The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) says it will honour outstanding women and other deserving individuals whose contributions have advanced peacebuilding, public safety and national security at the maiden Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC 2026).

The national chairperson of NAWOJ, Aishatu Ibrahim, said this on Monday in Abuja during a news conference ahead of the summit.

Ms Ibrahim said the initiative was conceived in collaboration with strategic partners to recognise excellence, encourage professionalism, strengthen collaboration and amplify the critical role of women in promoting peace and national security.

According to her, the maiden edition of WINSEC, scheduled for Wednesday, will bring together key stakeholders from government, the military, paramilitary agencies, law enforcement institutions, the intelligence community and traditional institutions.

She added that the summit would also attract participants from the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, academia, the media, the private sector and development partners.

She said participants would deliberate on contemporary security challenges and practical solutions aimed at strengthening national security.

“As we all know, no nation can attain sustainable peace, security and development without recognising and empowering those who daily make sacrifices to keep our country safe.

“Security is no longer the responsibility of government and security agencies alone; it is a collective responsibility requiring the support and participation of every citizen.

“It is against this backdrop that NAWOJ, in collaboration with strategic partners, conceived the summit and awards as a national platform to celebrate excellence, encourage professionalism and foster collaboration,” she said.

She added that the initiative was also designed to amplify the indispensable role of women in promoting peace and national security.

The NAWOJ chairperson said the summit was designed to inspire action by examining emerging security threats, promoting gender inclusion in security leadership, strengthening partnerships and encouraging greater community participation in safeguarding the nation.

She said one of the major highlights of the event would be the presentation of awards to carefully selected individuals for their outstanding contributions to national security, public safety, peacebuilding and humanitarian services.

According to her, other award categories would recognise excellence in community policing, strategic leadership and media advocacy.

“These awards are not political. They are not for popularity. They are a recognition of integrity, dedication, patriotism, courage, professionalism and exceptional service to humanity and our nation.

“We believe that when excellence is recognised, others are inspired to do more. Celebrating our heroes today helps build a stronger and safer Nigeria tomorrow,” she said.

Ms Ibrahim also underscored the role of the media in promoting peace and national security through responsible journalism, combating misinformation and fostering peaceful coexistence without compromising press freedom.

She said WINSEC would further strengthen collaboration between journalists and security institutions while promoting mutual trust and respect.

The NAWOJ chairperson called on corporate organisations, development partners, public institutions and patriotic Nigerians to support the initiative and ensure its sustainability.

She added that institutionalising the platform would help celebrate excellence, promote national unity and advance sustainable peace and security across the country.

Ms Ibrahim congratulated the award recipients and nominees for their remarkable service to the nation and urged Nigerians, particularly media practitioners, to support the maiden summit.

“Let us use this platform to celebrate courage, honour service, promote inclusion and reaffirm our collective commitment to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria,” she said. 

(NAN)