Tolulope Oluwatoyin Arotile was a Nigerian Air Force Officer and the first female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force. Arotile was born on 13 December 1995 to the family of Mr and Mrs Akintunde Arotile. Though born in Kaduna state, Arotile was from Iffe, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Education and Career

Tolulope Arotile grew up in Kaduna state and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate from Air Force Primary School, Kaduna in 2005.

In 2011, Arotile obtained her Senior Secondary School Certificate from Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna.

In September 2012, she gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna as a member of 64 Regular Course.

Tolulope Arotile graduates with a degree in mathematics and was commissioned into the Nigerian Airforce on 16 September 2017.

She proceeded to Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy where she underwent tactical flying training. She holds a commercial pilot license.

In October 2019, Arotile was commissioned as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Air Force in 55 years by the Chief of Air Staff Sadique Abubakar.

Arotile was essential in the destruction of armed bandits during Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State and the North Central region.

Death

On 14th July, 2020 Tolulope Arotile died at the age of 23 in a fatal motor accident inside Nigerian Air Force base in Kaduna after sustaining head injuries.

Her death was mourned by her family, the Nigerian Air Force, Politicians, Celebrities and the entire nation.