By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has successfully launched the maiden edition of the Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, a landmark initiative designed to promote dialogue on security, celebrate exceptional leadership, and recognise individuals whose contributions have strengthened peace, security and national development in Nigeria.
The colourful event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, attracted an array of distinguished personalities from government, the security sector, the diplomatic community, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the media.
One of the major highlights of the historic summit was the presentation of the WINSEC Grand Award to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rt. Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to national development, and unwavering support for initiatives that promote peace, security, good governance and the empowerment of women in his Constituency, Biu, Bayo, Kwaya and Shani.
The prestigious honour underscored Betara’s contributions to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing developmental initiatives that have positively impacted communities across the country. His recognition at the maiden edition of WINSEC reflected the organisers’ commitment to celebrating individuals whose leadership continues to inspire national progress.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, described the summit as a defining moment in the association’s 38-year history, stressing that sustainable peace and national security can only be achieved when women are fully recognised, empowered and actively involved in decision-making processes.
According to her, Nigeria’s evolving security challenges require inclusive approaches that embrace the perspectives, expertise and leadership of women across all sectors.
She noted that WINSEC was conceived to bridge the existing gap in recognising the invaluable contributions of women serving in the military, police, intelligence agencies, correctional services, journalism, humanitarian organisations, community leadership and peace-building efforts.
“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 said.
Hajia Ibrahim explained that the summit provides a strategic platform for policymakers, security agencies, the media and civil society to exchange ideas on strengthening national security while honouring individuals and institutions whose service has made a lasting impact on the nation.
She also described the launch of WINSEC as one of the landmark achievements of her administration, alongside NAWOJ’s successful acquisition of land and a Certificate of Occupancy for its permanent national secretariat after nearly four decades.
According to her, the proposed national secretariat will serve as a centre for journalism excellence, leadership development, research and professional training for future generations of women journalists.
She paid glowing tribute to the visionary leaders who have shaped NAWOJ over the years, including pioneer President Brenda Akpan and former national presidents Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole and Ladi Bala, acknowledging their enduring contributions to the growth and sustainability of the association.
The NAWOJ President further called on governments, development partners, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the association in constructing the national secretariat, emphasising that collaboration remains essential to sustainable development.
She expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), sponsors, partners, volunteers and all stakeholders whose support ensured the successful hosting of the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards.
The successful debut of WINSEC has set the stage for what many participants described as a transformative platform that will continue to champion inclusive security, celebrate excellence, strengthen partnerships and advance the role of women in promoting peace and national development across Nigeria.