The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has unveiled the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC 2026), a platform designed to recognise outstanding contributions to national security, peacebuilding, humanitarian service and media advocacy while promoting stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
Addressing the press in Abuja, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aishatu Ibrahim, said the summit reflects the association’s commitment to inclusive security dialogue and celebrating individuals whose dedication has strengthened Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Ibrahim said the summit was conceived because security has become a shared responsibility requiring citizens, institutions and communities to work together.
“Security is no longer the responsibility of government and security agencies alone; it is a collective responsibility requiring the support and participation of every citizen,” she said.
ALSO READ: NAWOJ Seeks Stronger Collaboration With NOA
She explained that discussions would focus on emerging security threats, gender inclusion in security leadership, institutional partnerships and community-driven approaches to sustaining peace.
On the selection of award recipients, Ibrahim said NAWOJ worked with security agencies and a screening committee to ensure credibility.
“We reached out to the security agencies because they have the records of their personnel. In the security sector, it is not everything that you know about anybody, but they have the records of who they believe has done well,” she said.
Ibrahim stated that civilian nominees were assessed through research, verification and field visits.
“Somebody nominated Right Honourable Muktar Betara because of his empowerment programmes and security infrastructure provided in his constituency. We formed a small team that visited the constituency, and what we saw was much bigger than what was reported,” Ibrahim said.
She stressed that the awards were based on merit and service.
“These awards are not political. They are not for popularity. They are a recognition of integrity, dedication, patriotism, courage, professionalism and exceptional service to humanity and our nation,” she stated.
Ibrahim said WINSEC would also address the challenges facing women in security, noting that gender inclusion remained critical.
“As mothers, we have the soft powers to sway our youths and other persons who may want to engage in crime, radicalism or extremism away from those things,” she said.
Ibrahim observed that many women in security agencies have faced barriers due to gender and that the summit would provide an opportunity to discuss solutions.
“Women have been fighting side by side with men to protect the integrity and sovereignty of this country, but nobody has ever come out to say these women have done that, well done,” she said.
Among those to be honoured is Aisha Gombi from Adamawa State, whom Ibrahim described as an example of courage.
“She was pregnant, yet she went to Sambisa Forest and was fighting Boko Haram. These are the kind of people we are bringing out for society to see, recognise and encourage,” she said.
Ibrahim announced that WINSEC would become an annual event, adding that the maiden edition would feature the conferment of the Patron of NAWOJ honour on the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Ibrahim urged women to take active roles in security and peacebuilding, saying their influence could help transform communities.
“We have a great role to play. If we encourage women to be part of this security infrastructure, I think they have a great contribution to make that will change the narrative,” she said.
The maiden edition of WINSEC scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Abuja, will bring together senior government officials, military and paramilitary leaders, law enforcement agencies, diplomats, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, academics, development partners, media professionals and private sector stakeholders.
