The Nigerian Navy has restated its commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on the promotion of national security, strategic communication and women inclusion in nation building.
The commitment was made when the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation on a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in Abuja.
The visit was to formally invite the Nigerian Navy to collaborate with NAWOJ for the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 scheduled to hold on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
At the meeting, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that female officers are still holding strategic operational and leadership positions in the Service.
The Nigerian Navy is a strong believer in gender inclusion. We continue to recruit and empower women, and today many of our female officers are in key operational and leadership positions.
“Their professionalism and contributions have continued to strengthen the Service,” he said.
He also recognised the important role women play in supporting military families, describing their resilience and commitment as critical to the operational effectiveness of military personnel.
The Chief of Naval Staff also assured the association of the Navy’s un-wavering support and pledged its full participation and support for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy will be part of the summit. “I can also assure you that the Chief of the Naval Staff will be glad to support the initiative. We will not only send a high level delegation to participate in the summit and its activities but also will be glad to extend support towards making the event a success,” he said.
He praised NAWOJ for providing a platform for dialogue on security, peacebuilding and women’s participation in national development, saying the summit was timely and in line with global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, lauded the Nigerian Navy for its dogged commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, fighting piracy and maritime crimes, protecting national critical assets, and assisting the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Agenda.
She said the Navy is a strategic institution whose professionalism and sacrifices contribute to the strengthening of national security and economic development.
Ibrahim said the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is designed as a national platform that will bring together leaders of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations and media practitioners to advance discussions on peace, security and nation-building.
She urged the Nigerian Navy to be actively involved in the summit and support the initiative, adding that greater synergy between the media and security agencies is necessary to promote public confidence, responsible information dissemination and national unity.
Ibrahim also expressed NAWOJ’s interest in a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy through capacity-building programmes, strategic communication initiatives, public awareness campaigns and advocacy on maritime security, environmental sustainability, women, peace and security, and youth engagement.
Both organisations are optimistic that further collaboration between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy will help to deepen public understanding of security issues and contribute to a safer and more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
