The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday in Abuja winged its first female
fighter pilot, first female helicopter pilot and first female Air Warrant Officer.
The first female fighter (combatant) pilot winged is Flying Officer Kafayat
Sanni and first female helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile.
They were the two female pilots among the 13 that were winged.
The two female pilots had successfully completed their pilot training courses
in United States of America and South Africa.
The newly promoted first female Air Warrant Officer, Grace Garba was also
decorated with her new rank.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal
Sadique Abubakar, said the 13 pilots qualified for the award of the NAFprestigious Wing.
“Today indeed marks another milestone in the history of the NAF and I am
gratified to be part of it.
“I am particularly happy because out of the 13 pilots to be winged are two
female Regular Combatant officers.
“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 combat helicopter pilot.
“The first female fighter pilot trained at the United States Air Force following
an excellent performance during her initial flying training course at 401 Flying
Training School in Kaduna.
“While the second, graduated from Starlite International Training Academy.
They both performed excellently well during their training.
“Our records indicate that as at today, we have trained a total of 67 Instructor
pilots since 2015.
“Furthermore, with the winging of these pilots today, the NAF would have
winged a total of 101 pilots within the same period.
“Currently, we have 61 pilots undergoing basic flying training, while 50 are
undergoing various forms of advanced flying training courses both locally and
abroad.
“As such we are highly delighted to see the rewards of our collective efforts.
“I am confident that the NAF and indeed Nigeria will soon be reaping the
benefits that these pilots would undoubtedly add to our operations,’’ he said.
Dame Pauline Tallen, the minister of Women Affairs, who graced the occasion,
expressed happiness to be part of the event.
Tallen congratulated the female pilots, and the Air Warrant Officer for the
feat, saying that history had been made.
Speaking to newsmen, Flying officer Sanni, said she would play her part in the
ongoing counter insurgency operations in the North East.
