By Jane Salihu
The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, has thrown her weight behind the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists’ (NAWOJ) Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards, saying recognising the contributions of women in the security sector will encourage greater commitment to national service.
Mrs. Disu stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the NAWOJ National Executive Council, led by its National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the POWA National Headquarters.
The visit was aimed at formally inviting the POWA President to the maiden edition of the WINSEC Summit and Awards scheduled for August 5, 2026, seeking the Association’s partnership and support for the event.
Expressing appreciation for her nomination as one of the award recipients, Mrs. Disu described the recognition as both encouraging and motivating.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition. We are just starting, and by the grace of God, I hope to do even more,” she said.
Speaking during the visit, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, said the WINSEC Summit was conceived to celebrate the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of women serving in Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions while creating a platform for dialogue on the growing role of women in national security.
She explained that the summit would convene security agencies, policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the media and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues of security, leadership and national development.
According to Ibrahim, beyond honouring outstanding women in the nation’s security architecture, the initiative is designed to inspire more young women to pursue careers in the security sector by showcasing role models who have excelled despite numerous challenges.
She added that women play vital roles in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and community engagement, making their inclusion in security institutions essential to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The NAWOJ Chairperson also appealed to POWA to support the initiative through strategic partnership, institutional collaboration and mobilisation to ensure the success of the inaugural summit.
She disclosed that award recipients emerged through a transparent nationwide nomination process coordinated by NAWOJ State Councils, adding that the event would also recognise individuals whose contributions have enhanced community safety, strengthened security institutions and improved the welfare of security personnel.
Both organisations expressed optimism that closer collaboration between NAWOJ and POWA would promote women’s empowerment, strengthen peacebuilding efforts and support national security initiatives.
