The Nigerian Air Force has decorated Kafayat Sanni and
Tolulope Arotile as the first female fighter pilot and first female helicopter
pilot, respectively.
The two flying officers who just completed their training
courses in the US and South Africa, were among the 13 officers decorated at a
ceremony on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Sadique Abubakar, chief of air staff
said the development marked “another milestone” in the 55-year history of the
force.
“I am particularly happy because out of the 13 pilots to be
winged are two female regular combatant officers,” he said.
“They are not only female officers but outstanding aviators.
While one of the two pilots is the first female fighter pilot in the 55 years
history of the NAF, the second one is the first female combat helicopter pilot.
“The first female fighter pilot trained at the United States
Air Force following an excellent performance during her initial flying training
course at 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna.
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| Arotlie: The first female helicopter pilot in the history of Nigerian Air Force |
“While the second graduated from Starlite International Training Academy. They both performed excellently well during their training.”
He said by their records, they have trained a total of 67
instructor pilots since 2015.
He also said with the winging of the new pilots, the air
force would have winged a total of 101 pilots within the same period.
“Currently, we have 61 pilots undergoing basic flying
training, while 50 are undergoing various forms of advanced flying training
courses both locally and abroad,” he said.
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| Sanni: The first female fighter pilot |
“As such we are highly delighted to see the rewards of our collective efforts.
“I am confident that the NAF and indeed Nigeria will soon be
reaping the benefits that these pilots would undoubtedly add to our
operations.”
At the ceremony, Grace Garba, who became the first female
air warrant officer (AWO), was also decorated with her new rank.
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