Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.
Ms Maigari, who is married and has a daughter, hails from Langtang North LGA of Plateau. She was born in Kaduna.
Her remarkable journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant.
Subsequently, she served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
Ms Maigari was presented with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Ms Maigari said that she achieved the milestone after completing her basic pilot training and fulfilling all requirements.
“I grew up in a military environment as my father was an officer in the Nigerian Air Force. From an early age, I aspired to become a military pilot and when the opportunity to join the navy arose, I did not hesitate,” she stated.
She recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialised when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.
Ms Maigari said she graduated in 2016 as the best-graduating cadet in academics, earned the Gold Medal Navy award, and in 2019, completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best.
“There were moments during my training when it seemed I might not succeed in my studies or flight procedures, but I persevered. Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy feels surreal and a significant milestone, not only for me but for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement.
“I also hope my success motivates young civilian girls aspiring to join the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, to persist because perseverance can overcome any challenge in life,” Ms Maigari advised.
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues, and her family for their unwavering support in helping her achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the navy.
Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Ms Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.
He highlighted that the sunset ceremony was a longstanding naval tradition marking the conclusion of the year’s activities.
The navy chief spoke on the navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy, among other maritime crimes, in 2024.
