NAWOJ Announces Landmark WINSEC 2026 to Reward Excellence in Security and Peacebuilding

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has announced the maiden edition of the Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC 2026), a landmark initiative designed to recognise outstanding contributions to national security, peacebuilding, humanitarian service and media advocacy.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aishatu Ibrahim, said the summit underscores the association’s commitment to promoting inclusive security dialogue while celebrating individuals whose dedication has strengthened Nigeria’s peace, stability and development.

She noted that the initiative was conceived in recognition of the fact that security is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities, civil society organisations and the media.

According to Ibrahim, discussions at the summit will focus on emerging security threats, gender inclusion in security leadership, institutional partnerships and community-based strategies for sustaining peace.

She explained that recipients of the awards were selected through a rigorous process involving security agencies and an independent screening committee to ensure credibility and transparency.

“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 disclosed that civilian nominees also underwent thorough research, verification and field assessments before being considered for recognition.

She cited the nomination of the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Rt. Hon. Muktar Betara, whose security infrastructure projects and empowerment initiatives in his constituency were independently verified by the association.

“Our team visited the constituency, and what we found exceeded the reports we had received,” she said, adding that the awards are strictly based on merit rather than political affiliation or popularity.

“These awards recognise integrity, dedication, patriotism, courage, professionalism and exceptional service to humanity and our nation,” she added.

Highlighting the role of women in national security, Ibrahim said the summit would also address the challenges confronting women in the security sector while advocating greater gender inclusion in decision-making and leadership.

She observed that many female security personnel have served with distinction but have received little public recognition despite their sacrifices.

“Women have been fighting side by side with men to protect the integrity and sovereignty of this country, but their contributions have not always been adequately acknowledged,” she said.

She stressed that women possess unique influence within families and communities that can help prevent crime, discourage radicalisation and promote peaceful coexistence.

Ibrahim announced that WINSEC would become an annual event and revealed 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.

She called on more women to participate actively in security and peacebuilding efforts, expressing confidence that their involvement would contribute significantly to changing the nation’s security narrative.

The inaugural Women in Security Summit and Awards is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Abuja. The event is expected to bring together senior government officials, military and paramilitary chiefs, law enforcement agencies, diplomats, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, academics, development partners, media professionals and private sector stakeholders.