Says He Pleaded with Tinubu to Extend Her Tenure
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was thrown into mourning on Monday following the death of Mrs Grace Adayilo, the pioneer head of the FCT Civil Service. Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, confirmed the news during a media chat with selected journalists in Abuja.
According to reports, Adayilo passed away in the early hours of Monday. Although the exact circumstances of her death remain unclear, the announcement has triggered an outpouring of grief within the FCT civil service, where she was widely respected for her discipline and work ethic.
Visibly moved, Wike described Adayilo as “a very hard-working woman” whose commitment to public service stood out in a sector often criticised for inefficiency.
He disclosed that her outstanding record was the reason he personally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant her an extension in service, despite her approaching statutory retirement.
“The late FCT Head of Service was very hard-working. I pleaded with President Tinubu to extend her tenure due to her hard work. If I had gotten the information on her demise earlier, I would have put off this media chat,” Wike said.
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Colleagues and associates described Adayilo as a trailblazer who left a lasting impact on the FCT’s administrative structure. As the pioneer head of service, she was instrumental in shaping the career paths of many civil servants, promoting merit, and instilling a culture of diligence.
For many in the FCT civil service, her death marks not only the loss of a leader but also of a mentor who inspired younger officers with her professionalism.
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Her passing adds to the growing list of high-profile losses in the Nigerian civil service in recent months, sparking renewed conversation about the pressures of public service and the need to celebrate diligent officers while they are alive.
As condolences continue to pour in, Adayilo’s family, colleagues, and the entire FCT administration are left to grapple with the void created by her untimely departure.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
