Rest in peace: 20 Things we ought to know about Tolulope Arotile

By Oluwayanmife Ayobami

On this day, we remember and pay tribute to the remarkable Flying Officer Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile. 

Nigeria lost an extraordinary trailblazer who made history as the first female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force. Her legacy and achievements continue to inspire generations, and today, we take a moment to honour her memory and the indelible mark she left on the world. 

Tolulope Arotile was an inspirational figure and the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force. Here are 15 things we ought to know about her:

1. Tolulope Arotile was born on 13 December 1995 in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
2. She attended the Air Force Primary School, Kaduna, and later the Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna.
3. Arotile gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as a member of the 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012.
4. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a pilot officer on 16 September 2017.
5. Arotile held a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
6. She made history by becoming the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force.
7. Tolu was winged as a combat pilot on 15 October 2019, alongside Kafayat Sank, the first female fighter pilot.
8. She completed her flight training in South Africa.
9. Just two years into her career, she had acquired 460 hours of helicopter flight, which was remarkable for a combat pilot.
10. Arotile actively participated in combat operations against terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS.
11. President Muhammadu Buhari commended her exceptional skills and bravery in the fight against terrorism.
12. She was described as an efficient, deadly, and fearless combat pilot during the fight against ISIS.
13. Arotile also held a commercial pilot license.
14. She underwent tactical flying training on the Agusta 109 Power attack helicopter in Italy.
15. Arotile tragically lost her life on 14 July 2020 due to head injuries sustained in a road traffic accident.
16. The accident occurred at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna State.
17. She was inadvertently hit by the vehicle of a former Air Force Secondary School classmate who was trying to greet her, according to the Nigerian Air Force. The circumstances of the accident led to calls for an investigation, with some considering it suspicious.
18. Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile was laid to rest at the Military Cemetery, Airport Road, Abuja, on 23 July 2020.
19. No autopsy was performed before her burial, as her family and the Nigerian Air Force considered the circumstances of her death clear, and there were witnesses to the accident. 
20. Tolulope will forever remain in our hearts. 

Tolulope Arotile’s life and achievements continue to inspire many and serve as a testament to breaking barriers and pursuing one’s dreams.

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