The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday in Abuja winged its first
female fighter pilot, first female helicopter pilot and first
female Air Warrant Officer.
The first female fighter (combatant) pilot winged is Flying
Officer Kafayat Sanni and first female helicopter pilot, Tolulope
Arotile.
They were the two female pilots among the 13 that were
winged.
The two female pilots had successfully completed their pilot
training courses in United States of America and South Africa.
The newly promoted first female Air Warrant Officer, Grace Garba
was also decorated with her new rank.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air
Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said the 13 pilots qualified for the
award of the NAF prestigious Wing.
“Today indeed marks another milestone in the history of the NAF
and I am gratified to be part of it.
“I am particularly happy because out of the 13 pilots to be
winged are two female Regular Combatant officers.
“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.
“While the second graduated from Starlite International Training
Academy. They both performed excellently well during their
training.
“Our records indicate that as at today, we have trained a total
of 67 Instructor pilots since 2015.
“Furthermore, with the winging of these pilots today, the NAF
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.
“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,’’ he said.
Dame Pauline Tallen, the minister of Women Affairs, who graced
the occasion, expressed happiness to be part of the event.
Tallen congratulated the female pilots, and the Air Warrant
Officer for the feat, saying that history had been made.
Speaking to newsmen, Flying officer Sanni, said she would play
her part in the ongoing counter insurgency operations in the North
East. (NAN)
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