POWA Backs WINSEC Summit, Says Recognition of Women in Security Will Inspire Greater National Service
Chioma Vivian James
The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, has applauded the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for establishing the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026, describing the initiative as a landmark platform that celebrates the invaluable contributions of women to national security while inspiring greater commitment to service.
Mrs. Disu made the remarks when she received a delegation led by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the POWA National Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was part of efforts to formally invite the POWA President to the maiden edition of the WINSEC Summit and Awards scheduled for August 5, 2026, seek institutional partnership and support, and deepen collaboration on issues relating to women, peace and security.
Expressing appreciation for being considered for recognition at the summit, Mrs. Disu said the honour would serve as a motivation to further strengthen her commitment to initiatives that enhance the welfare of police families and advance the cause of women across the country.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition. We are just starting, and by the grace of God, I hope to do even more,” she said, while reaffirming POWA’s readiness to support programmes that promote national development and women’s empowerment.
Earlier, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim explained that the WINSEC Summit was conceived as a national platform to celebrate the courage, professionalism, resilience and sacrifices of women serving in Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions. According to her, the initiative will also provide an avenue for strategic conversations on emerging security challenges and the critical role women play in fostering peace and national stability.
She noted that the summit will convene security agencies, policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, media professionals and other key stakeholders to explore issues surrounding security, leadership and national development.
Beyond recognising outstanding female personnel within Nigeria’s security architecture, Ibrahim said the initiative seeks to inspire young women and girls to pursue careers in the security sector by highlighting the achievements of trailblazing women who have excelled despite numerous challenges.
She emphasized that women possess unique strengths in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, mediation and community engagement, making their increased participation in security institutions essential to addressing the country’s evolving security landscape.
Appealing for POWA’s partnership and support, the NAWOJ National Chairperson stressed that collaboration among stakeholders is vital to ensuring the success of the maiden summit and expanding opportunities for women within the security ecosystem.
She further disclosed that award recipients were selected through a transparent nationwide nomination process coordinated by NAWOJ State Councils, with nominees drawn from communities across Nigeria in recognition of their exceptional service and impactful contributions to security and national development.
According to Ibrahim, the summit will also honour distinguished Nigerians whose interventions have enhanced community safety, strengthened security infrastructure and improved the welfare of security personnel. Such recognition, she noted, serves as an incentive for greater public support toward individuals and institutions working tirelessly to promote peace, safety and national cohesion.
Reaffirming NAWOJ’s commitment to amplifying stories of courage, professionalism and service, she stated that WINSEC will continue to spotlight exemplary women while inspiring a new generation of female leaders in Nigeria’s security sector.
The visit concluded on a note of optimism, with both organisations expressing a shared commitment to building stronger partnerships that advance women’s welfare, strengthen national security and encourage greater female participation in peacebuilding and security governance.
As anticipation builds for the maiden WINSEC Summit and Awards, stakeholders see the initiative as a significant step toward recognising excellence, promoting inclusivity and harnessing the transformative power of women in shaping a safer and more secure Nigeria.
