Major Taiwo
A Nigerian, Ayodeji Taiwo, has, in a rare groundbreaking feat, been inducted into the German Army as a Major
Breaking the good news in his LinkedIn account, Ayodeji announced, “Yesterday, I was officially inducted into the German Army as an officer — the military dream has lasted since my childhood and now it’s a reality. Now, I’m officially Major Ayodeji Taiwo”
According to him, “this moment marks a key milestone in a long, sometimes difficult journey for me living in Germany over the past decade.”
He said that he arrived in Germany ten years ago with big dreams and no clear path. The early years were tough: language barriers, cultural differences, and financial struggles. Like many Nigerian and Bangladeshi students, he worked long hours in kitchens just to make ends meet. But those challenges taught him resilience.
He further explained that the German government supported his academic journey with a scholarship that funded both his PhD and his German language training.
“Still, my PhD came with its own battles — fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and often being the only Black and African person in the room. I wasn’t discriminated against based on my skin colour but it was sometimes challenging to forge ahead without having a model or figure that looks like you. A pivotal conversation with my PhD advisor helped me regain my confidence, and I eventually produced a solid work of interdisciplinary research that earned me the university award.”, he shared.
“My first role at d-fine GmbH brought similar doubts: “Your German isn’t perfect,” “You don’t belong here” were some of the thoughts running through my head. But with renewed self-belief and the support of great colleagues, especially my mentor Marc Girshgorn, CFA, I grew into my strengths and delivered excellent results across multiple projects.”, he wrote
In October, after completing the officer selection process, he began his new chapter as an Army officer at the Bundeswehr.
“I have big dreams here too — to grow technically, to serve in peacekeeping and military observation missions, as well as to be a leader my soldiers are proud to follow. With my Nigerian roots and my decade-long journey in Germany, I hope to bring a unique and valuable perspective to the German Armed Forces.”, he announced
“People like me — who weren’t born or raised in Germany — are a minority in the German military. With my African background, I represent an even smaller group. I hope to use my position to keep showing that an opportunity is what we most often need. Not to be spoon-fed but to be given a real chance. I’m grateful that Nigeria and Germany both gave me a chance to be successful.”, he continued
On an inspiring note, he said, “I’m beginning to learn something: the journey may not be easy and would definitely present hurdles, but they can be overcome. The key is to dream boldly, work relentlessly, and never underestimate how far resilience can take you. Your dream might be closer than you think”