Lt. Changfe Maigari has etched her name in history as the inaugural female aviator in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its inception in 1964. A native of Langtang North Local Government Area in Plateau State, Maigari was born in Kaduna. She is married and has one daughter.
Her odyssey commenced in 2016 when she completed her studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant. She subsequently served on the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
This remarkable achievement was honored on Friday during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset, held at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State, where she received the ‘Pilot Wing’ accolade.
In a discussion at the event, Maigari contemplated her accomplishment, stating, “Growing up in a military household, with my father being an officer in the Nigerian Air Force, I always aimed to be a military pilot. When I had the chance to join the Navy, I seized it without a second thought.”
She reminisced about her path to the Navy, where she was part of the pioneering group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA. She earned her degree in 2016 as the top Academic Cadet, receiving the Gold Medal Navy honor. In 2019, she finished her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best performer.
“There were times during my training when I doubted my ability to succeed in my studies or flight operations, yet I kept pushing through,” Maigari shared.
“Becoming the first female aviator in the Nigerian Navy feels like a dream come true and marks a significant milestone, not just for me, but for all my female peers who might find motivation in this feat. I hope that my success inspires young girls in civilian life who aspire to join the military, especially the Nigerian Navy, to stay determined, as perseverance can conquer any hurdle in life,” she further remarked.
Maigari expressed her appreciation to God, her peers, and her family for their steadfast support that has aided her in reaching this groundbreaking achievement.