Lt. Changfe Maigari has made historical past as the primary feminine pilot within the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.
Maigari, who’s married with a daughter, hails from Langtang North Native Authorities Space of Plateau State however was born in Kaduna.
Her journey started 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.
The Information Company of Nigeria experiences that Maigari was offered with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award through the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sundown on the Naval Coaching Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.
In an interview with NAN on the sidelines of the occasion, Maigari stated that she achieved the milestone after finishing her primary pilot coaching and fulfilling all necessities.
“I grew up in a navy atmosphere as my father was an officer within the Nigerian Air Drive.
“From an early age, I aspired to grow to be a navy pilot and when the chance to hitch the navy arose, I didn’t hesitate,” she stated.
She recounted how her dream of changing into a naval officer materialised when she was chosen among the many first group of 20 feminine common cadets skilled on the NDA.
Maigari stated she graduated in 2016 because the Finest Graduating Cadet in Lecturers, earned the Gold Medal Navy award, and in 2019, accomplished her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the general finest.
“There have been moments throughout my coaching when it appeared I may not reach my research or flight procedures, however I persevered.
“Turning into the primary feminine pilot within the Nigerian Navy feels surreal and a big milestone, not just for me however for all my feminine colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement
“I additionally hope my success motivates younger civilian women aspiring to hitch the navy, notably the Nigerian Navy, to persist as a result of perseverance can overcome any problem in life,” Maigari suggested.
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues and her household for his or her unwavering help in serving to her to realize the milestone of changing into the primary feminine pilot within the Nigerian Navy.
Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Employees, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, counseled Maigari and different award recipients for his or her exemplary achievements.
He highlighted that the sundown ceremony was a longstanding naval custom marking the conclusion of the yr’s actions.
“It’s a second to mirror on our 2024 accomplishments, strengthen comradeship and honour personnel who distinguished themselves by means of onerous work,” Ogalla stated.
The navy chief spoke on the navy’s vital strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy, amongst different maritime crimes, in 2024.
“In January, the navy launched Operation Delta Sanity which efficiently curtailed oil theft and maritime crimes, rising Nigeria’s day by day crude oil manufacturing; a number of oil corporations reported attaining a 100 per cent terminal issue.
“Two new naval bases had been established in Enugu and Makurdi; the Shagunu outpost was operationalised; we additionally included a maritime part into Operation Fansar Yamma within the North West,” Ogalla acknowledged.
He listed developments in fleet recapitalisation, together with the acquisition of two 32-metre quick patrol boats, an offshore survey vessel, and two helicopters in June.
“In November, three extra helicopters had been launched and two 38-metre Sea Eagle quick patrol boats had been delivered.
“By January, we count on supply of three 46-metre quick boats from China, whereas two 76-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels beneath development in Turkey are nearing completion.
“Our indigenous shipbuilding efforts embody two 38-metre Seaward Defence Boats, three tugboats and several other patrol boats, all scheduled for supply in 2025,” Ogalla stated.
He additionally famous upgrades to barracks in Lagos, Benue, Enugu and Ogun States, in addition to the continued development of extra housing for personnel in Navy Cities positioned in Abuja and Lagos.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers lauded the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil theft, unlawful bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
He acknowledged the immense challenges posed by criminals in sabotaging the nation’s financial system by means of assaults on oil and gasoline services.
“Eliminating these unlawful actions in our maritime atmosphere is not any small activity, particularly as 90 per cent of our oil and gasoline infrastructure is positioned within the Niger Delta swamps.
“The Rivers Authorities has at all times supported and collaborated with the Nigerian Navy and can proceed to take action to facilitate its operations within the state.
“As we method 2025, Nigerians have excessive expectations and it’s important that we work collectively to confront and overcome the challenges forward,” Fubara stated.
PUNCH On-line reports on Sunday that Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot), Olanike Nafisat Balogun, made historical past as the primary feminine pilot within the Nigeria Customs Service.
NAN