The maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026 has opened in Abuja with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among the media, security agencies, government and development partners to expand women’s participation in peacebuilding, national security and development.
National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, said WINSEC was conceived under his leadership before being entrusted to the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for implementation.
“WINSEC is a programme that has been initiated and developed… by my humble self. I initiated this programme. I have an affiliate called NAWOJ. Let’s see how we can partner with NAWOJ so that NAWO will be able to execute what we felt is key.” Yahya said.
Yahaya commended the NAWOJ leadership for successfully hosting the inaugural summit.
“This is the first time we are having a similar kind of engagement. We are raising the standard higher, ” he stated.
He also praised women serving in the military, police and Department of State Services (DSS).
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“Let me equally appreciate our soldiers, police, DSS, especially women who are in this profession. You are doing wonderfully well. We are proud of you,” he explained.
The NUJ President urged NAWOJ leaders nationwide to partner with relevant government institutions to address out-of-school children, malnutrition and drug abuse.
“Partnership will take you to a greater level. Go and partner with the relevant MDAs and the state government so that we can be able to be part of this initiative,” Yahya advised.
“For under-five children who are severely malnourished, even if they survive, their level of IQ will definitely be low… The second issue we feel is of concern is drug abuse… There is a need for all of us to be advocates, ” he explained.
In her welcome address, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, described WINSEC as a landmark platform for dialogue, recognition and strategic partnerships.
“Today is not merely the beginning of another conference; it marks the birth of a national platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, promoting dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the role of women in peace, security, and national development,” she highlighted.
She stressed, “The idea behind WINSEC is simple but profound: security is stronger when women are fully involved.”
Chairperson of the NAWOJ Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the occasion, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, said Nigeria’s security challenges require collective action.
“Government cannot do it alone. Security agencies cannot work in isolation. Neither can the media remain passive observers. We must deliberately build partnerships,” he stated.
She maintained that women must be fully represented in peace and security processes.
“Women are not only victims of conflict—they are indispensable agents of peace. Their voices, experiences, and perspectives must be deliberately included at every peace negotiation, mediation, reconciliation, and policy table,” she stated.
The summit attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, lawmakers, diplomats, development partners, traditional rulers, media executives and civil society leaders, reinforcing WINSEC’s ambition to become a leading platform for advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Nigeria.
