The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening media-security collaboration as it pledged full support and participation in the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026, organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, and her delegation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. The Naval Chief was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi.
The statement was signed by Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Rear Admiral Onyemaobi, who conveyed the Naval Chief’s goodwill, assured NAWOJ of the Navy’s readiness to partner with the association for the summit scheduled for August 5, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy will participate in the summit. We will not only send a high-level delegation but also render support towards making the event a success,” he said.
He described the WINSEC Summit as a timely initiative that aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal Five (SDG 5).
The senior naval officer emphasized the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that more women are being recruited and empowered to serve in strategic and operational roles within the service.
“The Nigerian Navy believes strongly in gender inclusion. Many of our female officers are already serving in key operational and leadership positions, contributing significantly to our success,” Onyemaobi added.
He also acknowledged the vital role women play in supporting military families, describing their resilience as crucial to the operational effectiveness of personnel.
Earlier, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, combating piracy, and protecting critical national assets, while supporting the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.
She explained that the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform to bring together security agencies, policymakers, development partners, civil society, academia, and the media to deepen conversations on national security, peacebuilding, and inclusive development.
Ibrahim called for stronger collaboration between the media and security institutions, stressing that such partnerships are essential for promoting responsible information dissemination, public trust, and national cohesion.
She further expressed NAWOJ’s interest in building a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy through capacity-building initiatives, strategic communication programmes, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy on maritime security, environmental sustainability, and youth engagement.
READ ALSO: MURIC Backs FRSC Bill to Ban Bus Preaching, Cites Road Safety Risks
MURIC Backs FRSC Bill to Ban Bus Preaching, Cites Road Safety Risks
Discussions at the meeting also focused on advancing gender inclusion in both journalism and the military, with both parties expressing optimism that enhanced collaboration would contribute to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
The WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is expected to convene key stakeholders across sectors to advance dialogue on women’s role in security and nation-building.
About The Author
