Sub-Lieutenant Anthonette Ajuwa Owusu, a trailblazing female combat officer from Sierra Leone, received her commission from the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 28, 2024.
Her commissioning marks a significant step toward achieving gender equality within the Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (MoD/RSLAF), emphasizing values such as equity, affirmative action, and economic empowerment.
A graduate of Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Freetown, Owusu completed her West African Secondary School Examination Certificate (WASSCE) before enlisting in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces on March 28, 2019. She underwent Officer Cadet training as part of the Special Female Officers at the Armed Forces Training Centre in Benguema Barracks.
Owusu was nominated for the Officer Cadet Commissioning Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2019 and began her training on September 4 of that year as part of the 71 Regular Course, specializing in Biological Sciences. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences in 2023.
Throughout her training, Owusu demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess, competing in various sports such as cross country, athletics, judo, boxing, and taekwondo, where she earned multiple medals, including gold, silver, and three bronze. She was also recognized as the overall best female competitor in an obstacle crossing event.
In addition to her athletic achievements, she attended several military courses, including the Company Amphibious Operations Course at the Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School and the Range Management Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy Firing Range in Afaka, Kaduna State.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who was represented by Honourable Tajudden Abass, the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The event also saw the presence of top military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff.
Sub-Lieutenant Anthonette Ajuwa Owusu’s achievements not only highlight her personal dedication but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of female officers in Sierra Leone and beyond.
