-powered misinformation and disinformation now pose significant threats to credible journalism and national security, stressing that media practitioners must continuously strengthen their skills in cybersecurity, fact-checking and ethical digital reporting.
Dr. Bakare assured the association of NITDA’s readiness to support women journalists with the knowledge and digital tools required to combat fake news and navigate the evolving technological landscape.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, applauded NITDA’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through initiatives in artificial intelligence, innovation, cybersecurity, digital literacy and inclusion.
She explained that NAWOJ is seeking a strategic partnership that would enhance the digital capacity of women journalists while promoting responsible reporting on emerging technologies.
The NAWOJ leader also formally invited NITDA to partner with the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026, describing it as a unique national platform that will convene government institutions, security agencies, technology experts, policymakers, development partners, academia, civil society organisations and the media to explore innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
She appealed for NITDA’s support through technical expertise, sponsorship, institutional collaboration and active participation in the summit’s technology and security sessions, noting that the agency’s experience would enrich discussions on how digital innovation can strengthen national security.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both organisations expressing confidence that the proposed alliance would deepen digital inclusion, empower women journalists with future-ready skills, promote responsible technology reporting and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
For NAWOJ, the engagement represents another significant step towards positioning women journalists at the forefront of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital future, while reinforcing the importance of strategic partnerships in building a more inclusive, informed and technologically resilient society.