Adayilo’s death great loss to FCT – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 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 also said, ” 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.

The FCT Administration is expected to issue a formal statement and announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.