Nigerian Air Force has immortalised late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile by naming the newly renovated and remodelled pilots’ crew room at the 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, after her.
Arotile, a pilot, died on July 14, 2020, at the age of 24 after she was knocked down by an SUV driven by her former classmate at the NAF Base in Kaduna.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the crew room housed an operations briefing room, computer room/library, pilots’ life-support room and lounge as well as a kitchen, dining room, changing room for pilots on standby and several restrooms.
The statement which was titled, ‘NAF immortalizes first combat pilot, late flying officer Tolulope Arotile,’ added that the facility, which also features a newly constructed block of 18 two-bedroom flats for senior non-commissioned officers as well as a water project, was provided to ensure a conducive environment which would enable pilots to more effectively plan and execute assigned missions.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during the ceremony, stated that immortalising the late flying officer was done, “not only to honour her memory but also to further inspire young girls in Nigeria to study, work hard and pursue their dreams and legitimate aspirations with pride and honour.”
The AirForce chief noted, “It is gratifying to note that, since late Tolulope’s demise, many young Nigerian girls have indicated their interest to join the NAF.
“Besides, no fewer than 12 other female officers, who have undoubtedly been motivated by her inspirational life and the unprecedented and exemplary contributions by other female and male pilots, are currently undergoing flying training, both within and outside the country, to become NAF pilots.”
He explained that immortalising Arotile also addressed another area of the NAF’s policy thrust which is the commitment to assure personnel that their sacrifices would never be in vain.
Abubakar, who was excited to see some of her colleagues at the ceremony to celebrate her memory, noted that Arotile lives on in the hearts of those coming after her.
CAS recalled that, over the years, 115 SOG had built in-house capacity and shown its capability in the conduct of the first-ever life extension maintenance on two Mi 35P helicopters, among other feats.