The Vice President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Dr. Zainab Akpan, has been honoured with two international awards in the United States for her outstanding contributions to peacebuilding, leadership, and advocacy against human trafficking.
Dr. Akpan received the Global Peace Ambassador Award and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research in New York.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Akpan said the recognition was a testament to her grassroots initiatives that promote peace, women’s empowerment, and child protection in Nigeria.
According to her, the awards have renewed her commitment to advancing peace and social development, especially among women and youth.
“These awards have given me a wider platform to share the Nigerian story of peacebuilding from the grassroots,” she said.
“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.”
Akpan, who is also an advocate for women in leadership, urged young women to take up roles of responsibility within their communities, stressing that leadership begins with small acts of service.
“I started from local community groups and church activities, and each stage built my confidence,” she said. “Young women should be consistent, compassionate, and prepared. When preparation meets opportunity, success follows.”
She 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.
Akpan also thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Navy, and her husband, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan, for their continuous encouragement and support in actualising her dreams and initiatives.
