Wike Confirms Death Of FCT Head Of Service, Grace Adayilo — Says He Pleaded With Tinubu To Extend Her Tenure

Wike Confirms Death Of FCT Head Of Service, Grace Adayilo — Says He Pleaded With Tinubu To Extend Her Tenure

Wike Confirms Death Of FCT Head

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the pioneer Head of the FCT Civil Service. Her death, confirmed on Monday, marks the end of an era for one of the key figures who shaped Abuja’s administrative framework…..CONTINUE READING

A Sudden Loss for the FCT

According to reports, Mrs. Adayilo died in the early hours of Monday, though the exact circumstances surrounding her passing have not yet been made public. Her death comes as a shock to the FCT administration, where she was regarded as a trailblazer and a symbol of diligence.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, speaking during a media chat with select journalists in Abuja, expressed deep sadness over the loss. He described the late Adayilo as “very hardworking” and revealed that he had personally pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to extend her tenure in recognition of her contributions.

“The late FCT Head of Service was very hardworking. I pleaded with President Tinubu to extend her tenure due to her hard work,” Wike said. “If I had gotten the information on her demise earlier, I would have postponed this media chat.”

The Significance of Adayilo’s Role

As the first-ever Head of Service in the FCT, Mrs. Adayilo was not just another bureaucrat. She played a pioneering role in laying down the structures that continue to support Abuja’s civil service. The role of a Head of Service goes beyond administration — it involves setting policies, shaping the work culture of thousands of civil servants, and ensuring the smooth delivery of public service in the capital city.

For Abuja — a city that represents Nigeria’s unity and serves as the seat of federal power — this role is even more critical. Adayilo’s leadership and dedication helped provide stability at a time when the FCT’s administrative system was still evolving.

Wike’s Plea to Tinubu: A Testament to Her Value

Wike’s revelation that he had asked President Tinubu to extend Adayilo’s tenure is telling. In a civil service system where many retirements pass without fanfare, the fact that the Minister sought an extension highlights how indispensable she was considered. This gesture underscores her reputation as a rare breed of public servant who combined competence, loyalty, and resilience.

What Her Death Means for the FCT

Her passing leaves a vacuum that will not be easily filled. Beyond the loss of an experienced administrator, it raises questions about succession planning within the FCT’s civil service. Who will step in to continue her legacy? How will the administration ensure that her standards of hard work and diligence are maintained?

Honoring Her Legacy

For readers, there is an important lesson in Mrs. Adayilo’s story: excellence and dedication leave a mark. In a time when public service in Nigeria is often criticized for inefficiency, her career stands out as proof that integrity and hard work still matter.

Her death is not only a loss to her family and colleagues but also to the city of Abuja and the Nigerian public at large.

Final Thoughts

Mrs. Grace Adayilo’s life and service remind us that leadership in public administration is about more than filling a position — it’s about creating systems that outlive you. As the FCT mourns her, it is also a moment for Nigerians to reflect on the importance of valuing, supporting, and celebrating the people who keep our institutions running.

Her legacy should inspire the next generation of civil servants to uphold the same principles of diligence, honesty, and service to the nation.