History has been made as Lt. Changfe Maigari becomes the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Maigari was presented with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.
Her journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant. Subsequently, she served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
In an interview with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Maigari said that she achieved the milestone after completing her basic pilot training and fulfilling all requirements.
“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 recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialized when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.
After graduating in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, Maigari earned the Gold Medal Navy award, and in 2019, 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 a significant milestone, not only for me but 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 expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues, and her family for their unwavering support in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.
Lt. Changfe Maigari hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State but was born in Kaduna. She is married with a daughter.