Abuja: The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has announced plans to honour outstanding women and other deserving individuals whose contributions have advanced peacebuilding, public safety, and national security. This recognition will take place at the inaugural Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC 2026).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim, during a news conference held in Abuja. Ibrahim emphasized that the initiative was developed in collaboration with strategic partners to recognize excellence, encourage professionalism, and highlight the critical role of women in promoting peace and national security.
The maiden edition of WINSEC, scheduled for Wednesday, aims to bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, military, paramilitary agencies, law enforcement institutions, the intelligence community, and traditional institutions. The summit is also expected to attract participants from the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, academia, media, private sector, and development partners.
Participants will engage in discussions on contemporary security challenges and practical solutions to strengthen national security. Ibrahim highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in security, stating that no nation can achieve sustainable peace and development without empowering those who contribute to safety and security.
She explained that the summit and awards were conceived to celebrate excellence, encourage professionalism, and foster collaboration, particularly amplifying the indispensable role of women in promoting peace and national security. The initiative aims to inspire action by examining emerging security threats, promoting gender inclusion in security leadership, strengthening partnerships, and encouraging greater community participation.
A significant highlight of the event will be the presentation of awards to individuals for their exceptional contributions to national security, public safety, peacebuilding, and humanitarian services. Other award categories will recognize excellence in community policing, strategic leadership, and media advocacy.
Ibrahim stressed that the awards are a recognition of integrity, dedication, patriotism, courage, professionalism, and exceptional service to humanity and the nation. She believes that recognizing excellence inspires others to contribute more, ultimately helping to build a stronger and safer Nigeria.
The role of the media in promoting peace and national security through responsible journalism, combating misinformation, and fostering peaceful coexistence was also underscored by Ibrahim. She emphasized that WINSEC will strengthen collaboration between journalists and security institutions while promoting mutual trust and respect.
The NAWOJ chairperson called on corporate organizations, development partners, public institutions, and patriotic Nigerians to support the initiative and ensure its sustainability. Institutionalizing the platform will help celebrate excellence, promote national unity, and advance sustainable peace and security across the country.
Ibrahim congratulated the award recipients and nominees for their remarkable service to the nation and urged Nigerians, particularly media practitioners, to support the maiden summit. She encouraged the use of this platform to celebrate courage, honor service, promote inclusion, and reaffirm the collective commitment to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.