The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening 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 came during a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas in Abuja by a delegation led by the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim.
The visit was to formally invite the Nigerian Navy to partner with the NAWOJ for the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 slated for Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, at the meeting, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion, saying that female officers are still occupying strategic operational and leadership positions in the Service.
The Nigerian Navy strongly believes in gender inclusion. We continue to actively recruit and empower women and many of our female officers are now in key operational and leadership roles.
“Their professionalism and contributions have continued to strengthen the Service,” he said.
He further recognized the crucial support women provide to military families, noting their resilience and dedication as essential 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 give you the assurance that the Chief of the Naval Staff will be pleased 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 support towards making the event a success,” he added.
He commended NAWOJ for providing a platform for dialogue on security, peacebuilding and women’s participation in national development and said the summit was timely and consistent with global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim commended the Nigerian Navy on its doggedness in the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain, fighting piracy and maritime crimes, protecting national critical assets and helping the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Agenda.
The Navy is a strategic institution, which professionalism and sacrifices contribute to the strengthening of national security and economic development, she said.
The WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is intended as a national platform to 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, Ibrahim said.
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 indicated NAWOJ’s desire for 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 expressed optimism that further collaboration between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy would help to deepen public understanding of security issues and contribute to a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
