By Chioma Vivian James | Abuja
In a landmark celebration of leadership, courage and service to the nation, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has launched the maiden edition of the Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, creating a new platform for dialogue, recognition and collaboration on Nigeria’s security challenges.
Held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the colourful event brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, security chiefs, diplomats, traditional rulers, civil society actors, development partners, journalists and other stakeholders united by a common objective: advancing peace, security and national development through inclusive leadership.
One of the biggest moments of the evening was the presentation of the Outstanding Legislative Leadership in National Security and Community Development Award to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Rt. Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu.
The award recognised Betara’s leadership, legislative contributions and commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting national development, community advancement, good governance and security.
His recognition at the inaugural WINSEC underscored NAWOJ’s determination to celebrate Nigerians whose contributions to society extend beyond their immediate responsibilities and positively influence communities and the nation at large.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, described WINSEC as a defining milestone in the 38-year history of the association.
She stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges demand a more inclusive approach in which women are not merely viewed as beneficiaries of security policies but are recognised as critical actors, decision-makers and partners in building sustainable peace.
According to her, women across the country have continued to make significant contributions as military and police officers, intelligence personnel, correctional officers, journalists, humanitarian workers, community leaders and peace advocates, but many of these contributions remain insufficiently recognised.
“Across Nigeria, women continue to serve with distinction as military officers, police officers, intelligence personnel, correctional officers, journalists, humanitarian workers, community leaders and peace advocates. Yet, many of these remarkable contributions often go unnoticed,” she said.
Ibrahim explained that WINSEC was conceived to bridge this recognition gap while providing a strategic meeting point for policymakers, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
The summit, she added, would also provide an avenue for celebrating individuals and institutions whose commitment to peace, security and community development has produced meaningful impact.
NAWOJ’s Milestone Achievements
Beyond the launch of WINSEC, Ibrahim used the occasion to highlight what she described as another historic achievement of her administration — the acquisition of land and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the association’s proposed permanent national secretariat.
The development, she noted, represents a significant milestone for an organisation that has spent nearly four decades championing the professional development, welfare and advancement of women journalists.
According to her, the proposed secretariat is expected to become more than an administrative headquarters.
It is envisioned as a centre for journalism excellence, leadership development, research, capacity building and professional training, providing future generations of women journalists with a platform to develop the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment.
The NAWOJ National Chairperson therefore appealed to governments, development partners, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support the association in actualising the construction of the permanent secretariat.
She maintained that partnerships remain critical to transforming ambitious ideas into sustainable institutions.
Honouring NAWOJ’s Legacy
The occasion also provided an opportunity to celebrate the women whose leadership laid the foundation for NAWOJ’s growth.
Ibrahim paid tribute to the association’s pioneer President, Brenda Akpan, as well as former national presidents Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole and Ladi Bala, acknowledging their contributions to the development and sustainability of the association.
Their collective legacy, she noted, remains an inspiration to the current generation of women journalists and a reminder of the importance of institutional continuity.
Beyond Awards
While the glittering awards ceremony provided the glamour of the evening, the deeper message of WINSEC 2026 was unmistakable: women must occupy a stronger and more visible space in conversations and decisions surrounding national security.
For NAWOJ, the summit represents an expansion of its traditional role as a professional association of women journalists into a broader platform for advocacy, partnership and national development.
The maiden WINSEC has therefore opened a new chapter in the association’s engagement with security institutions, policymakers and communities.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, the summit offers an opportunity to amplify women’s voices, recognise their sacrifices and harness their expertise in building safer and more resilient communities.
The successful debut of WINSEC 2026 has set the foundation for an annual platform where leadership is celebrated, courage is recognised, partnerships are strengthened and the indispensable role of women in peace and national security is brought to the forefront.
For NAWOJ, it is more than an award ceremony. It is a statement that the future of national security must include women at the table, in the field and in the decisions that shape the nation’s future.
