By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Vice President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Dr Zainab Akpan, has been honoured with two international awards in the U.S. for her contribution to peacebuilding, leadership, and anti-human trafficking advocacy.
Akpan was honoured with the Global Peace Ambassador Award and Distinguished Leadership Award by the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research in New York.
Briefing newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, she said the awards were in recognition of her grassroots initiatives promoting peace, women empowerment and child protection.
Akpan said the awards would further strengthen her resolve to promote peace and social development, particularly among women and youth in Nigeria.
She explained that one of her current projects focuses on sensitising mothers and guardians to identify red flags of cyber exploitation and child abuse.
“These awards have given me a wider platform to share the Nigerian story of peacebuilding from the grassroots.
“Many people abroad only see the big picture, but real peace starts in our communities.
“We discovered that many parents are physically present but emotionally absent.
“They don’t know when their children are being exposed to cyber risks.
“Our goal is to train mothers to detect warning signs early and create safe spaces for children, both online and offline,” she said.
Akpan, who is also an advocate for women in leadership, encouraged young women to take up roles of responsibility in their immediate communities.
According to her, leadership begins from small acts of service. I started from local community groups and church activities, and each stage built my confidence.
“Young women should be consistent, compassionate, and ready. When preparation meets opportunity, success follows,” she added.
Akpan expressed appreciation to her mentors and colleagues in NOWA for their support, noting that the association remains committed to complementing the Nigerian Navy’s efforts in national development and humanitarian outreach.
She thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Navy and her husband, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, for the support towards actualising her dreams and initiatives. (NAN)
