Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has described the death of the FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, as a devastating blow to the administration and the nation’s public service.
Mrs. Adayilo died in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025.
In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, Mahmoud paid glowing tribute to the late technocrat, praising her as a model civil servant who embodied humility, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to duty.

“I received with great shock and sadness the news of the sudden passing of the Federal Capital Territory Head of Service, Pst. Mrs. Grace Adayilo. This is a painful loss, not only to the entire FCT Administration but to Nigeria’s public service as a whole,” the Minister said.
She noted that Adayilo’s leadership and experience came at a critical moment when the Tinubu administration was pressing forward with reforms to strengthen institutions and deliver on its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, especially at a time when her wisdom and professionalism were most needed to drive the transformation of the FCT,” Mahmoud added.
The Minister extended condolences to Adayilo’s family, colleagues, and staff of the FCT Administration, urging them to draw strength from her legacy of service.
“May her memory continue to inspire us all to live lives of integrity, commitment, and selfless service to our dear nation,” she said.

