Buni receives NAWOJ award for peace, security, inclusive governance
By Ahmed Abba
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has honoured Yobe Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, with the Outstanding Leadership in Peace, Security and Inclusive Governance Award.
The award was presented at the Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC 2026), held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Buni was recognised for his commitment to promoting peace, security and inclusive governance in Yobe.
The governor was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, who received the award on his behalf.
Presenting the award, the National President of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kwayabura, said recipients were selected based on their contributions to strengthening national security, public safety, peacebuilding, humanitarian services, community policing, strategic leadership and media advocacy.
Kwayabura said the awards were not influenced by politics or popularity, but were designed to recognise individuals whose integrity, dedication, patriotism, courage, professionalism and selfless service had impacted society.
She said recognising excellence would inspire others to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The NAWOJ president also noted that women across the country continued to distinguish themselves in the military, police, intelligence services, correctional service, journalism, humanitarian work, community leadership and peace advocacy.
She, however, observed that many of their contributions often went unnoticed.
According to her, WINSEC was established to change the narrative by providing an annual platform for dialogue among policymakers, security institutions, the media, academia, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector.
She said the summit also provided an avenue to recognise individuals whose dedication continued to strengthen peace, justice, security and national development.
Speaking with journalists after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Abdulsalam commended NAWOJ for establishing the initiative, describing it as a timely platform for highlighting the contributions of women to peace and national security.
He said security efforts would become more effective when women were actively involved, stressing that women played a fundamental role in shaping the values and character of children during upbringing.
This, he said, contributed significantly to building a peaceful and responsible society.
The special adviser reaffirmed the Yobe Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, women’s inclusion and sustainable national development.
