Gbenro Adesina
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed grief over the demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in Nigeria, who died in a road crash on Tuesday July 14, 2020.
In a message of condolence signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, the President eulogised the promising officer who contributed her quota before her demise.
The statement read in part:
“President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep pain the passing of Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, condoling with the family on loss of such a promising officer, whose short stay on earth impacted greatly on the nation, especially in peace and security.
“The President salutes Arotile’s bravery in the field to protect the country from onslaught of bandits and terrorists, assuring that her memory will be indelible, and her efforts remembered.
“President Buhari commiserates with the Nigerian Air Force, airmen, airwomen and all friends of the deceased, recalling her deft skills in manoeuvring combat helicopters, which he had physically witnessed with pride.
“The President sympathises with government and people of Kogi State on the loss.
“President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family she left behind”.
