The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have jointly inaugurated a planning committee for the maiden Women in Security Summit 2026 (WINSEC) and Women in Security Awards, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention to reposition women at the center of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The virtual inauguration meeting, held on Friday, brought together key stakeholders from the media and security sectors and formally signaled the commencement of preparations for the landmark summit scheduled for June 2026.
Speaking at the session, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim, said the summit goes beyond a routine gathering, describing it as a deliberate effort to ensure women are actively involved in shaping security policies and conversations in the country.
She emphasized that security must be viewed beyond military operations, stressing its human dimension.
“Security is not just about borders and weapons; it is about people, communities, and the lived realities of women whose voices must be heard and respected,” she said.
Ibrahim added that NAWOJ is committed to driving meaningful change in the security space, noting that the WINSEC platform would spotlight competence, celebrate excellence, and redefine the narrative around women in security.
Warning that the success of the maiden edition would depend on execution rather than intention, she charged the committee to remain focused and result-driven.
“Together, we will not only deliver a successful summit we will set a standard that cannot be ignored,” she stated.
In his remarks, the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the WINSEC Project Coordinator, Comrade Tita Onyebuchi Nze, said members of the committee were carefully selected based on competence and proven capacity to deliver.
He urged the team to be thorough in its assignment, calling for innovation and attention to detail to ensure a vibrant and impactful summit.
The WINSEC Summit 2026 is expected to provide a national platform for policy dialogue, advocacy, and recognition of women contributing to Nigeria’s security sector, while the accompanying awards will honour outstanding achievements in the field.
The planning committee has since commenced work on structure, timelines, and deliverables aimed at delivering a successful inaugural edition that stakeholders say could set a new benchmark for gender inclusion in security discourse.
