NIGERIAN-DIASPORA: Continuing to Shape American Dreams: LCDR Jude C. Ezedike Eulogizes Commander Matuwo I. Olufokunbi on Promotion

Continuing to Shape American Dreams for Future Generations of Nigerians in Diaspora

Jude C. Ezedike

Lieutenant Commander

United States Navy Ret.

In continuation of the trailblazing achievements of Nigerians in Diaspora, Commander Matuwo I. Olufokunbi, United States Navy, took command of USS OAK HILL (LSD 51), a U.S. Navy Amphibious Dock Landing Ship, at a Change of Command ceremony held on the ship’s well deck on January 16. This marks the third American with Nigerian heritage, the first prior enlisted sailor, and the first to qualify as nuclear engineer under United States Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program to command a U.S. Navy warship after Captain Frank E. Okata commanded USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91) from 2013-2015 and Captain Kelechi Ndukwe commanded USS HALSEY (DDG 97) from 2021-2022 respectively.

This great milestone and key event in our history will set the center stage for our young children and future generations of Nigerian-Americans and other African countries or nations in diaspora to emulate. There are many opportunities in the U.S. Navy for our children in diaspora ranging from Naval Aviator, Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare, Integrated Weapons Systems, Scientists, Medicine, Pharmacist, Nursing, Engineering, Maintenance Technologists, and Nuclear Propulsion Engineering to mention a few. We need more of our children in diaspora to engage in these navy career specialty choices. Navy career is rewarding for the sailors and at the same time enables us to meet the challenges of our forward deployed forces in various duty stations around the world.

“I am honored for this great opportunity to continue to serve and lead in our Navy,” said Commander Olufokunbi. “I would not have reached this milestone without the prayers and support of my family as well as the example of those that came before me like Captain Okata and Captain Ndukwe respectively. The privilege of commanding a warship is not one I take lightly and I am excited to make a positive impact, represent my

family well, and defend our Nation.”

His command selection is an inspiration to all especially immigrants that America is the land of opportunity. Olufokunbi son of late Professor Banwo Olufokunbi and Late Dr. Mrs. Karen Cowan Olufokunbi, Grandson of Master Chief Petty Officer Oby Cowan enlisted in the navy as an Electronic Technician in 2001 prior to being selected into Seaman to Admiral Program. Commander Olufokunbi graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering through Navy scholarship Program and was commissioned an Ensign in May 2008. He is a graduate of the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program and holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. As a Surface Warfare Officer, he has served on multiple warships to include two frigates, two amphibious ships, and two aircraft carriers with extensive deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, Western Pacific Ocean, and South America.

Olufokunbi’s initial sea duty was aboard USS TAYLOR (FFG 50) as an Electronic Technician, Division Officer aboard USS SIMPSON (FFG 56) where he qualified as Surface Warfare Officer and served as Intelligent and Electronic Warfare Officer and Combat Information Center Officer respectively. Remaining on sea duty, he served aboard USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) as Reactor Electrical and Reactor Auxiliaries Officer. As Department Head, he served aboard USS CARTER HALL as Combat Systems Officer and USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) as Main Propulsion Assistant. Most recently, Commander Olufokunbi served as the Executive Officer aboard USS OAK HILL in Norfolk, VA. Ashore, Commander Olufokunbi served as Naval Surface Forces Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare (AMW) and Mine Warfare (MIW) Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead at Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. Further, he served as Nuclear Programs Officer at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command.

Commander Olufokunbi has been recognized with various personal, unit-level, and campaign awards including Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 Awards), and Navy Good Conduct Medal (2 Awards).