Photo: Late Mrs. Grace Adayilo
By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been thrown into mourning following the death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the pioneer Head of the Civil Service of the FCT and the first woman to hold the position. She reportedly passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her Special Assistant on Media, Anthony Odey, in a brief text message to journalists. “Yes, please,” he wrote, without providing further details on the circumstances surrounding her death.
Mrs. Adayilo made history when President Bola Tinubu appointed her as the first-ever Head of the Civil Service of the FCT on October 6, 2024. Her appointment took immediate effect and was widely regarded as a milestone for gender inclusion in public service leadership within the territory.
Before her elevation to Head of Service, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she was praised for her dedication and reform-oriented leadership.
Reacting to the news during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, expressed deep sorrow over Adayilo’s passing. “Her death is really sad and unfortunate,” Wike said, noting her contributions to the growth of the FCT civil service.
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by Adayilo’s family or the FCT Administration.
Mrs. Adayilo’s death marks the end of a notable career in public service and a legacy that opened doors for women in governance.
