… late Grace
Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has expressed grief over the death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the Head of Service of the FCT.
Late Grace Adayilo, who was the first female and indigenous occupant of the position, passed away suddenly, leaving a vacuum in the FCT administration and among her admirers nationwide.
In a statement, the former minister said: “I am heartbroken by the passing of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the respected Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory. Her sudden exit is a painful loss, not only to her family but to the entire FCT and indeed our nation.
“She was a woman of vision whose career spoke of courage and excellence. Becoming the first female and indigenous Head of Service in the FCT was no small feat; it was a bold statement that women and indigenes have a rightful place at the highest levels of governance.”
Dr. Aliyu, who is also the Zinariya of Lokoja and Onize of Ebiraland in Kogi State, described Grace Adayilo as an empathetic leader.
She said that the deceased was admired for her warmth, humanity and commitment to people’s welfare.
She said that the late FCT Head of Service’s legacy would continue to inspire those she left behind.
“What set Mrs. Adayilo apart was more than her office. She was a woman of empathy, widely admired for her warmth and commitment to people’s welfare. Her nickname, ‘Mama Africa,’ was well-earned as she carried humanity in her heart and extended kindness wherever she served.
“Her dream of a more efficient and people-focused administration will remain alive in the many lives she touched. I pray for strength for her family and colleagues, and I ask the Almighty to grant her eternal rest. Her memory will remain a source of inspiration to us all.”
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu
