The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has named a two-block of 4 x 2 Bedroom Married Officers Accommodation at the NAF Base in Abuja after the late first female fighter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.
A remodelled Pilots’ Crew ‘Room’ at the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG) Port Harcourt was earlier named after the late female pilot who died in a car accident at the NAF Base in Kaduna.
Eight other deceased officers, who died in active service, were also honoured with blocks of the building named after them.
This was announced during the commissioning of newly constructed Blocks of Married Officers Accommodation and Transit Accommodation for Officers and Airmen at NAF Base Asokoro, Abuja.
Director of Administration, Air Vice Marshal A.G. Pani, said that the buildings were constructed by the Ministry of Defence as part of its 2018 capital project.
According to him: “In line with the NAF’s tradition, all the blocks being commissioned today will be named in honour of some of our personnel who lost their lives in service to our fatherland.
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“These blocks are therefore being named after 9 officers and one airman to immortalise them in recognition of their sacrifices. In this regard, at NAF Base Bill Clinton Drive, one of the 2 Blocks of 10 x 1 Bedroom transit accommodation is named after Fg Officer AA Mohammed (NAF/5082), who was KIA on 5th September 2020 in Birnin Gwari while the second block of 10 x 1 Bedroom transit accommodation is named after Flt Lt Akweke Junior Nwakile (NAF/3014) who was KIA on 21st July 2014 while participating in OPERATION LAFIA DOLE in the North East.
“Additionally, the two Blocks of 4 x 2 Bedroom Married Officers accomodation are named after Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile (NAF/4512F) who died as a result of Road Traffic Accident on 24th July 2020 at NAF Base Kaduna and Flt Lt John Ayonoteh Adams (NAF/3104) who was KIA on 19th February 2013 while participating in OPERATION ZAMAN LAFIYA”.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, noted: “The provision of befitting accommodation for our personnel and their families remains a top priority for the NAF.
“Hence, on the assumption of office, we deliberately embarked on the relentless construction of new office and residential accommodation in various units across the country.
“We are currently undertaking massive renovations, remodelling and upgrading of existing accommodation in NAF Bases across the country in order to bring them to an acceptable standard.
“We are indeed very grateful to the Honourable Minister of defence for sharing this laudable passion with us”.
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