By Isabella Okon
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) by pledging full support and active participation in the maiden edition of the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026.
The assurance was given when the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja to formally invite the Corps to participate in the summit scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, Dr. Odumosu commended NAWOJ for conceptualising a national platform that promotes constructive engagement between the media and security institutions. He described the initiative as timely, visionary and essential to strengthening national development through strategic collaboration.
The Commandant assured the delegation that the NSCDC would provide every possible support to ensure the success of the summit despite the short notice.
“We will do everything within our capacity to be part of this summit. The NSCDC will continue to support NAWOJ at all times, and I look forward to building a lasting relationship through meaningful engagements that will benefit our institutions and the nation,” he stated.
According to him, the Women in Security Summit is a commendable initiative that should have been established years ago, stressing that sustainable national development requires a vibrant, responsible and professional media working in close partnership with security agencies.
Dr. Odumosu emphasized that stronger collaboration between journalists and security institutions would promote public trust, tackle misinformation, improve security awareness and contribute to policy development aimed at enhancing national peace and stability.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting greater participation of women in leadership and governance, expressing optimism that the proposed Special Seats Bill would create more opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Highlighting his recent appointment as the UNESCO National Focal Person on the Safety of Journalists, the Commandant pledged to work closely with NAWOJ and other media stakeholders to create a safer environment where journalists—particularly women—can carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence.
He disclosed that the proposed partnership would focus on advocacy, awareness creation, effective reporting mechanisms and sustained engagement with security agencies to enhance the protection of journalists nationwide.
Dr. Odumosu further proposed a broader institutional collaboration between the NSCDC and NAWOJ beyond the WINSEC Summit through capacity-building programmes and regular engagements involving NAWOJ chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Earlier, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, commended the NSCDC for its invaluable contributions to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, combating vandalism, illegal mining, crude oil theft and other economic crimes, while strengthening community-based security across Nigeria.
She explained that the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026 is designed as a high-level national platform that will bring together heads of security agencies, policymakers, diplomats, development partners, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, women leaders, young professionals and media practitioners to explore practical solutions for strengthening national security through inclusive leadership, strategic communication and institutional collaboration.
Comrade Ibrahim appealed to the Corps to partner with NAWOJ by supporting the summit, participating through the deployment of senior officers as delegates and resource persons, and contributing to the overall success of the initiative.
She expressed confidence that a stronger partnership between NAWOJ and the NSCDC would deepen public confidence, promote responsible journalism, improve the safety of journalists and contribute significantly to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The visit ended with both organisations expressing optimism that the renewed collaboration would strengthen media-security relations, enhance journalist safety and create greater opportunities for women to play more active roles in peacebuilding, security and national development.