…in recent years, Adayilo had been instrumental in introducing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in the service.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT Administration. Her death was officially confirmed on Monday morning by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during his routine monthly media briefing in Abuja.
According to reports, Adayilo passed away in the early hours of Monday, a development that has sent shockwaves across government circles and among civil servants who worked closely with her.
Visibly shaken while breaking the news, Minister Wike described the death as both shocking and painful, noting that Adayilo was a hardworking public servant whose commitment to duty earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and superiors alike.
“If I had received the information about the demise of the FCT Head of Service earlier, I would have postponed this media chat,” Wike stated, expressing his grief before members of the press.
The Minister further disclosed that although Mrs. Adayilo had already reached her mandatory retirement period, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an extension of her tenure in recognition of her sterling service and dedication to the growth of the civil service. This gesture, he said, was a clear testament to her invaluable contributions to governance and administration in the FCT.
While details surrounding the circumstances of her death remain sketchy, Wike hinted that it might be connected to complications arising from high blood pressure, although he stopped short of confirming this as the exact cause. He stressed that further information would be made public once official medical reports were released.
The news of Adayilo’s passing has been met with deep sorrow among her colleagues, associates, and members of the FCT civil service. Many described her as a mentor, a mother figure, and an administrator who always placed the welfare of her staff above personal interest.
Her career in the civil service spanned several decades, during which she rose through the ranks by sheer hard work, discipline, and a reputation for excellence. As Head of Service, she was responsible for overseeing the affairs of the FCT workforce, implementing government policies, and ensuring smooth operations of administrative functions.
In recent years, Adayilo had been instrumental in introducing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in the service, which further endeared her to both subordinates and political leaders. Her passing, therefore, leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill in the administration of the FCT.
Reactions have continued to pour in from across the country, with many officials expected to issue tributes in the coming days. Condolence visits to her family are also anticipated, as the FCT community comes to terms with the loss of one of its top administrators.
For now, the FCT administration, under the leadership of Minister Wike, is expected to announce burial arrangements in consultation with the family of the deceased. Until then, the mood in Abuja remains somber as colleagues, friends, and associates reflect on the life and service of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, a woman who gave her best years to the service of her country.
Her sudden death underscores the importance of health awareness, especially among public servants who often face intense pressures associated with their responsibilities.
Mrs. Adayilo is remembered not only as an administrator but also as a symbol of dedication, resilience, and selfless service to the nation.
