FCT Head of Service, Grace Adayilo, Confirmed Dead in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of its Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo. She reportedly passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, just hours after ministering at a church service on Sunday. The news of her passing was confirmed by multiple sources within the FCT administration, including the FCT Minister’s office.

Grace Adayilo, an indigene of the FCT, was a trailblazer, making history as the first female and indigenous person to be appointed to the prestigious position. Her appointment by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024 was seen as a key step in revitalizing the FCT Civil Service. She had previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she earned a reputation for her dedication and reform-driven leadership.

According to reports from close associates, Adayilo was in good spirits and appeared to be in good health throughout her church ministration on Sunday, showing no signs of ailment. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, with no official cause yet announced by her family or the FCT administration.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has since expressed his grief over her passing, describing her death as a great loss to the administration and the nation. The FCT Civil Service, under her short but impactful tenure, had seen a renewed focus on efficiency, staff welfare, and productivity.

Her sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the FCT, with colleagues, family, and associates expressing their sadness and shock at the loss of a dedicated and committed public servant. The FCT administration is expected to release an official statement on her passing in due course, while her legacy as a committed civil servant and a true pioneer will be remembered.