Esther Salifu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) mourns the loss of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 58.
Her death was confirmed by her Special Assistant on Media, Anthony Odey, and the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Appointed on October 6, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adayilo made history as the first female and first indigenous Head of Service of the FCT. Her appointment was seen as a significant milestone, breaking both gender and geographical barriers in the FCT’s administration .
Before her elevation, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, bringing extensive administrative experience to her new role. Her tenure, though brief, was marked by initiatives aimed at boosting efficiency across the FCT bureaucracy, with emphasis on training, staff productivity, and welfare enhancement .
Adayilo’s leadership was characterized by her commitment to service and dedication to improving the welfare of civil servants. She was celebrated for her reform-driven approach and her efforts to strengthen the FCT Administration’s bureaucratic structure, enhancing service delivery and governance .
Her passing is a significant loss to the FCT and the nation at large. She leaves behind a legacy of pioneering leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.
