The Nigerian Air Force has announced that Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died due to head injuries following a road accident on the Air Force Base in Kaduna on Tuesday, will be buried on July 23, 2020.
Arotile, 24, will be buried with full military honours at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, received condolence visits from members of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council.
Delegates from the Federal Executive Council include the Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, who was accompanied by the Director-General of the National Council for Women Development and leaders of some women groups.
Ms Tallen said she received the news of the death of Flying Officer Arotile with great shock and that it would be difficult for her to recover. She noted that Arotile’s death would not be in vain as she would be remembered for her gallantry and contributions.
Alhaji Mohammed, in his condolence message, prayed that God would grant Miss Arotile’s soul peaceful repose and her family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, a 20-member delegate from the National Assembly’s Joint Committtee on the Air Force also paid the Chief of Air Staff a condolence visit.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, said that the death of Flying Officer Arotile was painful, but they were consoled that there was no greater honour than when one dies while in service to one’s Nation.
Senator Na’Allah described the late Arotile as a dedicated and goal-oriented young woman who lived an exemplary life that was worthy of emulation. He urged the Air Force to continue to give young Nigerian girls opportunities to serve as pilots.
Shehu Koko, the Chairman House Committee on Air Force, said the lower chamber of the National Assembly is pained by the passing of the Miss Arotile, but was taking solace in the fact that she left a legacy.
Responding, Air Marshal Abubakar said late Flying Officer Arotile would not be forgotten not only for being the first female combat helicopter pilot in the Service, but also for her legacy as an intelligent, highly committed and extremely patriotic officer who excelled in virtually every endeavor.
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