NewStats: 3,261,711 , 8,174,885 topics. Date: Friday, 30 May 2025 at 09:18 AM 1q2e1o

Nigerian Navy gets first female pilot


Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.

Maigari, who is married with a daughter, hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State but was born in Kaduna.

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.

The News Agency of Nigeria 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.

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 the navy arose, I did not hesitate,” she said.

She recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialised when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.

Maigari said she graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, 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 for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement

“I also hope my success motivates young civilian girls aspiring to 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 in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.

Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice iral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.

He highlighted that the sunset ceremony was a longstanding naval tradition marking the conclusion of the year’s activities.

“It is a moment to reflect on our 2024 accomplishments, strengthen comradeship and honour personnel who distinguished themselves through hard work,” Ogalla said.

The navy chief spoke on the navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy, among other maritime crimes, in 2024.

“In January, the navy launched Operation Delta Sanity which successfully curtailed oil theft and maritime crimes, increasing Nigeria’s daily crude oil production; several oil companies reported achieving a 100 per cent terminal factor.

“Two new naval bases were established in Enugu and Makurdi; the Shagunu outpost was operationalised; we also incorporated a maritime component into Operation Fansar Yamma in the North West,” Ogalla stated.

He listed advancements in fleet recapitalisation, including the acquisition of two 32-metre fast patrol boats, an offshore survey vessel, and two helicopters in June.

“In November, three additional helicopters were launched and two 38-metre Sea Eagle fast patrol boats were delivered.

“By January, we expect delivery of three 46-metre fast boats from China, while two 76-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels under construction in Turkey are nearing completion.

“Our indigenous shipbuilding efforts include two 38-metre Seaward Defence Boats, three tugboats and several patrol boats, all scheduled for delivery in 2025,” Ogalla said.

He also noted upgrades to barracks in Lagos, Benue, Enugu and Ogun States, as well as the ongoing construction of additional housing for personnel in Navy Towns located in Abuja and Lagos.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers lauded the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

He acknowledged the immense challenges posed by criminals in sabotaging the nation’s economy through attacks on oil and gas facilities.

“Eliminating these illegal activities in our maritime environment is no small task, especially as 90 per cent of our oil and gas infrastructure is located in the Niger Delta swamps.

“The Rivers Government has always ed and collaborated with the Nigerian Navy and will continue to do so to facilitate its operations in the state.

“As we approach 2025, Nigerians have high expectations and it is vital that we work together to confront and overcome the challenges ahead,” Fubara said.

PUNCH Online reports on Sunday that Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot), Olanike Nafisat Balogun, made history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service.

NAN

Source: The Punch

Congratulations beautiful Woman.

May you not crash as you fly ... Whatever will crash you should be directed to Tinubu and his cohorts who have made life unbearable for us.🙏

Jasix:
Congratulations beautiful Woman.

May you not crash as you fly ... Whatever will crash you should be directed to Tinubu and his cohorts who have made life unbearable for us.🙏

It will be directed to that transgender called Obi

NoIgboSoundTueh:

It will be directed to that transgender called Obi

You can't survive a day without mentioning OBI.
OBI has being saving lives

Congratulation to her

Yes

This shouldn't be news if truly the future is femail.

The Name sounds Plateau

Congratulations to her

Jasix:


You can't survive a day without mentioning OBI.
OBI has being been saving lives

Typical of ipobidients. Him and his ilk find it difficult to breath if they don't mention Tinubu at least 20 times a day, yet quick to accuse others for mentioning 2face errand boy.

I was reliably informed about 95% of ipob clowns are illiterates. The garbage above seems to confirm this.

Jasix:
Congratulations beautiful Woman.

May you not crash as you fly ... Whatever will crash you should be directed to Tinubu and his cohorts who have made life unbearable for us.🙏

Same was said against Buhari but God in his fairness directed the calamity to the worthless father and mother of Nnamdi Kanu. Fingers crossed while waiting for the next calamity to befall another worthless haters of Tinubu as the case was for Buhari.

I honestly believe Nigeria will get better by 2025. Just say amen and . Affirm it

Congratulations to her.

Ademola47:


Source: The Punch

Congratulations my Sister! May God Almighty protect you and bless your diligence! A role model worthy of emulation! God bless you and safeguard you!

Nigerians take note o, this one will rise through the ranks and when she gets to the top, nobody should mention nepotism o. Congratulations sis.

Jasix:


You can't survive a day without mentioning OBI.
OBI has being saving lives

wahala

See kettle calling pot black! Hypocrite!

Jasix:


You can't survive a day without mentioning OBI.
OBI has being saving lives

Proudlycanadian:
I honestly believe Nigeria will get better by 2025. Just say amen and . Affirm it

If I say Amen, that means I believe, but i dont.

Congrats.... pls be careful
RIP to TOLULOPE arotile....

Nice!
First female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service unveiled a few days ago. Now, another from the Navy.

God bless you Miss. Be valiant...
ing Miss Tolulope Arotile.

happney65:
The Name sounds Plateau

Congratulations to her

Plateau or Kaduna.

Ademola47:

Nigerian Navy gets first female pilot

Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964.

Maigari, who is married with a daughter, hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State but was born in Kaduna.

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.

The News Agency of Nigeria 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.

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 the navy arose, I did not hesitate,” she said.

She recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialised when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.

Maigari said she graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, 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 for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement

“I also hope my success motivates young civilian girls aspiring to 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 in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.

Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice iral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.


PUNCH Online reports on Sunday that Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot), Olanike Nafisat Balogun, made history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Source: The Punch

That's an impressive FIRST from the Nigerian Navy since inception in 1964. Changfe is one of the brilliant female minds from different states of Nigeria who have flown military airplanes.

Congratulations to Lt. Changfe Maigari and her folks from Lantang in Plateau State. My OG from many years back, Ganfa who's a proud Lantang dude will certainly have a big grin when he reads this feat.

Maigari is indeed a family name that's popular in Southern Kaduna, so, that is where her spouse comes from based off of the article info.


Nigerian Female Amazons with the Military Wings of Steel BELOW:

1]Blessing Liman from Zango Kataf, Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State (FIRST ever female military pilot in the Nigerian Air Force in 2011. She flies Nigerian Air Force transport planes and also flies the Presidential Air Fleet. Blessing is the FIRST EVER female Presidential Air Fleet Captain). Blessing Liman doesn't fly Air Force combat jets and this is where Kafayat Omolara Sanni comes in right below.

2]Kafayat Omolara Sanni from Ogun State (FIRST ever female combat fighter jet pilot in the Nigerian Air Force in 2019). Kafayat has been on active air combat and bombing missions against terrorists and insurgents. She was born in Kaduna State.

3]Tolulope Arotile from Kogi State (FIRST ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force in 2019). Tolulope took part in active air combat against terrorists and insurgents but ed on due to a freak car accident in the Air Force base in Kaduna. Tolu's memory will remain indellible in the sands of time.

4]Olanike Nafisat Balogun from Osun State (FIRST ever female Nigerian Customs pilot in 2024). The Nigerian Customs is a para-military establishment.

5]Changfe Maigari from Langtang, Plateau State (FIRST ever female Nigerian Navy pilot in 2024).


NOTE: As of today, the Nigerian Air Force has produced a total of 7 female military pilots since 2011 when Blessing Liman became the FIRST EVER female military pilot in Nigerian history. Some others exclusively fly combat fighter jets, others exclusively fly Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance (IRS) and transport planes on non-combat missions such as Oluwabunmi Ijehu and Genevieve Nwaogwuwu.


One noticeable thing I discovered over the cumulative years of reading about ALL the brilliant, young female military pilots listed in the original numbered list right above is that they were all born and grew up in the North (Kaduna State) which is what they all have in common with Kaduna State. The Kaduna military and aviation environments indeed left indelible imprints in their minds and motivated them to become the FIRST EVER female military pilots in their various military roles.

Nigerian Navy dey fly for air. Air force dey sail for ship.

Nigeria, a land of irony and confusion...

Congratulobia, anyway..

Congratulations to the distinguished Officer. May the skies be kind to you. We're proud of you, Sir.

Richtaiwo:

Typical of ipobidients. Him and his ilk find it difficult to breath if they don't mention Tinubu at least 20 times a day, yet quick to accuse others for mentioning 2face errand boy.

I was reliably informed about 95% of ipob clowns are illiterates. The garbage above seems to confirm this.

Don't be stupid.
Why are you clowns derailing the thread

Like say dem no go give her the Uriah treatment

Dalohad:
Nigerian Navy dey fly for air. Air force dey sail for ship.

Nigeria, a land of irony and confusion...

Congratulobia, anyway..

Nigeria Navy get plenty Helicopter.... Same way Police get Thier own.

Congratulations to her but how many aircrafts does the Nigerian Navy even have?

DemonSlayer:
Congratulations to the distinguished Officer. May the skies be kind to you. We're proud of you, Sir.

It's a female not a male!

Jasix:
Congratulations beautiful Woman.

May you not crash as you fly ... Whatever will crash you should be directed to Tinubu and his cohorts who have made life unbearable for us.🙏

Add your state governor, senator and house of rep member to the curse too...