By Michael Odiah,
The immediate past President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki CON has described the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile as unfortunate and sad.
While describing her death as unfortunate, Dr Saraki stated that Officer Arotile, who is Nigeria’s first female helicopter combat pilot, dedicated her life to the service of her nation.
In his statement made available on Facebook, Saraki said, “I woke up to read the very sad news of the unfortunate passing away of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile – Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot”
“Flying Officer Arotile dedicated her life to the service of her nation and in so doing became a role model for millions of Nigerians on breaking glass ceilings. She will be missed.”
“I commiserate with Nigerian Air Force, her family and friends. I pray the Almighty gives them the strength to bear this loss.”
According to authorities of the Nigerian Air Force, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, aged 23 died as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base Kaduna.
Confirming the accident, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said 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.
He said: “During her short but impactful stay in the service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of 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 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 grant her soul eternal rest.”
