By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
In a country where security challenges continue to dominate national discourse, the growing recognition of women as indispensable partners in peacebuilding and national development is gaining momentum. Across Nigeria’s security architecture, women are breaking barriers, demonstrating exceptional leadership, and contributing significantly to community safety, conflict prevention, and humanitarian support. Yet, many of these remarkable contributions often go unnoticed.
It is against this backdrop that the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is set to host the maiden edition of the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026, an initiative designed to celebrate women who have distinguished themselves in the nation’s security and law enforcement sector while promoting greater inclusion of women in peace and security governance.
One of the strongest endorsements of the initiative came from the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, who described the summit as a timely intervention that will not only recognise excellence but also inspire greater dedication to service among women committed to national security.
Mrs. Disu gave the commendation when she received a delegation of NAWOJ, led by its National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the POWA National Headquarters in Abuja.
For the POWA President, recognition is more than receiving an award—it is an encouragement to do more. Expressing gratitude to NAWOJ for finding her worthy of honour at the forthcoming summit, she noted that such recognition would strengthen her resolve to expand initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of police families and advancing the cause of women.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition. We are just starting, and by the grace of God, I hope to do even more,” she said, reflecting a commitment to service that has become synonymous with the Association’s welfare programmes.
The visit also provided an opportunity for NAWOJ to formally seek POWA’s partnership for the summit scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, while deepening collaboration on programmes that promote women, peace, security, and national development.
According to Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, the WINSEC Summit was conceived as a national platform that celebrates courage, professionalism, resilience, and sacrifice among women serving in Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions. Beyond honouring exceptional service, the initiative seeks to stimulate conversations on emerging security challenges and the strategic role women continue to play in building peaceful communities.
She explained that the summit will convene security agencies, policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media, and other key stakeholders to explore practical solutions for strengthening security governance while expanding opportunities for women in leadership.
For NAWOJ, the vision extends beyond a single event. The Association believes that showcasing successful female security professionals will encourage more young women and girls to consider careers in policing, the military, intelligence, corrections, immigration, civil defence, and other security institutions.
Comrade Ibrahim maintained that women possess unique skills in dialogue, mediation, conflict prevention, and community engagement—qualities that have become increasingly important in responding to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. She stressed that increasing female participation in decision-making and operational security structures is essential for building safer and more inclusive communities.
As part of preparations for the maiden summit, NAWOJ appealed to POWA to support the initiative through institutional collaboration, mobilisation, goodwill, and strategic partnership to ensure its success.
She further disclosed that recipients of the WINSEC Awards emerged through a transparent nationwide nomination process coordinated by NAWOJ State Councils, with nominees drawn from communities across the country based on outstanding contributions to security, public service, and national development.
The summit will also recognise distinguished Nigerians whose interventions have strengthened community policing, enhanced public safety, improved security infrastructure, and supported the welfare of security personnel. According to NAWOJ, celebrating such individuals will encourage greater public participation in promoting peace and national stability.
As the courtesy visit concluded, both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding partnerships that promote women’s welfare, strengthen national security, and create more opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and security governance.
With the inaugural WINSEC Summit fast approaching, the collaboration between NAWOJ and POWA reflects a growing national consensus that recognising excellence is not merely about honouring achievements—it is about inspiring a new generation of women to serve with courage, compassion, professionalism, and purpose.