Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has announced the tragic loss of its first female combatant helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile, who died barely eight months after she was winged and conferred with a special recognition.
We earlier reported that 23-year-old Tolulope Arotile died as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base Kaduna.
The sad news of her death was confirmed in a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola.
In the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, described the Flying Officer’s demise as “unfortunate,” saying her service to Nigeria was “short but impactful.”
The statement read, “It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died today (Tuesday), 14 July 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.
“Until her death, Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.”
As the first woman to fly a fighter helicopter in Nigeria, Arotile became a popular figure in the country after she was recognized by the NAF for her passion in doing what has been stereotyped to be a man’s job.
The statement continued, “During her short but impactful stay in the Service, the late Arotile contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State.
“Air Marshal Sadique on behalf of officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest.”
A throwback video showing the late combat pilot flying a helicopter has now emerged.
https://youtu.be/FSTRc9QFqbg
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