The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged full support of the FCT Administration to the family of the late Head of Service, Mrs Grace Adayilo, who passed away on Monday.
Wike, in a statement signed by Hajiya Rabi Umar, Assistant Director of Press in the office of the Minister, after visiting the family, expressed shock at the news of her passing, stating that he had no prior knowledge of any illness.
He described Adayilo as a dedicated and committed public servant, a true Christian, and a woman to rely on.
Wike said that when he first sought a recommendation for the Head of Service position, he was advised to consider a “very hardworking and trustworthy” woman.
“Since I started working with her, I have had no cause for complaint,” he added.
The minister said he had personally requested an extension of her tenure from the President so she could continue her invaluable contributions to the FCT Administration, but regretted that her service was abruptly cut short by death.
“I thought I was going to enjoy that; I didn’t know that death had other plans. But God knows best,” he said.
Wike addressed the grieving family, offering words of comfort and assuring them of the FCT Administration’s continued support.
He further pledged to cover all burial expenses and offered employment to her children, should they need it.
*”It’s painful, it’s unfortunate. Money cannot replace her, but there is nothing that we can do.
I have come here to identify with you and to say that the FCT Administration will continue to identify with her family.
We are going to support you as necessary. I know she has four children but I don’t know whether they are working. If they are not working, we will take that responsibility immediately so that they will become employed, and every of the burial expenses, the FCT will take care of it,”* Wike said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Bishop Jonathan expressed profound gratitude to the minister for his visit and support.
He described the deceased as “a true mother and philanthropist”, affectionately known as “Mama Africa”.
He highlighted her commitment to community service, mentioning her efforts in mentoring orphans and widows, and stressed that her death had left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
Jonathan also praised Wike’s exceptional leadership in the FCT, noting the tangible impact of his administration’s developmental programmes across the capital territory.
*”Thank you for coming to our home. We can’t thank you enough, but we ask that God Almighty bless you. And what you are doing for us in the FCT, it is only God that has appointed you to work on behalf of Mr President.
This is the first time we are feeling the impact of governance in the FCT,”* he added.
(NAN)
