WIKE, OTHERS PAY TRIBUTE AS LATE FCTA HEAD OF SERVICE IS LAID TO REST
…CONVEYS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S AUTOMATIC EMPLOYMENT TO CHILDREN OF THE DECEASED
By Rabi Musa Umar and Wisdom Acka
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, today, Saturday, September 20, 2025, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Head of FCTA Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who died on September 1, 2025.
Speaking during her funeral service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, Barr Wike described the late Mrs. Adayilo as a dedicated and committed civil servant, a great mobilizer, and a compassionate advocate for the indigenous people of the FCT.
He expressed his profound shock and sorrow over her sudden passing, noting that some deaths were more painful than others, especially when there are no signs of illness. The Minister shared his personal experience working with her, highlighting her exceptional work ethic and unwavering loyalty.
“I have worked with civil servants at various levels, and I can say there is a difference. Some people are so committed to every assignment you give them”, Barr. Wike said.
“I didn’t know her personally until she was appointed Permanent Secretary. When the first Permanent Secretary retired, I urged him to recommend someone without bias—someone who was humble, loyal, and could work at the same pace as me. He came back and said he found someone. Behold, Grace was very strong, very humble, and very loyal”, the Minister added
Barr. Wike praised Adayilo’s dedication, noting that she discharged her duties without excuses. He added that the late Head of Service was instrumental in ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and benefits for FCTA workers.
He said her contributions to the FCT Administration would not be forgotten and called on Nigerians to emulate her dedication, stressing that life’s uncertainty makes it vital to serve both God and humanity wholeheartedly.
In a show of support for the family, the FCT Minister announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the automatic employment of Adayilo’s four children and extended his condolences to the family on behalf of the FCT Administration and the President.
The Minister said, “On behalf of the FCT, on behalf of the President, I want to express our condolences to your family and to let you know that we will identify with you. The President has directed me to give the four children automatic employment”.
One of the officiating pastors, Archbishop Jonathan Jo, in his sermon titled “The Value of Life and Pain, reminded the congregation that everything we have today can be taken away tomorrow, adding that the feeling of pain is a normal human experience. He described life as both transactional and transformational, urging everyone to make the best use of their time on earth.
He said, “Learn how to effectively transact with what God has given you, and be sure to use those gains to transform the lives of others. Always make use of what God has given you in life”.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Joshua, who recalled the final moments of the late Head of Service, said, “She told us that love was greatest”, adding, “she was a Workaholic, which endeared her to everybody”.
The funeral was attended by friends and associates of the Minister, former Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, FCT Area Council Chairmen, traditional rulers, and senior FCTA officials. The Service featured musical ministrations by prominent gospel artists, including Solomon Lange and Prospa Ochimana.
Mrs. Grace Adayilo, until her death, was the first female and first indigenous Head of Service of the FCTA. Born on December 24, 1968, in Dutse Alhaji, she was fondly known as “Mama Africa” for her significant influence and dedicated public service.
Before she was appointed Head of FCTA Civil Service, she was the Permanent Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT.
Abuja Digest reports that friends, church members, neighbors, colleagues, and staff of the FCTA, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Administration, Mr. Samuel Atang, on Friday, September 19th, 2025, in a night of tribute and service of songs, had gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Head of Service at the LEA Primary School, Galadima, Abuja.
Mr Atang painted a portrait of a woman who “left no stone unturned in ensuring quality service delivery.” His voice trembled as he recalled their 25-year friendship: “Madam Grace was unassuming -so much so that I never knew she was a preacher until recently. She was humility personified.”
On her part, the Acting Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Nancy Nathan, echoed the sentiment, her words tinged with both grief and gratitude: “Her home became a pilgrimage site after her passing. That alone speaks volumes. Let her life challenge us: If death knocks today, what will our testimonies be”
To former Plateau Deputy Governor Mrs. Pauline Tallen, Mama Africa was a politician with a mother’s heart.
Fighting tears as she ended her speech, Mrs. Tallen reminisced about their work in the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO). “Mama Africa had a heart wide enough to love without limits.”
She recounted Adayilo’s 2016 widows’ empowerment programme in her church, where over 500 women received food and hope. “Her last call to me was a quiet farewell I didn’t recognize. Death is a thief -but her impact is eternal.”
