Nigerian Air Force has immortalised late Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, who died on July 14, 2020 by naming the newly renovated and remodelled pilots’ crew room at the 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, after her.
Arotile, a promising pilot, was knocked down by an SUV driven by her former classmate at the NAF Base in Kaduna.
The crew room has 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 according to the NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola.
The statement which was titled, ‘NAF immortalizes first combat pilot, late flying officer Tolulope Arotile,’ said the facility, which also has 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.”
According to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Arotile was immortalised “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.”
“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,” the Air Chief added.
