By Zika Bobby
No fewer than 520 delegates from over 18 African countries participated in the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Africa Region Training Conference on Tuesday.
The Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Aisha Adamu Augie, graced the event which was declared open by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Minister of Works, Rachel Umahi.
Among the countries that participated in the training include: Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Angola, Botswana, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, Namibia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Congo, and Zambia.
With the theme: “Addressing Africa’s security challenges and safety, through collaboration and inclusivity,” the conference is aimed to provide training for women police and other security and law enforcement officers across the continent, with the goal of equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat crimes and security threats in a modern and evolving society, particularly within their respective regions in Africa.
During the event, the Chairperson, Central Planning Committee, AIG Aishatu Baju, highlighted the objectives of the conference, which included fostering regional cooperation, building strong networks among women police, promoting inclusivity by developing strategies to increase women’s representation and leadership in law enforcement and sharing best practices in the field.
As a key component of the conference programme, the International Association of Women Police (IAWP), the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), and the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) jointly organised an Art Exhibition, showcasing works by female artists that celebrate and empower women. The exhibition featured a curated selection of female-inspired art pieces, designed to inspire and motivate conference participants.
The initiative aligns with CBAAC’s core mission to promote Black and African arts and civilisation, foster strategic partnerships, and collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to advance African arts and culture.