The Nigerian Air Force has named its remodelled pilots’ crew room at the 115 Special Operations Group in Port Harcourt after the country’s first female combat helicopter Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced this at the inauguration of the accommodation block at the NAF base in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Abubakar, who also inaugurated a newly-built senior non-commissioned officers’ quarters and a water project, praised the late Arotile for her outstanding contributions to securing the country.
“The late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who was the first female combat helicopter pilot in the history of the Nigeria Air Force, died on July 14, at the age of 24.
“It is with mixed feelings that we are having the pilot crew room here at the Nigeria Air Force’s home of combat helicopters, named in her honour.
“The immortalisation of Arotile is also significant such that it addresses another area of our policy thrust of assuring our personnel that their sacrifices will never be in vain,” Abubakar said.
He, however, added that “since Arotile’s demise, no fewer than 12 female officers, who have undoubtedly been motivated by her inspirational life, are currently undergoing flying training to become NAF pilots.
“So, it could be said that the late flying officer is living in the lives of those coming after her.
“To this end, I encourage more of our young girls to aspire for career opportunities in the Nigeria Air Force, as there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
