By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
For decades, conversations around Nigeria’s security architecture have largely revolved around military hardware, intelligence gathering and government policies. Yet, beneath these discussions lies a largely untold story—the indispensable role of women in safeguarding communities, preventing conflicts, rebuilding lives and promoting lasting peace.
It is this overlooked narrative that the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) seeks to elevate through the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, a bold initiative designed not only to honour outstanding women but also to redefine national conversations on security and development.
The launch of the landmark summit at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, attracted an impressive gathering of leaders from the security sector, government institutions, the diplomatic community, development partners and civil society organisations. More than an event, it represented a declaration that the future of peacebuilding in Nigeria cannot be achieved without recognising, empowering and involving women at every level of decision-making.
Welcoming participants, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, captured the essence of the initiative with a simple but profound message—that sustainable peace and security become possible only when women occupy their rightful place at the decision-making table. Her remarks reflected growing global recognition that women are not merely victims of insecurity but active contributors to conflict prevention, humanitarian response, intelligence gathering, community resilience and post-conflict recovery.
Across Nigeria, thousands of women serve with distinction in the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, correctional services, immigration, civil defence, humanitarian organisations, traditional institutions and the media. Many work quietly behind the scenes, often making sacrifices that receive little public attention. Their courage, professionalism and commitment have helped stabilise communities and strengthen national security, yet their stories rarely make headlines.
It is this silence that WINSEC intends to break. The summit provides a unique platform where policymakers, security professionals, journalists, academics, civil society organisations and development partners can engage in meaningful dialogue on inclusive security while celebrating individuals whose exceptional contributions continue to promote peace and national development.
Beyond launching a new national platform, the event also reflected NAWOJ’s own remarkable journey of growth and institutional resilience. Established 38 years ago to advance professionalism among women journalists and amplify voices often left unheard, the association has continued to expand its influence under successive administrations. Hajia Ibrahim paid glowing tribute to the women whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for today’s achievements, acknowledging the pioneering efforts of Brenda Akpan and subsequent presidents including Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole and Ladi Bala.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the event came with the announcement that NAWOJ had secured its own permanent national secretariat after nearly four decades of operating without a permanent home. Having acquired land and obtained its Certificate of Occupancy, the association has taken what many members describe as one of the most significant institutional achievements in its history. For Hajia Ibrahim, the accomplishment extends beyond bricks and mortar; it represents stability, continuity and an enduring legacy for future generations of women journalists.
The vision, however, goes beyond owning land. NAWOJ hopes to build a modern national secretariat that will become a centre for journalism excellence, professional development, research, mentorship and leadership training, strengthening the capacity of female journalists to contribute even more effectively to national development.
The timing of WINSEC is particularly significant. Nigeria continues to face terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, cybercrime and humanitarian crises that require innovative, people-centred solutions. Increasingly, experts acknowledge that inclusive security policies—especially those that integrate women’s perspectives—produce more sustainable outcomes in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The initiative also reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Gender Equality, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as well as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which advocates greater participation of women in peace processes and security governance.
Recognising that transformational change requires collective effort, Hajia Ibrahim called on governments, corporate organisations, international development partners and friends of the media to support the construction of NAWOJ’s national secretariat and strengthen partnerships that will sustain WINSEC’s vision.
She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), sponsors, partners, volunteers and stakeholders whose support ensured the successful launch of the maiden summit.
As Nigeria searches for lasting solutions to its security challenges, the message emerging from WINSEC is unmistakable: peace is strongest when every voice is heard, every contribution is valued and women are recognised not simply as participants but as indispensable architects of a safer, more secure and more prosperous nation. Through the Women in Security Summit and Awards, NAWOJ has initiated more than an annual programme—it has sparked a national movement that seeks to place women where they have always belonged: at the heart of building peace and securing the future.