Women at the Forefront of Driving Peace and Security in Nigeria

Ibadan, Nigeria – Women are proving to be essential in promoting stability and resolving conflicts across Nigeria, according to Mrs. Bolatito Joseph, former Zonal Director of FRCN, Ibadan, who delivered a keynote address at the NAWOJ Southwest Summit, highlighting the theme: “Women Driving Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria: Her Voice, Her Power.”
Hosted by Comrade Omolola Alamu, Chairperson of Oyo NAWOJ, with Comrade Adeola Adekunle, Vice President of NAWOJ Southwest Zone B, as Chief Host, the summit also welcomed the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion Hon. Mrs Toyin Balogun as Special Guest of Honour.

Mrs. Joseph emphasized the resilience, wisdom, and courage of Nigerian women in addressing violence, terrorism, and kidnappings. She noted that women lead peace missions and advocacy efforts, ensuring conflicts are addressed before escalating.
Citing global examples from Northern Ireland, Liberia, the Philippines, and others, she said women’s involvement in peacebuilding produces lasting and sustainable outcomes.

In Nigeria, women continue to actively engage at the community level and advocate for greater inclusion in formal security and governance roles.
The summit also highlighted Nigeria’s National Action Plans on Women, Peace, and Security, with the latest plan (2024–2028) focusing on domestic safety, community peacebuilding, and conflict resolution across all states.
Mrs. Joseph urged women to support one another, engage men in dialogue, and leverage media and advocacy to hold stakeholders accountable. “Inclusion of women in decision-making processes is essential for long-lasting peace and good governance,” she concluded.