Shock and grief gripped the Federal Capital Territory on Monday following the sudden death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the Head of Civil Service of the FCT and the first woman ever to occupy the position. She reportedly collapsed in the early hours of the day and was confirmed dead shortly after.
Mrs. Adayilo, an indigene of Abuja, made history in October 2024 when President Bola Tinubu approved her appointment as the pioneer indigenous and female Head of Service of the FCT Administration. Her leadership was widely celebrated as a breakthrough for gender inclusion and local representation in Nigeria’s seat of power.
Her last official assignment was on Thursday, August 28, 2025, where she represented FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at the G7 Security Meeting in Abuja. Colleagues who saw her at the event described her as “vibrant and full of life,” making news of her death even more devastating.
Details surrounding the exact cause of her death remain unclear as of press time, but sources within the FCTA confirmed that she slumped suddenly and could not be revived. Official statements from the administration are expected later in the day.
Mrs. Adayilo’s tenure, though short-lived, was marked by her push for reforms in civil service operations, particularly in staff welfare, digital transformation of administrative processes, and stronger inter-agency collaboration within the FCT. Many had described her as a trailblazer with a vision for building a more accountable and people-focused service.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from civil servants, political leaders, and residents of Abuja, who hailed her as a symbol of pride and a role model for young women. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence, with many describing her passing as “a monumental loss not just for Abuja, but for Nigeria.”
Her death comes at a time when the nation is grappling with leadership challenges in key sectors, amplifying the sense of loss. For many, Adayilo’s legacy will endure as a reminder that integrity, competence, and representation matter in public service.
