FCTA HEAD OF SERVICE PASSES ON

…SHE SERVED WITH UNCOMMON DILIGENCE- WIKE

By: Prudence Okonna

The Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Grace Adayilo, has passed away.

Family members confirmed her death on Monday, 1st September 2025.

Born on December 24, 1968, the late Adayilo, who until her demise was the first female and indigenous Head of Service of the FCTA, was a seasoned administrator with decades of public service experience.

Before she was appointed Head of Service, she served as LEA Secretary in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Director of Gender Development at the Social Development Secretariat (now Women Affairs Secretariat), and pioneer permanent secretary in the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

Popularly known as Mama Africa, she was the recipient of dozens of awards and recognitions and was widely acknowledged as a dedicated technocrat, a grassroots mobiliser, and a trailblazer for women in leadership within the FCT.

Speaking on her passing, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike described her death as a painful loss to the entire FCT family, noting that she served with uncommon diligence, humility, and commitment to the ideals of good governance.

The Minister, while flagging off the construction of a multi-event sports centre, said the FCTA had lost one of its finest administrators, adding that her contributions to the growth and development of the FCT would never be forgotten.

In his words: “The Head of Service was very committed to seeing the success of this Administration. Unfortunately, we have lost her. God gives and God takes; that is why when you have the opportunity, you do the best that you can.”

Condolences have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends, and associates who hailed her as a woman of courage, compassion, and excellence.

Abuja digest reports that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.