Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.
Maigari, married with a daughter, hails from the Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State but was born in Kaduna.
Her adventure began in 2016 with her graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy and commissioning as a sub lieutenant.
She later served on the Nigerian Navy ship Unity.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Maigari received the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset on Friday at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers.
In an interview with NAN on the sidelines of the occasion, Maigari stated that she reached the milestone after finishing her basic pilot training and meeting all prerequisites.
“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 said.
She described how her dream of becoming a naval officer came true when she was selected as one of the first 20 female regular cadets to train at the NDA.
Maigari stated that she graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, received the Gold Medal Navy award, and finished her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the best overall in 2019.
“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,” Maigari advised.
She thanked God, her coworkers, and her family for their constant support in enabling her to become the Nigerian Navy’s first female pilot.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, presented the award and praised Maigari and the other award recipients for their outstanding efforts.
He emphasised that the sunset ritual was a traditional naval tradition that signalled the end 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.
The navy boss spoke on the navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and sea piracy, among other maritime crimes, in 2024.
“In January, the navy launched Operation Delta Sanity, which successfully curtailed oil theft and maritime crimes, increasing Nigeria’s daily crude oil production; several oil companies reported achieving a 100 percent terminal factor.
“Two new naval bases were established in Enugu and Makurdi; the Shagunu outpost was operationalised; we also incorporated a maritime component into Operation Fansar Yamma in the Northwest,” Ogalla stated.
Ogalla listed advancements in fleet recapitalisation, including the acquisition of two 32-meter fast patrol boats, an offshore survey vessel, and two helicopters in June.
“In November, three additional helicopters were launched and two 38-meter Sea Eagle fast patrol boats were delivered.
“By January, we expect delivery of three 46-meter fast boats from China, while two 76-meter offshore patrol vessels under construction in Turkey are nearing completion.
“Our indigenous shipbuilding efforts include two 38-meter Seaward Defence Boats, three tugboats, and several patrol boats, all scheduled for delivery in 2025,” Ogalla said.
