The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in promoting national security, strategic communication and women’s inclusion in nation-building.
The commitment was made when the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in Abuja.
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The visit was to formally invite the Nigerian Navy to partner with NAWOJ for the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that female officers continue to occupy strategic operational and leadership positions within the Service.
“The Nigerian Navy believes strongly in gender inclusion. We continue to recruit and empower women, and today many of our female officers are serving in key operational and leadership positions.
Their professionalism and contributions have continued to strengthen the Service,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the vital role women play in supporting military families, describing their resilience and dedication as critical to the operational effectiveness of military personnel.
The Chief of Naval Staff also assured the association of the Navy’s unwavering support, pledging its full participation and support for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy will participate in the summit. I can also assure you that the Chief of the Naval Staff will be pleased to support the initiative. We will not only send a high-level delegation to participate in the summit and its activities, but we will also be glad to render support towards making the event a success,” he said.
He commended NAWOJ for creating a platform that promotes dialogue on security, peacebuilding and women’s participation in national development, describing the summit as timely and consistent with global efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Speaking earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, commended the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, combating piracy and maritime crimes, safeguarding critical national assets, and supporting the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Agenda.
She described the Navy as a strategic institution whose professionalism and sacrifices continue to strengthen national security and economic development.
According to Ibrahim, the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is designed as a national platform that will bring together leaders of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations and media practitioners to advance discussions on peace, security and nation-building.
She appealed to the Nigerian Navy to actively participate in the summit and support the initiative, stressing that stronger collaboration between the media and security institutions is essential to promoting public trust, responsible information sharing and national cohesion.
Ibrahim also expressed NAWOJ’s interest in establishing a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy through capacity-building programmes, strategic communication initiatives, public awareness campaigns and advocacy on maritime security, environmental sustainability, women, peace and security, and youth engagement.
Both organisations expressed optimism that deeper collaboration between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy would enhance public understanding of security issues and contribute to a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
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