Lt. Changfe Maigari Breaks New Ground in Nigerian Navy As The First Female Pilot

• 30 Apr, 2025
• News
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The News Agency of Nigeria recently reported that Lt. Changfe Maigari, a trailblazing officer, has made history by becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception 59 years ago. She was recently awarded the 'Pilot Wing' at the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset held at the Naval Training Command Headquarters in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State, after successfully completing her basic pilot training and meeting all necessary requirements.

Hailing from a military family in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria, Maigari's childhood dream of becoming a military pilot was inspired by her father's service in the Nigerian Air Force. This soon became a reality when she was selected as one of the first 20 female regular cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Despite facing challenges during her training, Maigari persevered and excelled academically. She was awarded the Gold Medal Navy award in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet and topped the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in 2019.

Maigari's groundbreaking achievement as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy is a significant milestone. Today, she hopes her success will inspire young girls to pursue careers in the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, commended Maigari and other award recipients during the ceremonial sunset. He pointed out that the sunset ceremony was a longstanding naval tradition that mark the conclusion of the year’s activities.