Malik Yahya/
The first female combat helicopter pilot in Nigeria, Tolulope Arotile, is dead.
She was 24 years old.
Arotile reportedly died after sustaining head injuries in a road traffic accident at Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Kaduna.
Her death came just eight months after she was winged as a combat helicopter pilot in the Air Force following the completion of her course in South Africa.
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 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 of officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of the late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss. We pray that the Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest.”
While decorating her on October 15, 2019 alongside Kafayat Sanni, the first female fighter pilot, Abubakar had said, “They are not only female officers but outstanding aviators. While one of the two pilots is the first female fighter pilot in the 55 years history of the NAF, the second one is the first female combatant helicopter pilot.”
When she graduated as the best flight student from her set in 2017, her parents were among those who attended a ceremony held in her honour.
After that programme, the mother had taken to social media to express her joy.
“On behalf of my entire family. Engr Akin and Mrs Arotile l will like to sincerely appreciate every 1 for honouring the invitation to celebrate with PILOT OFFICER T. AROTILE. I am indeed grateful and pray that God will reward you all exceedingly and abundantly above all you wld think or ask of Him. Once again,thank u and God bless,” she had written.
