The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly and the Military High Command were all gathered at the National Military Cemetery to pay their last respect to late Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot.
The burial ceremony was also attended by top government functionaries and family members who eulogized the late Flying Officer, however, the parents were not present at the ceremony.
The young vibrant officer has been described as a courageous, brave, and devoted officer of the NAF, who began her journey from the Nigerian Academy, regular course 64.
Her short but impactful life was felt in the fight against banditry in the northwestern part of the country.
Late Arotile died on July 14, 2020, of a head injury at the NAF Base Kaduna, when an old school classmate who saw her was reversing to greet and unfortunately knocked her down.