Former President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan has penned a despondent note over the death of flying officer Temitope Arotile.
Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile, born 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. Arotile died from a head injury she sustained from a freak accident at the Nigerian Air Force base in Kaduna state on 14 July 2020
Aritole,s death has masked gloomy faces over Nigerians, as Former President Jonathan expressed grief while he penned his heart felt message.
He took to his facebook as he sent his condolences to her family and her colleagues as they have lost a gallant soldier.
He quoted Arotile as “a brave and patriot soldier” who went beyond measures to demonstrate her love for the nation.
The ex president also prayed that her soul be granted eternal rest.
Read Note below:
“My heart goes out to the family and colleagues of late flying officer, Tolulope Arotile.
“She was a brave patriot who pushed her self beyond limits to demonstrate her uncommon love for our dear nation. In the process, she made us all proud.
“In 2011 when my administration introduced females into the Nigeria Defence Academy to train as combatants, for the first time, it was to give equal opportunities to all men and women of the armed forces and encourage highly driven female officers like Tolulope to excel in her chosen career, irrespective of their gender.
”I feel sad that such a young gallant officer would die at the prime of her life. I am however encouraged by the fact that she stood out as a pleasing fulfilment of our dream of an all-embracing Nigeria armed forces devoid of discrimination.
”By dedicating her young life to protect and defend Nigeria’s strength, honour and unity, her memory and legacy will continue to serve as a great inspiration to our youth especially our girls.
“May God grant her soul eternal rest.
(C) Control TV 2020.
