“When a child goes into the bush and returns home with a big catch, the parents applaud him.” This is an African proverb reechoed by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe 1, JP, OON during the award ceremony in honour of Commander Hetty Otome Ofugara Oraka-Onojeje, Director, Exercise Plans & Individual Augmentation, United States Pacific Fleet. The exact words that would have been used by the nonagenarian, Late Chief George Amurun, JP. GCOP, the Esirierha of Alegbor, the Patriarch of Agbaisi Descendants, who was also an honorary citizen of Alabama, USA, if he were still alive to receive one of his children on that momentous day. Sadly, he passed away a few months earlier.
The Uvwie Monarch’s particularly high spirits was a testament to the significance of this groundbreaking achievement which embodies a long-held vision he has nurtured since ascending the throne about 16 years ago. He has relentlessly campaigned for a peaceful, progressive and educationally advanced Uvwie, where there would be no disadvantaged child, and every family would be blessed with a professor. This drive resulted in his yearly education grant awarded to over 500 students, including non-indigenes, at all levels of education.
At the Ogwa Amurun-Agbaisi, where Commander Hetty first visited to pay homage to her extended family, it was an uncommon celebration. The duo of Silver Ofugara and Antoinette Ofugara Obiuwevbi worked hard to get her to locate the family hall at the Ekpan Community of Uvwie, Delta State, which no doubt has gone through tremendous transformation since she left for the United States of America to pursue her military career/family life.
It was pomp and pageantry when Commander Hetty was treated to a colourful celebration of her 57th birthday, sponsored by close relatives and attended by family, friends, old school mates, royalty, and top military personnel. A stream of glorifying tributes lent testimony to how dear she is to all that cross her path.
According to Ena Ofugara, Commander Hetty, as she is fondly called, though an immigrant, was able to rise to the rank of US Navy Commander, first African American woman to do so, by sheer handwork, determination and dedication. A young Hetty, immigrant, then mother of three but trusting in her own physical ability, having run track and field at St Itas Girls Grammar School, Sapele, – the same school that produced African/international champion athletes like Endurance Ojokolo – filled with intellect and ambition, knew a desk job would be a waste of her God-given fast-twitch muscles. So she applied to join the US navy. Problem was, she could not swim, a prerequisite for joining the US Navy. Hetty aced all intellectual, physical and medical criteria, and then it was time to jump into the pool!.
Hetty, armed with the “area” spirit of “at all at all naim bad pass”; “ogoro must jump”; and finally “Warri no dey carry last”, dove in the deep end of the pool. However, none of the above area spirits could help her float. “Warri no dey carry last” is not a floating device! Hetty splashed and dashed until the Naval Officers training officers jumped in and saved her from imminent drowning.
Asked if she knew she could not swim. She said ‘Yes’, an answer that baffled the officers in charge. Hetty had jumped into that pool – a place where those not familiar with navigating the water element feared to thread – armed with nothing but the spirit of “Ome Egba Osunobrughwe” aka “Faith or Power of God.” The young Hetty was recruited on spot. That bravery, zeal and confidence were attributes the US Navy needed. There and then, the US knew they had found an asset. Years later, now able to swim and proficient in her job, Hetty herself has recruited thousands.
She has been posted to hot spots around the globe, and represents the formidable American Navy; the most powerful in the globe; more lethal than anything King Phillip II Spanish Armada could have ever imagined.
Commander Hetty, currently Director, Exercise Plans & Individual Augmentation (N15) Commander, United States Pacific Fleet, was born in Warri, Delta state, Nigeria, to the family of Sir and Lady Smart Ofugara, She had her primary education in Effurun, where she grew up, completed her secondary education in Sapele, and earned her first degree from the University of Port Harcourt. She relocated to the U.S. shortly after completing the mandatory national youth service. Her passion for service led her to work with FEMA, serving communities in need.
The inborn desire to contribute to societal welfare further inspired her to join the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2001. Over the years, she has risen through the ranks, leading teams in various nations and combat zones. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, a Master’s in Information Resources Management, and an MBA. Throughout her career, she has served in numerous capacities, including Assistant Branch Head for Naval Operations, Medical Officer Recruiter, and Director for the Navy Reserve Force Management Program.
Also in 2021, she was mobilized to Camp Lemonnier, where she managed over 5,000 personnel in support of operations across Africa and the Middle East. Currently, as Director of Exercise Plans (N15), she oversees over 3,800 billets supporting U.S. Pacific Fleet Exercises. Commander Hetty Otomi Ofughara Oraka-Onojeje’s decorations include multiple Commendations and Achievement Medals, as well as the Recruiting Gold Wreath Award, which she has earned 32 times!
Beyond her professional life, Hetty is known for her love of learning and her ability to see the good in the most difficult situations. She always has a kind word, counsel, or gift for those who cross her path, and her jovial nature allows her to blend easily into any group or community, regardless of age bracket. Her heart is as open as a child’s, and she is deeply committed to her faith, especially her devotion to the Catholic Church. She shares a close bond with her many siblings, whom she loves and cherishes deeply. She is married to Dr. Augustine Oraka-Onojeje, and they have five children.
