She was the best among 200 cadets selected at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA. At the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, when she eventually completed her training, 2nd Lieutenant Princess Oluchukwu Owowoh graduated a shining star on April 12, 2024.
Aged 24, Owowoh who is the first female Nigerian Army officer to be trained at the top-notch military institution reportedly excelled in academics, military tactics and physical fitness.
She was received at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Monday, May 6, by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who described her as an inspiration to the nation’s youth.
“Your determination and resilience is remarkable”, says Senator Tinubu. As a woman, the first who has made a mark in a male dominated field, I salute you”, the First Lady added joyfully.
“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”, Senator Tinubu counseled the young officer.
The First Lady demonstrated her excitement over Owowoh’s achievement of a rare feat by requesting the presence of wives of high-ranking government officials and the military top brass including wives of the Vice President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, ministers and wives of the Service Chiefs, to celebrate her.
For Owowoh, it was a memorable moment as all the attendees gave her a standing ovation, after which Senator Tinubu “thanked the Nigerian Army for giving 2nd Lt Owowoh the opportunity in a male dominated field”.
Following her sterling performance at the UK Royal Military Academy, she was awarded the prestigious Sandhurst Medal, joining the league of other recipients which included Sir Winston Churchill, Prince Williams of Wales and a former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Owowoh had been posted to the Nigerian Military Intelligence unit on her return to the country.
