Wike has mourned FCT Head of Service Grace Adayilo and announced automatic employment for her four children.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has paid glowing tribute to the late Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, describing her as a humble, loyal, and dedicated public servant whose sudden death has created a painful vacuum in the administration.
Speaking at her funeral service on Saturday, Wike said Adayilo’s passing was particularly shocking because it came without warning.
“We all know that we will die one day, that is guaranteed, but there are certain deaths when it occurs, it pains. It becomes more painful when there is no sign, when somebody you are relating with, working with, just comes to work and the next day you hear that the person has passed on,” the minister said.
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Wike recalled how Adayilo was recommended to him as a loyal and passionate administrator worthy of appointment as Head of Service. He praised her professionalism, commitment to staff welfare, and prompt execution of assignments.
“Very strong, very humble, and very loyal. No excuses. Even if I was away, once I called, within minutes the assignment was done. She did not joke about payment of salaries and entitlements. She was a good mother,” he added.
The minister noted that beyond her official duties, Adayilo was also a grassroots mobiliser who cared deeply for her community. He urged mourners to draw inspiration from her life of service, stressing that opportunities to contribute to society should never be wasted.
In a gesture of support to the bereaved family, Wike announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive granting automatic employment to Adayilo’s four children.
“On behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and on behalf of Mr. President, I want to say sorry, send our condolences to the family. Mr. President has directed me to give the four children automatic employment, because now there is no breadwinner for them to survive,” Wike declared.
He also thanked the church and sympathisers for standing by the family during their grief and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
Adayilo, who was appointed Head of the FCT Civil Service in October 2024, passed away on September 1, 2025, a day after ministering at a church service. She had earlier served as Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she earned respect for her reform-driven leadership and commitment to staff welfare.
Following her death, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, former Permanent Secretary of the Youth Development Secretariat, was appointed Acting Head of Service.
