First Lady Oluremi Tinubu extended a warm welcome to 2nd Lt. Oluchukwu Owowoh, the pioneering female Sandhurst-trained Nigerian Army officer, upon her graduation from training, commending her as a role model for the country’s young generation.
On April 12, 2024, 2nd Lt. Owowoh graduated from the Royal Military Academy (RMA), Sandhurst, United Kingdom.
The First Lady, who praised the 24-year-old employee’s excellent performances, said in a statement provided by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, that the officer is a prime example of the extraordinary things that Nigerian youth are capable of achieving.
“Your determination and resilience are quite remarkable and you are an inspiration to the youth of this country. As a woman, the first who has made a mark in a male-dominated field, I salute you.
“You have the entire world ahead of you. This is just the beginning. You are now a reference point for all Nigerian Youth. If you remain focused and positive, you will reach your goal in life”, she said.
First Lady Tinubu asked everyone in attendance to give 2nd Lt Owowoh a standing ovation as a practical way of recognizing the young officer. This included the wives of the vice president, speaker, minister, and service chief, as well as members of the Nigerian armed forces.
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“I thank the Nigerian Army for giving 2nd Lt Owowoh the opportunity even in this male-dominated field. Thank you”, she said.
In her remarks, the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Musa, pointed out that the training and graduation of Owowoh is a testament to improved female inclusion in the country.
Owowoh was the best of the 200 chosen cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), according to Maj. Gen. O.J. Okhai, the academy’s commandant.
He stated that the officer demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the three designated areas: academics, military subjects, and physical fitness.
Following in the footsteps of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, Prince William of Wales, and Sir Winston Churchill, she was awarded the coveted Sandhurst Medal.
Since then, when she returned to Nigeria, she was given a job with the military intelligence division.