BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has lauded the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's maritime domain, protecting critical national assets, combating piracy and maritime crimes, and supporting the Federal Government's Blue Economy Agenda.
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim stated this during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
She described the Navy as a strategic institution whose professionalism and sacrifices continue to strengthen national security and economic prosperity. The essence of the visit was to formally invite the Nigerian Navy to partner with the Association for the forthcoming Women in Security, WINSEC, Summit & Awards 2026, scheduled for August in Abuja.
According to her, the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is conceived as a national platform that will bring together leaders of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, government officials, diplomatic community, development partners, traditional and religious institutions, academia, civil society organisations and the media to advance conversations on peace, security and nation-building.
Comrade Ibrahim appealed to the Nigerian Navy to partner with NAWOJ by participating actively in the summit and supporting the initiative, adding that collaboration between the media and security institutions remains vital to promoting public trust, responsible information sharing and national cohesion.
She expressed NAWOJ's desire to establish 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, as well as youth engagement.
Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, CNTIs, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening collaboration with NAWOJ in promoting national security, strategic communication and women's inclusion in nation-building.
"I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy will participate in the summit. I can also assure you 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 we will also be glad to render support towards making the event a success," he said.
Onyemaobi praised NAWOJ for initiating a platform that promotes dialogue on security, peacebuilding and women's participation in national development, describing the summit as timely and aligned with global efforts to advance Sustainable Development Goal Five, SDG 5, on gender equality and women's empowerment.
He stated that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to gender inclusion and has continued to provide opportunities for women to serve in strategic and operational capacities within the Service.
"The Nigerian Navy believes strongly in gender inclusion. We will continue to recruit and empower women, and today many of our female officers are serving in key operational and leadership positions. Their professionalism and contributions have continued to strengthen the Service," he added.
The Rear Admiral acknowledged the critical role of women in sustaining military families, saying that their resilience and support remain indispensable to the effectiveness and operational success of military personnel.
He lauded the NAWOJ delegation for its professionalism and punctuality, describing it as a reflection of the discipline and excellence that characterised the Association.
The meeting also featured robust discussions on gender inclusion within journalism and the military, with senior naval officers reaffirming the Nigerian Navy's commitment to creating opportunities for women while encouraging continued excellence, professionalism and healthy competition across all sectors.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the strengthened relationship between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy would further enhance public understanding of security issues and contribute to building a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
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