Tolulope Arotile was a trailblazer in the Nigerian Air Force, as she became the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the history of the country. She was also a brave and skilled aviator, who contributed significantly to the fight against insecurity and terrorism in the northern states of Nigeria. Sadly, her life was cut short by a tragic accident on July 14, 2020, at the age of 24. In this blog post, we will celebrate her achievements and legacy, and pay tribute to her courage and patriotism.
Early Life and Education
Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile was born on December 13, 1995, in Kaduna State, to Mr. and Mrs. Akintunde Arotile. She hailed from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. She had a passion for flying since she was a child, and was inspired by the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that flew over her house.
She attended Air Force Primary School, Kaduna, from 2000 to 2005, and Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna, from 2006 to 2011. She excelled in her academics, especially in mathematics and physics.
She gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as a member of 64 Regular Course on September 22, 2012. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the academy. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a pilot officer on September 16, 2017, after undergoing rigorous military training.
Career and Achievements
Tolulope Arotile made history on October 15, 2019, when she was winged as the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force, by the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar. She completed her flying training in South Africa, where she earned her commercial pilot license.
She also underwent tactical flying training on the Agusta 109 Power attack helicopter in Italy. She was deployed to the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group, Enugu, for conversion training on the Mi-35P attack helicopter.
She was later assigned to the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri, where she participated in several combat missions against the Boko Haram insurgents, under the Operation Gama Aiki. She also flew several missions under the Operation Lafiya Dole, in the Northeast.
She was instrumental in providing close air support to the ground troops, and conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. She logged a total of 460 hours of helicopter flight, which was an outstanding performance for a combat pilot.
She was recognized and honored by the Nigerian Air Force for her exceptional service and dedication. She was also a role model and an inspiration to many young girls and women in Nigeria, who aspire to pursue a career in the aviation sector. She was described by her colleagues and superiors as a confident, courageous and professional pilot, who always delivered on her tasks.
Death and Burial
Tolulope Arotile met her untimely death on July 14, 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained in a road traffic accident at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna State. According to the Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Ibikunle Daramola, she was inadvertently hit by the reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate, who was trying to greet her. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
She was buried on July 23, 2020, at the Military Cemetery, Airport Road, Abuja, with full military honors. She was laid to rest in the presence of her family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, who paid their last respects and tributes to her. She was posthumously promoted to the rank of flying officer, and awarded the Chief of Air Staff Commendation Medal for her contributions to the security of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Air Force revealed that no autopsy was carried out on her before she was buried, because the circumstances surrounding her death were clear, and there were witnesses who were present during the accident.
The force said that her family wanted to move on quickly and did not demand an autopsy, noting that the family was comfortable with the force’s investigation. The investigation was later transferred to the Nigeria Police Force on July 24, 2020.
Controversy And Activism Of Tolulope Arotile
Some of the reasons why her death was controversial and suspicious are:
She died from a head injury caused by a reversing car that hit her inside a military base, which some people found implausible and unlikely.
She died shortly after returning from a successful combat operation against the terrorists, which some people believed made her a target of revenge and assassination.
She died without an autopsy being conducted on her body, which some people argued was against the standard procedure and protocol for such cases.
She died as a young and talented woman who broke barriers and made history in a male-dominated field, which some people viewed as a threat and a challenge to the status quo.
Some of the ways that her death inspired activism and advocacy are:
Many Nigerians, including prominent politicians, activists, and celebrities, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into her death, and urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Many Nigerians, especially women and girls, celebrated her achievements and legacy, and expressed their admiration and gratitude for her service and sacrifice
Many Nigerians, particularly young people, were inspired by her courage and passion, and expressed their desire to pursue their dreams and goals, especially in the aviation sector.
Tolulope Arotile was a national hero and a role model, who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many Nigerians. She will always be remembered and honored for her service and sacrifice. May her soul rest in peace. ?
Conclusion
Tolulope Arotile was a remarkable and remarkable woman, who broke barriers and made history in the Nigerian Air Force. She was a fearless and effective combat helicopter pilot, who fought valiantly for the peace and security of her country.
She was a shining star, who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many Nigerians. She will always be remembered and honored for her service and sacrifice. May her soul rest in peace.
