NAWOJ Seeks Stronger, Structured Partnership with Nigerian Army

The National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-Bura, has called for a stronger and more structured relationship between the Association and the Nigerian Army to enhance media-military collaboration in support of national security.

Comrade Kwaya-Bura made the call on Friday, 21 August 2026, when she led a delegation of the Association on a courtesy visit to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The visit was aimed at fostering stronger relations between the media and the Nigerian Army, as well as establishing a solid strategic partnership towards promoting national security, peace and development.

Speaking during the visit, the NAWOJ National President appreciated the enormous sacrifices being made daily by officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in defending the nation and protecting its territorial integrity. She noted that journalists have a responsibility not only to report security operations but also to promote informed public understanding of the challenges confronting the nation’s security forces.

Comrade Kwaya-Bura therefore called for greater collaboration between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Army in areas including capacity building for women journalists, security awareness, responsible conflict reporting, countering misinformation, civil-military relations, peacebuilding and strategic communication. According to her, such collaboration would benefit both the military and the media, while ultimately contributing to national peace and security.

The NAWOJ National President further disclosed that the Association intends to institutionalise the Women in Security, Peace and Conflict platform as a forum for sustained conversations on security, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and the role of women in promoting peace and security.

She consequently sought the partnership of the Nigerian Army, particularly the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, for subsequent editions of the initiative, noting that the maiden edition was successful.

Responding, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, appreciated NAWOJ for its support and continued partnership with the Nigerian Army.

Major General Etsu-Ndagi stated that the Nigerian Army is committed to promoting gender inclusivity, stressing that the Service is not gender-biased. He cited the appointment of a female senior officer as the Army’s spokesperson, as well as the establishment of the Nigerian Army Women Command, as examples of the Army’s commitment to providing opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to national defence.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs assured the NAWOJ delegation of the Nigerian Army’s continued partnership with the Association, describing the Nigerian Army as a media-friendly institution committed to maintaining mutually beneficial relations with the media.

He noted that sustained collaboration between the Army and the media remains essential to promoting accurate information, enhancing public understanding of military operations and strengthening civil-military relations.

In attendance were the Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Aminu M. Umar; Deputy Director, Civil Sponsorship, Colonel Y. Micha; representative of the Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel J. E. Nnuakalu; and other senior officers of the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.

Ojo Ifedayo Adenegan
Major
Acting Director Information Management
Army Headquarters Department of Civil -Military Affairs Abuja