Plateau State-born Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.
Lt. Maigari who hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, made the state proud with a first of its kind honour not just for Plateau but for the women folk who continue to raise the bar in terms of enviable achievements, further highlighting the potentials that abound in every nook and cranny of the state.
Lt. Maigari was presented with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.
Born in neighboring Kaduna State, Lt. Maigari’s journey in the Nigerian Navy began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant, and subsequently served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lt. 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,” she recalled.
“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 said.
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.
A peep into her antecedent reveal that 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,” she stated.
“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,” Maigari advised.
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues and her family for their unwavering support in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.
While presenting the award to Lt. Maigari, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended her 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.
“It is a moment to reflect on our 2024 accomplishments, strengthen comradeship and honour personnel who distinguished themselves through hard work,” Ogalla said.
