The Federal Capital Territory has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Grace Adayilo, the first female and indigenous Head of Service (HoS).
Popularly called Mama Africa, Adayilo reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025.
Her passing was confirmed by Danladi Jeji, president of the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA), who revealed he had been working closely with her on a major project.
“Mama Africa and me were planning to celebrate Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today, Monday September 1, 2025.
Now, our creator has done it for us by calling Mama Africa home to be with the Lord,” Jeji said.
In a heartfelt tribute on the FCT stakeholders’ assembly platform, Jeji added:
“You have finished the race. You have done it. My heart is very, very heavy. The God Almighty who is all in all has called you to be with him.”
Her death has left the Abuja community in deep shock.
Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the FCT minister, also confirmed the sad news, stating that she “passed out early this morning.”
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described her death as “sad and unfortunate,” noting her vital role in shaping the administration.
He praised her as a trailblazer whose leadership broke barriers for both women and indigenous people of the FCT.
Adayilo’s last public appearance was on Thursday, August 28, when she represented Wike at the G7 security meeting in Abuja.
Just days later, the news of her passing came as a shock to colleagues.
Grace Adayilo was appointed on October 6, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, making history as the first woman and first indigenous person to hold the position of FCT Head of Service.
Before that, she served as permanent secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she played a significant role in policy development.
Her appointment was widely celebrated as a symbol of inclusion and progress for the capital territory.
Many believe her work as FCT Head of Service will remain a reference point for years to come.
Her sudden departure has left colleagues, family, and residents deeply pained.
However, many have found comfort in the belief that she lived a purposeful life.
