Adayilo, First Female FCT Head of Service, Dies

The Federal Capital Territory has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Grace Adayilo, the first woman and indigenous person to serve as Head of Service of the FCT.

Adayilo, who only last October was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to the historic position, was reported to have passed away in the early hours of Monday. 

Her death, confirmed by a senior source within the FCTA, has left colleagues and residents in shock. Neither her family nor the administration has released an official statement as of press time.

Her passing comes just days after her last public appearance, where she represented the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the G7 security meeting in Abuja on Thursday. For many, the image of her at that gathering now lingers as a final reminder of her active service and dedication to the capital’s administration.

Adayilo’s appointment last year was widely celebrated as a groundbreaking moment. She broke through both gender and geographical barriers to become not only the first woman but also the first indigenous professional to hold the role of FCT Head of Service, a position long dominated by others outside the territory. 

Her rise was seen as a symbol of progress and inclusivity, inspiring women and young people across the FCT.

While details of her passing remain unclear, tributes are expected to pour in from government officials, colleagues, and communities who saw her leadership as a step toward greater representation.

For now, the FCT awaits an official word from her family and the administration, even as the memory of Grace Adayilo’s trailblazing career continues to speak loudly in her absence.