Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, recently welcomed 2nd Lt Princess Owowoh to the State House, Abuja, in a historic meeting that marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s military history. Owowoh, at just 24 years old, holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian lady to graduate from the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK. Her remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the determination and resilience of Nigerian youth.
In her meeting with Owowoh, Mrs. Tinubu lauded the young officer for her stellar performance and exemplary dedication to her military training. She emphasized Owowoh’s status as a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated field, highlighting her as an inspiration to young Nigerians across the country. Mrs. Tinubu encouraged Owowoh to remain focused and positive, assuring her that the sky was the limit for her future endeavours.
As a symbol of recognition and celebration, Mrs. Tinubu called upon all dignitaries present, including the Wife of the Vice President, the Wife of the Speaker, Wives of Ministers, Wives of Service Chiefs, and Members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to give Owowoh a standing ovation. This gesture underscored the collective pride and admiration for Owowoh’s historic achievement and the significance of her contribution to gender equality in the military.
Furthermore, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, echoed Mrs. Tinubu’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Owowoh’s graduation as a testament to the growing inclusion of women in Nigeria’s armed forces. She applauded Owowoh’s dedication and perseverance, highlighting her as a role model for aspiring female officers.
Adding to the accolades, Major General O. Ochai, Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), provided insight into Owowoh’s exceptional performance during her training. He revealed that Owowoh emerged as the top performer among 200 selected cadets from the NDA, excelling in academics, military subjects, and physical fitness. Her outstanding achievements earned her the prestigious Sandhurst Medal, a recognition previously bestowed upon esteemed individuals such as Sir Winston Churchill, Prince William of Wales, and Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Looking ahead, Owowoh has been assigned to the Nigerian Military Intelligence unit, where she is poised to make further contributions to national security and defence. Her journey from cadet to officer exemplifies the potential for excellence and leadership within Nigeria’s armed forces, inspiring future generations of young women to pursue careers in military service.
