WIKE IN A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO LATE FCT HEAD OF SERVICE, PLEDGES SUPPORT TO FAMILY

By: Wisdom Acka

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has paid a solemn condolence visit to the family of the late FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo.

Speaking at the family home of the deceased in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, the Minister expressed deep sorrow over her sudden demise.

In an emotionally-laden voice, Barr. Wike recounted his disbelief upon hearing the news, saying that he waved it aside at first, never believing it was real, describing Mrs. Adayilo as “an exceptional civil servant -committed, dedicated, and full of life”, adding that her loss has left a huge void in the FCT Administration.

“I was to be here yesterday, but I found it very difficult because I never felt it was real. I never had any inclination that she was sick. I never had any briefing about something serious.”

He recalled: “I was told that my head of service has passed on. And I laughed over it. I said, Passed on how? What happened? Is it an accident? They said, No.

“What happened? They said she started complaining of high blood pressure. I said Look, this is a joke taken too far.”

The Minister continued: “But I’ve now come to realize that it’s indeed true. We are made up of different ways. I’ve worked with women.

“I’ve worked with people, civil servants. But I can say that I’ve worked with somebody who was committed. Somebody who was dedicated to her job,” he said

Wike reminisced about her unwavering work ethic, recalling how she often arrived early with gifts like bags of potatoes, embodying her selflessness.

“When she was due for retirement, I begged Mr. President to extend her tenure because I needed her guidance,” he revealed, lamenting that death “stole her away too soon.”

Wike, fighting back tears, especially when members of her family began to wail, assured the family of the FCTA’s support, including employment for her four children if they were not already working and full coverage of burial expenses.

“Money cannot replace her, but we will stand by you,” he said, urging them to “take heart” and uphold her legacy of faith and service.

The Minister praised Mrs. Adayilo, a devout Christian and community leader, for blending civil service discipline with a politician’s heart.

He concluded with a prayer: “May God grant her eternal rest and protect her loved ones.”