By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid glowing tribute to one of its most iconic trailblazers, Group Captain Theodora Oluyinka Pereira (Rtd), on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
In a message of felicitation on behalf of the entire NAF family, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, described Group Captain Pereira as a “pioneering figure in the evolution of military nursing in Nigeria,” whose life and service remain an enduring inspiration to generations of officers, especially women in uniform.
Fondly remembered for her dual service as N/258 in the Nigerian Army and NAF/151F in the Air Force, Madam Pereira’s career stands out for its groundbreaking milestones. She joined the Nigerian Army as a Nursing Officer in 1962 and, just four years later, transferred to the Nigerian Air Force where she became the first female officer deployed to the war front and the Service’s first Chief Nursing Officer.
Her illustrious career saw her serve in Army hospitals in Yaba and Kaduna, at the operational theatre in Makurdi, and at the prestigious Command and Staff College, Jaji, where she became the first female NAF officer to undertake the Staff Course.
Through professionalism, resilience, and compassion, Group Captain Pereira not only cared for the wounded but also helped shape the medical service culture of the armed forces. Her sharp mind, eloquence, and youthful spirit at 90 continue to inspire admiration within and outside the military community.
Having retired in 1984, she has remained a respected elder stateswoman, celebrated alongside fellow female veterans such as Air Commodore H.R. Garba (Rtd), popularly known as Aunty Soja.
As the NAF honours her remarkable legacy, Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed that her story will remain a beacon for officers, airmen, and airwomen to serve with courage, compassion, and commitment to excellence.
“Happy 90th birthday, Ma,” the CAS declared, “the legacy you built will forever inspire the People’s Air Force.”
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