Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its establishment in 1964.
Maigari, a married mother from Langtang North Local Government Area in Plateau State, 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.
At the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset held at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, Maigari was presented with the prestigious ‘Pilot Wing’ award on Friday.
In an interview with NAN at the event, Maigari shared that she achieved this milestone after completing her basic pilot training and meeting all the required qualifications.
“I grew up in a military environment as my father was an officer in the Nigerian Air Force,” she said. “From an early age, I aspired to become a military pilot, and when the opportunity to join the Navy arose, I did not hesitate.”
Maigari recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer came true when she was selected as one of the first 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA. She graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, receiving the Gold Medal Navy award. In 2019, she 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 is a significant milestone, not only for me but for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement,” she said.
Maigari expressed hope that her success would inspire young girls, particularly those from civilian backgrounds, to pursue a military career. “Perseverance can overcome any challenge in life,” she added.
She also thanked her family, colleagues, and God for their unwavering support in helping her achieve this historic feat.
During the ceremony, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, presented Maigari with her award. He commended Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements, emphasizing that the sunset ceremony is a long-standing naval tradition that marks the conclusion of the year’s activities.
Ogalla highlighted the Navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes throughout 2024. He discussed the success of Operation Delta Sanity, which helped curb oil theft and boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.
The Navy also launched several initiatives, including the establishment of new naval bases in Enugu and Makurdi, the operationalization of the Shagunu outpost, and the incorporation of a maritime component into Operation Fansar Yamma in the North West. Additionally, the fleet was strengthened with new acquisitions, including fast patrol boats, offshore survey vessels, and helicopters.
Ogalla also noted improvements in barracks across the country and the ongoing construction of additional housing for personnel.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, praised the Nigerian Navy for its efforts to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism, acknowledging the challenges posed by criminals targeting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.
“The Rivers Government will continue to support the Nigerian Navy to facilitate its operations in the state,” he said, adding that as the nation approaches 2025, collaboration is essential to overcome future challenges.
