Air Force pilot receives full military honours at burial

Late Flight Lieutenant  A.J Nwakile

Late Flight Lieutenant A.J Nwakile

The Nigerian Air Force on Friday buried Flt.–Lt. Akweke Nwakile, who died in active service with full military honours at a solemn military ceremony held the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

Nwakile died in the Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter crash on 21 July as a result of a technical fault during a training mission at a location in South of Bama, Borno.

Report from the two crew members who survived the crash indicated that the crash was not as a result of an enemy attack.

NAN reports that Nwakile enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy on 29 September 2003, as a cadet Regular Course 55.

Nwakile was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Air Force on 29 September 2007 and was promoted Flt.-Lt. in September 2012.

Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musliu Obanikoro, said at the occasion that the death of Nwakile should be seen as a call to duty to serve the country nation and humanity.

Late Flight Lieutenant  A.J Nwakile
Late Flight Lieutenant A.J Nwakile

“We must not let the sacrifice he has made with his life to be in vain.

“As we continue to confront the present security challenges in some parts of the country, we should emulate the selflessness, courage and commitment exhibited by Nwakile and his colleagues.

“We must therefore be proud of the gallant efforts of this young gentleman who proudly demonstrated the Great Spirit and tenacity of a combat pilot,” he said.

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Obanikoro said that though the dream of a promising and fulfilling career of this young gentleman officer has been cut short, the present security challenges facing us demand from us courage, selflessness and commitment.

He said that the president appreciated the great sacrifice of Nwakile and other members of the Armed Forces who continue to make sacrifices to ensure enduring peace in our nation and other parts of African continent.

Obanikoro also said that the president was committed to doing all that was necessary to support the armed forces in carrying out their duties towards ensuring the sanctity of a united Nigeria.

“To the Nwakile family, Mr President and the whole nation share in your grief of having lost a noble son.

“At a time like this, I know words of comfort would be difficult to console or completely heal your wounds. My plea to you however, is to take solace in the Almighty God who is the greatest comforter.”

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, said that the Air Force would ensure that the family of Nwakile was well taken care of.

Amosu said that the late officer from now had been promoted posthumously to the post of a Squadron Leader and this will enhance the entitlement that will go to his family.

“The Nigerian Air Force has a tradition, the colleagues don’t leave the deceased family alone and this is not going to be different from what we used to do in the past,” he assured.

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