Lieutenant Changfe Maigari has made history by becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its inception in 1964. Hailing from Langtang North, Plateau State, but born in Kaduna, Maigari is married with a daughter.
Her remarkable journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant. She subsequently served on board the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
During the Nigerian Navy 2024 Sunset Ceremonial at the Headquarters Naval Training Command (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday, Maigari was awarded the Pilot’s Badge.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event, Maigari explained that she achieved the milestone after completing her basic pilot training and fulfilling all the necessary requirements.
She shared that her dream of becoming a naval officer came true when she was selected among the first batch of 20 regular female cadets trained at the NDA.
Maigari distinguished herself as the Best Academic Graduate Cadet in 2016 and won the Navy Gold Medal, and in 2019, she completed her Sub-Lieutenant Technician Course as the best student.
There were times during her training when she thought she would not succeed in her studies or flight procedures, but she persevered.
Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy is a significant moment, not only for her, but for all her female colleagues who will find inspiration in her achievement. She also hoped that her success would encourage young civilian girls aspiring to join the military, especially the Nigerian Navy, to persevere, as perseverance can overcome all challenges in life.
Maigari expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues and family for their unwavering support that helped her achieve this milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.
Presenting the badge, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, congratulated Maigari and the other recipients for their exemplary achievements.
He noted that the sunset ceremony was an age-old naval tradition marking the end of the year’s activities.
He spoke of the Navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and piracy at sea by 2024.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil theft, clandestine drilling and pipeline vandalism. He acknowledged the enormous challenges posed by criminals who were sabotaging the national economy by attacking oil and gas installations.
Eradicating these illegal activities in our maritime environment is a daunting task, especially since 90% of our oil and gas infrastructure is located in the swamps of the Niger Delta.
The Rivers Government has always supported and collaborated with the Nigerian Navy and will continue to do so to facilitate its operations in the state.
Ultimately, Maigari’s success as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy is an inspiration to all women aspiring to traditionally male roles in the armed forces. Her journey exemplifies the perseverance, hard work and determination required to achieve the boldest of dreams.