POWA Lauds WINSEC, Pledges Support, Says Recognition Will Inspire Greater Service

The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, has commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists for initiating the Women in Security Summit and Awards 2026, describing the initiative as a timely platform for recognising the invaluable contributions of women to national security and inspiring greater service.

Mrs. Disu gave the commendation when she received a delegation led by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the POWA National Headquarters in Abuja.

Responding to the invitation to partner with the forthcoming WINSEC Summit scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Mrs. Disu expressed appreciation to NAWOJ for considering her for an award, noting that the recognition would further motivate her to deepen her commitment to the welfare of police families and initiatives that promote the advancement of women.

She said, “I sincerely appreciate this recognition. We are just starting, and by the grace of God, I hope to do even more.”

Earlier in a statement, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, said the visit was to formally invite the POWA President to the maiden edition of the Women in Security Summit and Awards, seek the Association’s partnership and support, and strengthen collaboration on initiatives that promote women, peace and security.

She explained that the WINSEC Summit is a national platform established to celebrate the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of women serving in Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions while fostering strategic dialogue on emerging security challenges and the indispensable role of women in promoting peace and national security.

Comrade Ibrahim further stated that the summit would bring together security agencies, policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and other critical stakeholders to advance conversations on security, leadership and national development.

She noted that beyond recognising distinguished female personnel in the nation’s security architecture, the initiative is designed to inspire more young women and girls to pursue careers in the security sector by showcasing the achievements of women who have excelled despite enormous challenges.

She stressed that women possess unique strengths in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and community engagement, making their increased participation in security institutions critical to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The NAWOJ President appealed to POWA to partner with the Association through institutional collaboration, mobilisation, goodwill and other forms of support to ensure the successful hosting of the maiden summit.

She further explained that the award recipients were selected through a transparent nationwide nomination process involving NAWOJ State Councils, with nominees drawn from communities across the country in recognition of exceptional service and impactful contributions to security and national development.

Comrade Ibrahim added that the summit would also honour outstanding Nigerians whose interventions have strengthened community safety, improved security infrastructure and enhanced the welfare of security personnel, stressing that such recognition would encourage greater public support for individuals and institutions contributing to national peace and stability.

She reaffirmed NAWOJ’s commitment to using the WINSEC platform to amplify stories of courage, professionalism and service while inspiring the next generation of women leaders in Nigeria’s security sector.

The courtesy visit ended with both organisations expressing optimism about forging a stronger partnership to advance the welfare of women, promote national security and encourage greater female participation in peacebuilding and security governance.

The statement was signed by Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists.