By Uche Onyeali
West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA, Nigeria, has elected new officials to pilot the affairs of the regional peace advocacy organisation in Nigeria for the next three years.
The officials elected at the WAANSA Nigeria 2026 General Assembly in Abuja on Friday, included Hajya Jamila Abubakar of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as new president of the organisation, Engr. Francisco George-Okoli, the former director of Programmes, WAANSA Nigeria, as Vice President 1, and Mrs Benedicta Ode as Vice President 2, among others.
Discussions at the General Assembly centred majorly on growing proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons which participants blamed for various violent crimes, including banditry, cross-border smuggling and even human trafficking.
Hajya Abubakar, a former national auditor of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, spearhead WAANSA’s advocacy and strategic interventions aimed at curbing the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons while promoting peace, security and conflict prevention across the country.
Earlier, the First Regional Vice President of WAANSA, Comrade Martin Igwe announced plans to intensify grassroots campaigns on the dangers of misuse of fertiliser, noting that while fertilisers are vital for agricultural production, they are increasingly being diverted by criminal elements for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
According to him, WAANSA Nigeria will embark on nationwide sensitisation campaigns to educate farmers and local communities on the proper handling and use of fertiliser.
He said the initiative would help strengthen national security, enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, create employment opportunities for young people and contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Demographics
Igwe commended the NAWOJ for its consistent support of WAANSA’s peace and security advocacy, describing the association as a dependable partner in promoting public awareness on issues affecting national security.
He also noted that some aspects of the organisation’s activities involve sensitive collaborations with security agencies, requiring careful handling of operational information.
Speaking on the leadership transition, Igwe expressed confidence that the newly elected executive would consolidate the achievements of the outgoing leadership, deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen the organisation’s impact in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms.
In her address, the immediate past president of WAANSA Nigeria, Barr Temitope Lamidi reflected on the commitment and sacrifices of members in advancing campaigns against the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons. He highlighted the network’s contributions to advocacy efforts that supported the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. Demographics
In her acceptance speech, the new president, Hajya Abubakar pledged to uphold the ideals and vision of WAANSA Nigeria by working closely with security agencies, development partners and relevant stakeholders to address the country’s security challenges through advocacy, collaboration and community engagement.
She reaffirmed WAANSA Nigeria’s commitment to supporting initiatives that reduce armed violence, strengthen community resilience and promote lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
The WAANSA 2026 General Assembly was witnessed by a delegation of NAWOJ led by the national chairperson, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, among other organisations.
