Wike visits family of late pioneer female FCT Head of Service, says “I thought it was joke taken too far”

• FCTA to take charge of burial

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late pioneer female Head of Service of the FCT, Grace Adayilo, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, expressing shock and deep sorrow over her sudden passing.

With visible emotion, Wike recounted how he initially thought the news of her death was a joke. “I was to be here yesterday, but I found it very difficult because I never felt it was real. I never had any inclination that she was sick. I never had any briefing that something serious,” he revealed.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accompanied by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late pioneer female Head of Service of the FCT, Grace Adayilo, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, in Abuja

He continued: “It was when I was going for a flight yesterday, I was told that my head of service has passed on. And I laughed over it. I said, ‘passed on, how? What happened? Is it an accident?’ They said, ‘no.’ What happened? They said, ‘oh, she started complaining of high blood pressure.’ I said, ‘look, this is a joke taken too far.’ But I’ve now come to realize that it’s indeed true.”

Wike praised the late civil servant’s unwavering commitment and dedication. He reminisced about the time when the FCT sought its first substantive Head of Service: “When the first Head of Service retired, I asked who we could recommend to the President — someone hardworking and trustworthy. I was told about this woman, and frankly, I was surprised because she was a woman. But they assured me she would cope and do the job very well.”

He added, “Throughout my time working with her, I’ve had no cause for complaint. Sometimes she would come with bags of potatoes and more, full of life. Give her an assignment, there would be no excuses.”
Recalling efforts to retain her in service, Wike said, “When she was supposed to retire, I told Mr. President I didn’t want her to leave because I still needed her assistance and guidance. Mr. President approved an extension for another year. I thought I was going to enjoy that, but this wickedness — what Satan does — had other plans.”

He consoled the bereaved family, saying, “Let me say to the children, brothers and sisters, nobody knows the day of departure; it comes when it suits the Creator. It’s painful, but her work is done. She was a preacher, a true Christian and devoted to community service. A woman you could depend on.”

Wike reassured the family of ongoing support from the FCT administration: “We will continue to identify with her family. No one can replace her, but take heart. The FCT will take care of all burial expenses. We will also support her children — whether they are working or not, we will take that responsibility immediately.”

He concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May God grant her soul peace in His bosom and never allow her children or dependents to face hardship. Grow strong, believe in God as she did, and do not disappoint her.”