President Muhammadu Buhari condoled with the Nigeria Air Force (NAF), the Kogi State Government and the family of Tolulope Arotile, a helicopter fighter pilot, over her death.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Mr Buhari ‘s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he said her stay on earth had a great impact on the nation, particularly in terms of peace and security.
According to NAF, the death of Ms Arotile, who died on Tuesday as a result of head injuries sustained by a road accident at its Kaduna base.
NAF last year winged Ms Arotile as the first female fighter (combatant) helicopter pilot.
According to the statement, Mr. Buhari commended the bravery in the field of Ms. Arotile to protect the country from the assault of bandits and terrorists, making sure that her memory is indelible, and remembering her efforts.
He commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force, airmen, airwomen, and all the deceased ‘s friends, recalling their ability to maneuver combat helicopters, which he had witnessed with pride physically.
Air Staff chief (CAS), Sadique Abubakar, also shared sorrow over Ms Arotile ‘s passing.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Mr Abubakar he said,
“She was a very intelligent, disciplined, confident & courageous young officer who added value wherever she served. As a squadron pilot in Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, she flew her quota of anti-banditry combat missions to ensure a safer, more secured Nigeria.
“I recall meeting her at the Minna Airport, while on operational visit, after one of such missions & seeing her eagerness to contribute towards the restoration of lasting peace to the affected areas. Her death is a huge loss to @NigAirForce family & indeed the entire Nation.
“On behalf officers, airmen, airwomen & civilian staff of @NigAirForce, I once more condole with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss & sincerely pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest.”
(2/4) She was a very intelligent, disciplined, confident & courageous young officer who added value wherever she served. As a squadron pilot in Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, she flew her quota of anti-banditry combat missions to ensure a safer, more secured Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/z6oDkIQaXx
— Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) July 15, 2020
(4/4) On behalf officers, airmen, airwomen & civilian staff of @NigAirForce, I once more condole with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss & sincerely pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest. pic.twitter.com/L7N5cBv5RY
— Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) July 15, 2020
Also, a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has commiserated with the family of Ms Arotile.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Saraki said, “I woke up to read the very sad news of the unfortunate passing away of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile – Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot.
“Flying Officer Arotile dedicated her life to the service of her nation and in so doing became a role model for millions of Nigerians on breaking glass ceilings. She will be missed.
“I commiserate with @NigAirForce, her family and friends. I pray the Almighty gives them the strength to bear this loss”, he added.
I woke up to read the very sad news of the unfortunate passing away of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile – Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot.
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 15, 2020
I commiserate with @NigAirForce, her family and friends. I pray the Almighty gives them the strength to bear this loss.
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 15, 2020
A leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, also commiserated with the family of Ms Arotile.
In a statement released on Wednesday, he said, “My sincere condolences to the family, friends and Nigerian Air Force colleagues of Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile.
“Ms. Arotile was a trailblazer in every sense and her sudden passing is a tragic and painful loss for all patriotic Nigerians. May her virtuous soul rest peacefully in the bosom of Allah.”
Ms. Arotile was a trail blazer in every sense and her sudden passing is a tragic and painful loss for all patriotic Nigerians. May her virtuous soul rest peacefully in the bosom of Allah
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) July 15, 2020
