Wike mourns first female FCT Head of Service

…Mahmoud, AMAC chairman describe her demise as a painful loss

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the pioneer and first female Head of the Civil Service of the FCT.

Adayilo, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, made history as both the first person and the first woman to occupy the top civil service position in the FCT Administration.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike described her death as “really sad and unfortunate,” noting that the civil service had lost a dedicated and trailblazing public servant.

“Her death is really sad and unfortunate. She served this administration with honour, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the growth of the FCT,” Wike said.

He added, “The late FCT Head of Service was very hardworking. I pleaded with President Tinubu to extend her tenure due to her hard work.”

Mrs. Adayilo was appointed as the FCT Head of Service by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 6, 2024—marking a significant milestone in the push for inclusive leadership and gender representation in top public offices.

Before her historic appointment, Adayilo served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she was widely respected for her efficiency and leadership.

Her tenure as Head of Service was marked by efforts to reform and strengthen the FCT civil service, promote merit-based advancement, and ensure better working conditions for government employees.

Although official details surrounding her passing remain sparse, tributes have begun pouring in from across government circles, with many describing her as a committed technocrat and a role model for women in public service.

In the same vein, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed her deepest sympathy over the death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo.

Mahmoud described the late Head of Service as a distinguished administrator, a seasoned technocrat, and a dedicated servant of the people who gave her best in the discharge of her duties with utmost professionalism, humility, and commitment.

The Minister, in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, described Adayilo’s demise as a huge loss—not only to the FCT Administration but also to the nation at large.

The statement reads in part: “I received with great shock and deep sadness the news of the sudden passing of the Federal Capital Territory Head of Service, Pst. Mrs. Grace Adayilo.

“This is indeed a painful loss—not only to the entire FCT Administration, but also to the public service and the nation at large. The late Head of Service was a distinguished administrator, a seasoned technocrat, and a dedicated servant of the people who gave her best in the discharge of her duties with utmost professionalism, humility, and commitment.

“Her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, especially at this critical time when her wealth of experience and wisdom were most needed to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT.

“On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, colleagues, and the entire staff of the Administration. May Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest and give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“May her memory continue to inspire a life of selfless service and dedication to our dear nation.”

On his part, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zaka Maikalangu, has also sent his condolences.

Maikalangu, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, said:

“On behalf of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) family, I, the Executive Chairman of AMAC, extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family, friends, and the entire FCT community.

“Her leadership and dedication to duty will be deeply missed. Her commitment to the development of the FCT was evident in her tireless efforts to improve the lives of its residents.

“Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants. The AMAC family stands in solidarity with the FCT community during this period of mourning.

“We pray that Mrs. Adayilo’s soul finds eternal rest, and that her family finds the strength to navigate this difficult time. Her contributions to the FCT will not be forgotten, and her memory will remain a blessing to us all.

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“May Almighty God replenish the FCT with individuals of her caliber—those who possess the same level of dedication, passion, and leadership—to fill the gap her passing has left.”

Among the dignitaries who came to mourn the late Mrs. Adayilo were the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; Senator Philip Aduda; the FCT Public Complaint Commissioner, Hon. Musa Dikko; and the immediate past Member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Hon. Micah Y. Jiba, who commiserated with the Executive Chairman on the irreparable loss.