Nigeria's First Female Combat Helicopter Pilot Dies at 23

Nigeria’s First Female Combat Helicopter Pilot Dies at 23

News - Women's Perspective
Hetty

Nigerian Women’s pride, and first female combat helicopter pilot has died at the age of 23.

Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile dies just 8 months after she was commissioned as the first female combat helicopter pilot.

Nigeria's First Female Combat Helicopter Pilot Dies at 23

Read: Nigerian Airforce: Women Make History

Air Force spokesman, Ibikune Daramola said this in a statement on Wednesday, 15th July.

The statement:

“It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying OfficerTolulope Arotile, who died today, 14 July, 2020, as a result of he’d injuries sustained form 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 the Nigia Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the service.

“During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hailed from Ife Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi Kogi State, 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.

“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf f officers and airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over the irreplaceable loss. We pray that the Almighty God grants her should eternal rest. “

Tribute by the Chief of Air Staff:
Air Marshal Abubakar 

“I was heart broken when I received the sad news of the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile yesterday in Kaduna. Tolulope, who was winged in October 2019, as the first female @NigAirForce combat helicopter pilot, was one of our shining young stars.

Nigeria's First Female Combat Helicopter Pilot Dies at 23Nigeria's First Female Combat Helicopter Pilot Dies at 23
“She was a very intelligent, disciplined, confident & courageous young officer who added value wherever she served. As a squadron pilot in Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, she flew her quota of anti-banditry combat missions to ensure a safer, more secured Nigeria.
“I recall meeting her at the Minna Airport, while on operational visit, after one of such missions & seeing her eagerness to contribute towards the restoration of lasting peace to the affected areas. Her death is a huge loss to @NigAirForce family & indeed the entire Nation.
“On behalf officers, airmen, airwomen & civilian staff of @NigAirForce, I once more condole with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss & sincerely pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest.”