NITDA Commits to Strategic Partnership with NAWOJ, Backs WINSEC Summit 2026

PRESS RELEASE

NITDA Commits to Strategic Partnership with NAWOJ, Backs WINSEC Summit 2026

Abuja, July 23, 2026

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has pledged its full support for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026, while expressing readiness to establish a long-term strategic partnership with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to advance digital literacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking, and women-focused digital capacity development across Nigeria.

The commitment was made when the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation of the Association on a courtesy visit to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnership, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director-General, Dr. Onumo described collaboration and partnership as central pillars of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, noting that NAWOJ’s proposal aligns perfectly with the Agency’s vision of building a digitally enabled nation through inclusive technological innovation.

He emphasized that inclusiveness remains at the heart of NITDA’s programmes and policies, revealing that the Agency has deliberately integrated gender inclusion into its strategic priorities.

According to him, 40 percent of NITDA’s programmes are designed to promote gender inclusion, while the Agency’s National Gender Inclusion Strategy ensures women and other underserved groups benefit meaningfully from Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“Our vision is to make Nigeria a digitally enabled nation fostering inclusive economic development through technological innovation. Collaboration is one of the pillars of our strategic roadmap because we believe partnerships enable us to scale impact. What NAWOJ has proposed aligns with our vision and we are ready to work together,” he said.

Dr. Onumo disclosed that NITDA is pursuing an ambitious target of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027 through strategic partnerships with institutions including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Federal Ministry of Education, universities and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

He noted that partnering with NAWOJ presents another strategic opportunity to expand digital literacy, particularly among women across the country.

“If we succeed in partnering with NAWOJ, not only will women journalists acquire digital skills, they will also become ambassadors who can take digital literacy to women in communities across Nigeria. That partnership alone can significantly advance our national vision,” he stated.

The NITDA representative further expressed the Agency’s readiness to participate actively in the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 and invited NAWOJ to submit a formal proposal outlining areas of collaboration, technical support, and NITDA’s expected role during the summit.

He also proposed that both organisations develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership, clearly defining shared objectives, timelines, responsibilities and expected outcomes.

“We will graciously participate in the summit. Beyond the event itself, we should translate today’s discussions into a long-term partnership with clearly defined objectives that will benefit both organisations and, ultimately, Nigeria,” he added.

Dr. Onumo also invited NAWOJ to participate in the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2026, describing it as Nigeria’s largest government-supported technology conference and a platform that would offer women journalists valuable opportunities for digital skills acquisition, networking and knowledge exchange.

Earlier, the Deputy Director of Cybersecurity at NITDA, Dr. Ayo Bakare, stressed the urgent need for journalists to embrace emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.

He noted that AI-driven misinformation and disinformation have become major threats to credible journalism and national security, making digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness and fact-checking skills increasingly essential for media professionals.

Dr. Bakare assured the Association of NITDA’s readiness to support women journalists in acquiring the knowledge and digital tools needed to tackle misinformation, strengthen ethical journalism and effectively navigate the AI era.

Speaking earlier, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, commended NITDA’s transformative leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital economy through initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital literacy, innovation and digital inclusion.

She said the Association was seeking a strategic partnership with the Agency to strengthen the digital capacity of women journalists while promoting responsible technology reporting and public awareness on emerging digital issues.

Comrade Ibrahim also formally invited NITDA to partner with NAWOJ for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026, describing the initiative as a national platform that will bring together government institutions, security agencies, technology experts, policymakers, development partners, academia, civil society organisations and the media to advance conversations on security, innovation and national development.

She requested NITDA’s support through technical expertise, institutional collaboration, sponsorship and participation in one of the summit’s strategic sessions on technology and security, noting that the Agency’s contribution would enrich discussions on the role of digital innovation in strengthening national security.

Both organisations expressed optimism that the proposed partnership would deepen digital inclusion, empower women journalists with future-ready skills, strengthen responsible technology reporting and contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation and sustainable national development.

Signed:

Comrade Aisha Ibrahim
National Chairperson
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)