The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration is in mourning following the sudden death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the Head of Civil Service for the FCT.
Mrs. Adayilo reportedly slumped and passed out early Monday morning, with the exact cause of her death yet to be confirmed.
Appointed in October last year by President Bola Tinubu, Mrs. Adayilo made history as the first female and indigenous Head of Service in the FCT, a milestone in the territory’s civil service history.
Her appointment marked a significant step toward gender inclusivity and recognition of local talent in the top echelons of government administration.
A native of Abuja, Mrs. Adayilo brought decades of experience in public administration to the role.
She was known for her dedication to efficiency, transparency, and service excellence, often being described by colleagues as a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to reforming civil service operations in the FCT.
Her last official engagement was on Thursday, when she represented the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the G7 Security meeting in Abuja.
Observers have noted her active involvement in critical governance matters, underscoring her pivotal role in the territory’s administrative machinery.
A senior official in the FCT civil service, who requested anonymity, said, “Mrs. Adayilo was more than a colleague; she was a mentor to many of us.
Her sudden departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. Her leadership and dedication were exemplary, and her initiatives have set new benchmarks for civil service operations in Abuja.”
Political leaders, civil servants, and residents have expressed shock and grief over the passing of Mrs. Adayilo.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a brief statement, commended her dedication and service, describing her as a “trailblazer who transformed the FCT civil service landscape and inspired women in leadership positions.”
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, praised Mrs. Adayilo’s unwavering commitment to public service and her historic role as the first female FCT Head of Service.
The President noted that her contributions to administrative reforms and policy implementation would leave a lasting legacy.
Mrs. Adayilo’s death comes at a time when the FCT Administration is executing critical projects in governance, security, and public infrastructure.
Her leadership was instrumental in coordinating civil service operations to support these initiatives.
Analysts warn that her sudden loss may temporarily affect administrative momentum, particularly in policy implementation and inter-agency coordination.
The FCT civil service has now commenced arrangements for succession planning to ensure continuity in leadership.
The Deputy Head of Service and senior directors are expected to take interim charge while the process for appointing a substantive replacement is completed.
Mrs. Adayilo’s tenure was marked by several landmark initiatives, including streamlining administrative processes, enhancing employee welfare, and championing gender inclusivity in appointments.
She also prioritized capacity-building programs for civil servants, aiming to improve efficiency and service delivery across the FCT.
Her pioneering leadership continues to inspire younger generations of public servants, particularly women aspiring to leadership positions in government.
Civic groups have called for posthumous recognition of her contributions to the FCT civil service, suggesting awards and memorial programs in her honor.
The FCT Administration and Nigeria at large are mourning the loss of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, a civil servant whose dedication, vision, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the public sector.
As tributes pour in, the focus now shifts to ensuring continuity in governance while celebrating the life of a woman who broke barriers and set new standards for public service excellence.