Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has praised Commander Matuwo Olufokunbi for making history as the first Nigerian-American to qualify as a Nuclear Engineer under the US Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program.
Olufokunbi’s achievement also places him among the top three Nigerian-Americans to earn this distinction, following in the footsteps of Captain Kelechi Ndukwe and Captain Frank Okata.
This remarkable accomplishment paves the way for Olufokunbi to potentially command a US Navy warship in the future.
In a congratulatory message to Commander Olufokunbi, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that his promotion is a testament to the resilience, excellence, and indomitable spirit of Nigerians in the diaspora.
She expressed that his success serves as both a source of pride and an inspiration to the global Nigerian community.
Dabiri-Erewa encouraged Nigerian youths to draw motivation from Olufokunbi’s achievements and to pursue excellence in their own careers.
She also wished him a successful tenure in his new role.
Commander Matuwo Iseoluwani Olufokunbi joined the US Navy as an Electronic Technician in January 2001. He graduated from Old Dominion University in May 2008 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by completing the prestigious Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Olufokunbi also holds a Master’s in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and is JPME Phase 1 qualified.
Olufokunbi’s extensive service record includes assignments aboard various US Navy vessels such as USS TAYLOR (FFG 50), USS SIMPSON (FFG 56), USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50), and USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). His roles ranged from Electronic Technician to Reactor Propulsion Division Officer and Combat Systems Officer.
In his shore-based roles, Olufokunbi served as the Nuclear Programmes Officer at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, and as the Naval Surface Forces Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare, and Mine Warfare Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead at Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic.
Commander Olufokunbi is a highly decorated officer, with numerous accolades for his distinguished service within the US Navy.
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