President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of the late Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, describing her as “a promising officer, whose short stay on earth impacted greatly on the nation, especially in peace and security.’
Tolulope died eight months after she was commissioned as Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot. She was 23.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina, the President salutes Arotile’s bravery in the field to protect the country from onslaught of bandits and terrorists, assuring that her memory will be indelible, and her efforts remembered.
The President sympathises with government and people of Kogi State on the loss.
Buhari prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family she left behind.
Also, a statement signed by Air Force spokesman, Ibikunle Daramola, and obtained by Channels Television on Wednesday read :
“It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died today, 14 July 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna,” the statement read.
During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hailed from Ife 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 the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, 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.
