Tributes
as Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s First Combat Helicopter Pilot is Laid to Rest, with Full Military Honours.
SHORT BUT IMPACTFUL LIFE
Born on 13
December 1995 to the family of Mr and Mrs Akintunde Arotile in Kaduna, Arotile,
hails from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. She attended Air Force
Primary School, Kaduna from 2000 to 2005 and Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna
from 2006 to 2011 before she later gained admission into the Nigerian Defence
Academy, Kaduna as a member of 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012.
She was commissioned
into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on 16 September 2017 and holds a
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Arotile was
winged as the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air
Force on 15 October 2019, after completing her flying training in South Africa.
She holds a commercial pilot license and also underwent tactical flying
training on the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy.
“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 combat helicopter pilot,” Air Chief
Sadique Abubakar said at the October event.
Arotile died
on 14 July 2020 at the age of 24, when she was inadvertently hit by the
reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate
while trying to greet her. Before her untimely death, Arotile made significant
and outstanding contributions to the war against terrorism, armed banditry and
other forms of criminality in the Country, flying several combat missions.
Arotile said
she joined the Nigerian Air Force out of a passion for the job. In her words “I
joined the military simply out of passion for it. Being military personnel has
been a long time ambition, the carriage and what it stands for are simply
exceptional.
TRIBUTES
“My heart
goes out to the family and colleagues of late flying officer, Tolulope Arotile.
“She was a
brave patriot who pushed her self beyond limits to demonstrate her uncommon
love for our dear nation. In the process, she made us all proud.
“By
dedicating her young life to protect and defend Nigeria’s strength, honour and
unity, her memory and legacy will continue to serve as a great inspiration to
our youth especially our girls.”
Nigeria’s former President,
Goodluck Jonathan
I join @NigAirForce and the nation to
condole with the family of Late Fg Offr Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s first
female combat helicopter pilot.She was laid to rest today according to military
traditions.Her service will be greatly missed by the AFN and may her soul rest
in peace.
“Even at
this moment, the Nigerian Air Force is still in palpable shock and loss as to
why this had to happen our service. “As a service, we had so much expectation
for Tolu which she was already living up to with ease. She contributed
immensely to the decimation of enemies of our nation. Her death has really affected
us in one way or the other”.
Nigeria’s Airforce
Chief, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar
The First
Female Combat Helicopter Pilot, Tolulope Arotile has been laid to rest today, I
pray your soul Rest In Peace.
Nigeria has
lost yet a heroine, you will be forever remembered as your name won't be left
out in the book of History.
Muhammad Fatimah
Temitope @MFTeemah
Flying
Officer Tolulope Arotile will remain a source of inspiration, particularly to
those who aspire to break new barriers. Her good legacies will surely endure.
Air Vice-Marshall OA
Adesanya, Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Moscow, Russia.
I pray that
almighty Allah Grant you al-janah firdaus, continue to rest in power and
remember to continue to handle that fighter jets for Nigeria in spirit, you're
indeed an inspiration... I'll tell your story to my daughter probably, probably
we can see many girls handle jet.
Rest on
champion...your absence will be greatly missed against awọn Boko haram and evil
bandits ...may God console your loved ones.... farewell farewell farewell.
Rest in
peace officer Tolulope Pray that God gives the family of the deceased and Nigerian
Air Force (NAF) the courage to bear this huge loss.
I am so sad
that Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, died at
the age of 24 years. You were bold, brave and patriotic. You defended the
nation and inspired national pride. May God comfort your parents and family. We
salute your cherished memory. RIP.
In 2012,
Pres Goodluck Jonathan made it possible for women to be enlisted into the NDA.
25 of them were selected and admitted, they're popular known as "Jonathan
Queens". One of them is late tolulope Arotile (RIP).
The journey was short but very significant, not only because you fulfilled your childhood dream or being the first and only female combat helicopter pilot, but that you are a Nightmare of Boko Haram. It is well.
Tolulope Arotile was an inspiration. She shattered the ceiling, and will always be our number 1. May she rest in the bosom of the Lord. And may the Almighty God grant the Arotile family and all her loved ones the comfort to bear this loss. –AA
As the late
Heroine Tolulope Arotile is buried today, we appreciate her short but
accomplished and patriotic life of service to her country. I call the states
and the FG to immortalize her by naming streets or public buildings after her. May
her soul Rest In Peace. Ameen.
