'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Commander Matuwo Iseoluwani Olufokunbi on his historic feat as the third Nigerian-American to qualify as a Nuclear Engineer under the prestigious US Navy Nuclear Propulsion Programme.
Commander Olufokunbi’s remarkable achievement also makes him the first Nigerian-American to attain this distinction, elevating him to the elite group of officers qualified to command a US Navy warship. He joins the ranks of fellow Nigerians, Captain Kelechi Ndukwe and Captain Frank Okata, who have also made significant contributions to the US Navy.
In a congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa commended Olufokunbi’s resilience, dedication, and excellence, stating that his promotion is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in the diaspora. “Your historic achievement is a source of pride and inspiration for Nigerians worldwide,” she noted, urging Nigerian youths to emulate his dedication and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
Commander Olufokunbi's illustrious career began when he enlisted in the US Navy as an Electronic Technician in January 2001. A graduate of Old Dominion University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he further obtained a Master’s in Engineering Management from the same institution. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme and is JPME Phase 1 qualified.
Olufokunbi has held several distinguished roles during his service at sea, including: USS TAYLOR (FFG 50); Electronic Technician. USS SIMPSON (FFG 56); Intelligence Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Combat Information Center Officer. USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69); Reactor Electrical, Reactor Auxiliary, and Reactor Propulsion Division Officer.
And USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50); Combat Systems Officer. USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72); Main Propulsion Assistant.
He also served ashore as the Nuclear Programmes Officer at the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, and as the Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead for Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare (AMW), and Mine Warfare (MIW) at Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic.
Throughout his career, Commander Olufokunbi has been recognized with multiple accolades for his exemplary service. His achievements not only highlight his personal dedication but also the immense contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global excellence.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated her commitment to celebrating and supporting Nigerians making strides worldwide and wished Commander Olufokunbi a successful tenure.
This historic achievement continues to inspire hope and pride within the global Nigerian community, reaffirming the potential of Nigerians to excel on the world stage.
