By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
Abuja (PRECISE POST) – The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, has thrown her weight behind the maiden edition of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026, describing the initiative as a timely platform for recognising the outstanding contributions of women to Nigeria’s security and peacebuilding efforts.
Mrs Disu gave the endorsement when she received a delegation of NAWOJ, led by its National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the POWA National Headquarters in Abuja.
She commended NAWOJ for initiating the summit, noting that recognising women serving in the security and law enforcement sectors would not only celebrate excellence but also inspire greater commitment and dedication among female personnel contributing to national security.
Expressing appreciation for being selected as one of the award recipients, Mrs Disu described the recognition as both humbling and motivating, saying it would spur her to intensify efforts towards improving the welfare of police families and advancing initiatives that empower women.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition. We are just starting, and by the grace of God, I hope to do even more,” she said.
The visit also served as an opportunity for NAWOJ to formally seek POWA’s partnership and support for the summit, scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, while strengthening collaboration on programmes that promote women, peace, security and national development.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ibrahim said the WINSEC Summit and Awards was conceived to celebrate the courage, professionalism, resilience and sacrifices of women serving in Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions.
She explained that beyond honouring outstanding service, the summit would provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on emerging security challenges and the strategic role women continue to play in promoting peace, conflict prevention and national development.
According to her, the event will bring together representatives of security agencies, policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and other critical stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for strengthening security governance while expanding opportunities for women in leadership.
Comrade Ibrahim said NAWOJ’s vision extends beyond hosting an annual event, stressing that highlighting the achievements of successful women in the security sector would encourage more young women and girls to pursue careers in the police, military, intelligence services, correctional service, immigration, civil defence and other security agencies.
She maintained that women possess unique strengths in dialogue, mediation, conflict prevention and community engagement, making their increased participation in operational and decision-making roles essential to building safer and more inclusive communities.
As part of preparations for the maiden summit, the NAWOJ Chairperson appealed to POWA to support the initiative through strategic partnership, institutional collaboration, mobilisation and goodwill to ensure its success.
She further disclosed that recipients of the WINSEC Awards emerged through a transparent nationwide nomination process coordinated by NAWOJ State Councils, with nominees selected from across the country based on their outstanding contributions to security, public service and national development.
According to NAWOJ, the summit will also honour distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have strengthened community policing, enhanced public safety, improved security infrastructure and supported the welfare of security personnel, with the aim of encouraging greater public participation in promoting peace and national stability.
