A major milestone was achieved in the history of the Nigerian Navy on Friday as Lt. Changfe Maigari was celebrated for becoming the first female pilot in the service since its inception in 1964.
This historic achievement was marked by her receiving the prestigious 'Pilot Wing' award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State.
Lt. Changfe Maigari's journey to this remarkable accomplishment began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant. Her early years were spent in a military environment, as her father served as an officer in the Nigerian Air Force.
This upbringing instilled in her a deep-seated aspiration to become a military pilot. "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 recounted.
Maigari's path was not without challenges. She was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA, where she excelled academically, graduating as the Best Graduating Cadet and earning the Gold Medal Navy award.
In 2019, she completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best. Despite moments of doubt during her training, she persevered, driven by her determination to succeed. "There were moments during my training when it seemed I might not succeed in my studies or flight procedures, but I persevered," she shared.
Her dedication and hard work culminated in her historic achievement, which she described as "surreal and a significant milestone, not only for me but for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement."
Maigari expressed her hope that her success would motivate young civilian girls aspiring to join the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, to persist in their dreams. "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," she advised.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, presented the award to Maigari, commending her and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.
He highlighted the importance of the sunset ceremony, a longstanding naval tradition marking the conclusion of the year's activities. The navy chief also spoke on the navy's significant strides in combating maritime crimes such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and sea piracy in 2024.
Maigari's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of progress for gender equality within the Nigerian military. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers, serving as an inspiration to many.
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues, and her family for their unwavering support in helping her achieve this milestone. "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," she stated.
Lt. Changfe Maigari hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State but was born in Kaduna. She is married and has a daughter, balancing her professional achievements with her personal life. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
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