Nigerian Navy Backs NAWOJ’s WINSEC 2026 Summit, Pledges Stronger Partnership on National Security

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Navy has pledged its full support for the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)’s Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026, promising to deepen collaboration with the media in advancing national security, strategic communication and women’s inclusion in nation-building.

The commitment was made when the NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. The Naval Chief was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi.

The visit was aimed at formally inviting the Nigerian Navy to partner with NAWOJ for the WINSEC Summit and Awards 2026, scheduled for August 5 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Onyemaobi expressed appreciation for the invitation and assured the association of the Navy’s active participation and institutional support.

“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 described the summit as a timely initiative that aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment under Sustainable Development Goal Five (SDG 5), while commending NAWOJ for creating a platform to promote dialogue on peace, security and national development.

The senior naval officer reiterated the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that women are increasingly occupying strategic leadership and operational 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,” Onyemaobi stated.

He also acknowledged the vital role women play in supporting military families, describing their resilience as essential to the operational effectiveness of service personnel.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, securing critical national assets, combating piracy and supporting the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.

She said the WINSEC Summit and Awards was conceived as a national platform that would bring together military chiefs, security agencies, policymakers, government officials, diplomats, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations and media professionals to strengthen conversations around peace, security and nation-building.

Ibrahim appealed to the Navy to actively participate in the summit and partner with the association, stressing that stronger collaboration between the media and security institutions is essential to building public trust, promoting responsible information management and enhancing national cohesion.

She also proposed a long-term partnership between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy through joint capacity-building programmes, strategic communication initiatives, public awareness campaigns and advocacy on maritime security, environmental sustainability, women, peace and security, and youth engagement.

Discussions during the meeting also focused on promoting gender inclusion in both journalism and the military, with senior naval officers reaffirming the Service’s commitment to creating greater opportunities for women while encouraging professionalism, excellence and healthy competition.

Both organisations expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NAWOJ would improve public understanding of security issues and contribute to a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.