By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has granted automatic employment to the four children left behind by the late Head of FCTA Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo who died earlier this month.
This was conveyed to the family by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike while speaking during the funeral service organised in honour of the departed HOS at the National Christian Centre Abuja on Saturday.
The Minister described late Adayilo as a dedicated and committed civil servant, who also double as great mobilized, and a compassionate advocate for the indigenous people of the FCT.
Wike expressed his profound shock and sorrow over her sudden passing, noting that some deaths were more painful than others, especially when there are no signs of illness. The Minister shared his personal experience working with her, highlighting her exceptional work ethic and unwavering loyalty.
“I have worked with civil servants at various levels, and I can say there is a difference. Some people are so committed to every assignment you give them”, Barr. Wike said.
“I didn’t know her personally until she was appointed Permanent Secretary. When the first Permanent Secretary retired, I urged him to recommend someone without bias—someone who was humble, loyal, and could work at the same pace as me. He came back and said he found someone. Behold, Grace was very strong, very humble, and very loyal”, the Minister added
Barr. Wike praised Adayilo’s dedication, noting that she discharged her duties without excuses. He added that the late Head of Service was instrumental in ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and benefits for FCTA workers.
“On behalf of the FCT, on behalf of the President, I want to express our condolences to your family and to let you know that we will identify with you. The President has directed me to give the four children automatic employment”, he announced.
He said her contributions to the FCT Administration would not be forgotten and called on Nigerians to emulate her dedication, stressing that life’s uncertainty makes it vital to serve both God and humanity wholeheartedly.
One of the officiating pastors, Archbishop Jonathan Jo, in his sermon titled “The Value of Life and Pain, reminded the congregation that everything we have today can be taken away tomorrow, adding that the feeling of pain is a normal human experience. He described life as both transactional and transformational, urging everyone to make the best use of their time on earth.
He said, “Learn how to effectively transact with what God has given you, and be sure to use those gains to transform the lives of others. Always make use of what God has given you in life”.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Joshua, who recalled the final moments of the late Head of Service, said, “She told us that love was greatest”, adding, “she was a Workaholic, which endeared her to everybody”.
Mrs. Grace Adayilo, until her death, was the first female and first indigenous Head of Service of the FCTA. Born on December 24, 1968, in Dutse Alhaji, she was fondly known as “Mama Africa” for her significant influence and dedicated public service.
Before her appointment as Head of FCTA Civil Service, she was the Permanent Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT.
