WINSEC 2026: NAWOJ Celebrates Security Stakeholders, Unveils Proposed National Secretariat Edifice

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has marked a historic milestone with the launch of the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, while also announcing the acquisition of its first permanent National Secretariat after 38 years of existence.

Speaking at the event held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, described the summit as a national platform created to celebrate excellence, foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and advance the role of women in peace, security, and national development.

She noted that the initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, bringing together policymakers, security agencies, journalists, academics, civil society organisations, and development partners to promote inclusive security governance.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of permanent National Secretariat of NAWOJ in Abuja.

Describing the achievement as a defining moment in the association’s history, she said the proposed secretariat would become a centre for journalism excellence, leadership development, research, innovation, mentorship, and professional training for women journalists.

She paid glowing tribute to NAWOJ’s past national presidents, including pioneer President Brenda Akpan, Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, and Ladi Bala, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the growth of the association.

Highlighting the theme of the summit, Ibrahim stressed that women have continued to distinguish themselves across Nigeria’s military, police, intelligence services, and other security institutions, yet many of their contributions remain under-recognised.

“Security is stronger when women are fully involved,” she said, calling for greater investment in women’s participation in peacebuilding and national security.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdul, commended NAWOJ for initiating what he described as a landmark programme that would promote women’s development and deepen their participation in national security.

He praised women serving in the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifices, urging stakeholders to support initiatives that empower women across all sectors.

The event attracted an impressive gathering of government officials, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, United Nations representatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, industry stakeholders, past NAWOJ national chairpersons, state chairpersons, and members of the executive councils.

As NAWOJ looks ahead to constructing its permanent secretariat, the association appealed to governments, corporate organisations, development partners, and friends of the media to support the project, expressing optimism that the Women in Security Summit would grow into Africa’s leading platform for promoting women in peace and security.