The Nigerian Air Force laid to rest its former Director of Public Relations and Information, Air-Commodore Wapkerem Maigida, in a ceremonial that was both colorful and sombre, with full military honors and admiration from those who knew him well.
He laid to rest in his hometown of Ajikamai, Nyak in Plateau State’s Shendam LGA. Governor of Plateau State Simon Lalong described the late Maigida as a man of integrity who lived a purposeful life in his remarks.
Lalong claimed that Maigida’s loss was tragic for his family, the nation of Nigeria, and the state. He claimed that the late man would be remembered for his contributions to his family, neighborhood, and country, as well as for his zeal and tenacity in making them.
He was praised as a role model for the younger generation, who looked up to him as a successful officer. Lalong pleaded with his family to find solace in the fact that he had lived a joyful life of service to others and was a modest dad and spouse.
According to Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Logistics Air Vice Marshal PD Masiyer, Air-Commodore Maigida’s passing has undoubtedly left a void that will be challenging to fill in the Air Force, as well as in his family, his state, and the entire nation.
Commodore Zego said that he can personally vouch for the veracity of all eyewitness testimonies of Commodore Maigida’s life on behalf of the Course 42 pupils at the NDA.
In 1995, Air-Commodore Maigida, a 1995 graduate of the NDA’s 42 Regular Course, received his commission in the Nigerian Air Force. The senior officer holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Security and Strategic Studies from the NDA. He was also given a postgraduate diploma in public relations and advertising by Lagos’ Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
The National Defense Course at the National Defense College in Nigeria and the Air War Course at the Air Force War College in Makurdi, Benue State, stand out among the military courses he took. He completed the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna before enrolling in the Senior Staff Course at the Air Force Command College in Beijing, China.
The senior officer also completed courses in civil-military relations and cooperation at the Indonesian National Defense Forces Peacekeeping Centre, the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre, and the Joint Information Activities Group at Royal Air Force Base, Halton, in the United Kingdom. She also completed a course for international public affairs officers.
Maigida worked as the Defense Headquarters’ Deputy Director of Information from 2019 to 2021. He persisted in his pursuit of knowledge and career growth despite his demanding schedule, earning a Master’s degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.
As dusk fell, he was put in control of the 551 Nigerian Air Force Station. Jos was the Director of Civil-Military Relations in the Nigerian Air Force’s Abuja headquarters before he passed away. Director of Information and Public Relations was his prior title.
The traditional 21-gun salute and presenting the National Colors to the family were the highlights of the celebration.
