Lieutenant Changfe Maigari has made history by becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN), a milestone that marks a significant achievement since the Navy’s establishment in 1964.
Maigari, a married woman with a daughter, is from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, although 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. She later served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
On Friday, Maigari was awarded the prestigious ‘Pilot Wing’ at the 2024 Nigerian Navy Ceremonial Sunset, held at the Naval Training Command Headquarters in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State.
In an interview following the event, Maigari shared that her achievement was the result of completing basic pilot training and meeting all the necessary requirements.
“I grew up in a military family, as my father was an officer in the Nigerian Air Force. From a young age, I aspired to become a military pilot, and when the chance to join the Navy came, I seized it without hesitation,” she said.
Maigari reflected on her time at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where she was part of the first group of 20 female cadets.
She graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics and earned the Gold Medal Navy award.
In 2019, she completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best.
Despite facing challenges during her training, Maigari’s perseverance saw her through.
“Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy is a dream come true, and I hope my success serves as an inspiration for my fellow women in the military and young girls aspiring to join the Navy,” she added.
She thanked her family, colleagues, and God for their unwavering support throughout her career.
At the ceremony, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, presented Maigari with her award.
He commended her and other award recipients for their exceptional achievements. The annual event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the Navy’s progress in 2024, including its efforts in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy.
Ogalla highlighted the success of Operation Delta Sanity, which curtailed maritime crimes and boosted Nigeria’s crude oil production.
He also mentioned the establishment of new naval bases in Enugu and Makurdi, as well as the operationalization of the Shagunu outpost.
The Navy also saw significant advancements in fleet recapitalization, including the acquisition of new patrol boats and helicopters.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State also praised the Navy’s efforts in tackling illegal activities in the maritime environment, particularly oil theft and illegal bunkering.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by criminal activities and reaffirmed the Rivers Government’s continued support for the Navy’s operations.
