First female combat pilot, Tolulope Arotile
FORMER lawmaker that represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, Senator Shehu Sani has called on the federal government to immortalize the late first female combat pilot, Tolulope Arotile who died recently at the age of 24 through a road accident in the Kaduna Air Force Base.
The former legislator who is also a human rights activist and President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria on Monday in her social media handle reiterated that the remarkable accomplishments of the deceased pilot during her short time on earth made her a national asset and hero, alongside the decisive actions she took in the fight against the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency group.
“Name Kaduna Train station after Arotile”, the former lawmaker restated on Monday.
Sani had on the day of Tolulope’s burial appealed to the government to immortalize the deceased pilot with posthumous national awards and recognitions as a way to pacify her and also the nation that bears the loss of such a rare gem.
“As the late Heroine Tolulope Arotile is buried today, we appreciate her short but accomplished and patriotic life of service to her country. I call the states and the FG to immortalize her by naming streets or public buildings after her. May her soul Rest in Peace. Ameen”, Sani stated during her burial.
Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile, born on 13 December 1995 was the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force. She contributed significantly to combat operations against insecurity in the northern states of Nigeria. She passed on 14 July 2020.