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Automatic employment for her children
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, described first female Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), late Grace Adayilo, as a dedicated, humble, and loyal civil servant whose legacy transcends her official duties.
He said this at the funeral service held in her honour at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, where a large crowd turned out to pay their last respects to Adayilo, whose sudden passing on September 1, 2025, has left a void in public service.
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Wike recalled his earliest interaction with Adayilo during her appointment as Permanent Secretary of Agriculture in the FCTA, a position created by President Bola Tinubu to encourage career progression within the administration.
He vividly described how he sought a successor for the Head of Service role who would match his demanding work ethic without excuses or compromise.
“I met her during the inauguration, and then she was made permanent secretary of agriculture. I started relating with her. When the first set of civil servants retired, Mr. Athen, I called him. You have been here for years. Who can you recommend to me to work with me as the head of service? Do not be biassed. If you want me to succeed the way you have worked with me, can you recommend somebody that is very, very committed? Somebody that is humble? Somebody that would be loyal to the job?” Wike narrated.
He went on to share the significant moment when Adayilo was recommended to him: “One of these days, he came and said he had found somebody. I said, who is that? He said, one lady. I said, oh my God, can she work to my level? You know how I take my work, I don’t want the woman to come and say, oh, look, I’m tired. Oh, I’m taking care of my children. I don’t want excuses. I want somebody that will work at the same pace.”
Wike added, “He said, look, yes, she’s a woman, but yes, she’s not a woman. And behold, very, very strong. Very, very humble. And very loyal. No excuses.”
According to the Minister, Adayilo exemplified exemplary discipline and efficiency in the FCT civil service. “Even if I’m away, I’ll tell my orderly call the head of service, tell her I want this to be done. It will not take 15, 20 minutes it would be executed. I will say to the head of service why has this not been done? She said, sir, give me some few hours. It will be done,” he recalled, illustrating the trust he placed in her capabilities.
Wike also illuminated a lesser-known side of Adayilo, noting her political acumen and deep empathy for her community. “She did not joke about payment of salaries and other entitlements. She was a good mother. I also didn’t know one part of her until later. Yes, civil servant, but also a politician. A great mobiliser. I won’t tell you which part she was mobilising for. But a great mobiliser. She felt so much for her people.”
The Minister expressed profound sorrow that Adayilo’s death came without warning. “If there was any hint, if there was any inclination that she was sick, obviously we would have done what we should do. But God knows better. He knows why it happened the way it happened,” he said, acknowledging the pain of losing a beloved leader and mother.
In a significant gesture of support, Wike announced that President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate employment of all four of Mrs. Adayilo’s children. This directive aims to provide the family with financial stability following the loss of their primary breadwinner.
“Mr. President has directed me to give the four children automatic employment. Because, Mr President understands, that now that there is no bread winner for them to survive. I hear the daughter is doing her youth service in Port Harcourt. Don’t worry, the local government in Port Harcourt will follow you,” Wike assured, offering solace to the grieving family.
This was welcomed with a thunderous applause by the congregation, reflecting shared grief and appreciation for the minister’s announcement.
In closing, Wike urged those present to draw inspiration from Adayilo’s exemplary dedication and seize every opportunity to serve with purpose. “Don’t say tomorrow is there. There may not be another tomorrow. Whether you’re a pastor, whether you’re a chorister, whether you’re a politician, whether you’re a civil servant, once you have the opportunity to contribute, utilise it that time,” he advised.
Praying for the eternal rest of Adayilo’s soul, the minister concluded, “May God accept her and her soul rest in peace. And may her be in the bosom of the Lord.”
On behalf of the Federal Capital Territory administration and the President of Nigeria, Wike extended deepest condolences to Adayilo’s family, children, and extended relatives, pledging continued support in their time of mourning.
He noted that Adayilo’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the civil service, a devoted public servant, and a caring mother will continue to inspire generations within the FCT and beyond.
In his sermon, Archbishop Maji Jonathan Jo described life as transactional and urged the congregation to live with eternity in view. He noted that Grace Adayilo lived an impactful life and reminded all that death is a debt every mortal must pay.
Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Administration, Samuel Atang, described the late Head of Service as “a woman who left no stone unturned in ensuring quality service delivery.”
He remembered her humility and said he never knew she was a preacher until recently, calling her “humility personified.”
Acting Head of Civil Service, FCTA, Nancy Nathan, in her part said “Her home became a pilgrimage site after her passing,” challenged others to reflect: “If death knocks today, what will our testimonies be?”
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, called her “Mama Africa, a politician with a mother’s heart,” citing her widows’ empowerment programme that supported over 500 women.
Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCTA, Rotimi Ajayi, read Psalm 90:1-7, which speaks of life’s brevity and God’s eternal presence.
Also, Acting Director, Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, Jumai Ahmadu, read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, offering comfort about the resurrection hope for believers.
The service, which drew hundreds of mourners, was attended by top serving and former government officials, representatives of royal fathers, colleagues, family members, and friends who came to honour her memory.
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