The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has immortalised late Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile ,by naming the newly renovated and remodeled Pilots’ Crew ‘Room’ at the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG) Port Harcourt after her.
NAF stated that the pilots’ crew room houses an operations briefing room, computer room/library, pilots’ life-support room and lounge.
It also included a kitchen, dining room, changing room for pilots on standby and several rest rooms.
The facility was provided to ensure a conducive environment which would enable pilots to more effectively plan and execute assigned missions.
NAF also commissioned a newly constructed Block of 18 x two-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) as well as a water project
Speaking during the ceremony, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, stated that immortalizing late Flying Officer Arotile was done to honour her memory and inspire young girls in Nigeria to study, work hard and pursue their dreams.
He said, “It is gratifying to note that since late Tolulope’s demise, many young Nigerian girls have indicated their interest to join the NAF. Besides, no fewer than 12 other female officers, who have undoubtedly been motivated by her inspirational life and the unprecedented and exemplary contributions by other female and male pilots, are currently undergoing flying training, both within and outside the Country, to become NAF pilots”.
Air Marshal Abubakar noted that immortalizing late Arotile also addressed another area of the NAF’s policy thrust which is the commitment to assure personnel that their sacrifices would never be in vain.
According to him, the policy has been sustained through the immortalization of personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the Nation.
“The objective has always been to acknowledge their contributions towards securing our Country, while making sure that they and their sacrifices remain forever fresh in our minds and indeed in the minds of Nigerians”, he added.
