By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
ABUJA — The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Thursday launched the maiden edition of its Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC), with the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rt. Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, emerging as one of the top recipients for his contributions to national security, democratic governance and community development.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and media professionals to deliberate on inclusive security strategies while recognising individuals and institutions that have distinguished themselves in promoting peace and national development.
Betara received the Outstanding Legislative on National Security and Community Development Award in recognition of what organisers described as his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, supporting peace-building initiatives, promoting good governance and empowering women through development programmes that have impacted communities across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, said the introduction of WINSEC marks a major milestone in the association’s 38-year history and reflects its commitment to advancing conversations on security while celebrating outstanding service to the nation.
She said the initiative was conceived to provide a platform where policymakers, security agencies, the media and civil society organisations could exchange ideas on improving national security and honour individuals whose contributions have made a lasting difference.
According to Ibrahim, Nigeria’s changing security landscape requires broader participation by women in leadership and decision-making processes.
“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.
She explained that WINSEC was created to bridge that gap by recognising the contributions of women serving in the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, correctional services, journalism, humanitarian organisations, community leadership and peace-building efforts.
Ibrahim described the launch of the initiative as one of the defining achievements of her administration, alongside the acquisition of land and a Certificate of Occupancy for NAWOJ’s permanent national secretariat nearly four decades after the association was established.
She said the proposed secretariat would serve as a hub for journalism excellence, leadership development, research and professional training for future generations of women journalists.
The NAWOJ chairperson also paid tribute to the association’s past leaders, including pioneer President Brenda Akpan and former national presidents Hannatu Musa, Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, Asabe Baba Nahaya, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole and Ladi Bala, for laying the foundation for the organisation’s growth and sustainability.
She appealed to governments, corporate organisations, development partners and public-spirited Nigerians to support the construction of the national secretariat, stressing that partnerships would be crucial to achieving the association’s long-term vision and strengthening the media profession.
Ibrahim equally expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), sponsors, partners, volunteers and other stakeholders for contributing to the successful hosting of the inaugural summit and awards.
Participants at the event described the maiden WINSEC summit as an important platform for promoting inclusive security policies, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, recognising excellence and expanding the role of women in building a peaceful and secure Nigeria.
