Family members, colleagues and associates of the late Head of Service of the FCT Administration, Grace Adayilo, have unveiled a grassroots development initiative in her honor.
The Grace Adayilo Legacy Initiative for Grassroots Development, GALI, was launched in Abuja on Tuesday, as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the former Head of Service’s death.
The initiative is expected to focus on grassroots development and women empowerment, with the Yeyedu Women Association, a group of women Adayilo mentored during her lifetime, identified as one of its key components.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Head of Civil Service, Mrs Nancy Nathan, described Adayilo as a dedicated public servant who contributed to the growth and development of the civil service.
Nathan commended the establishment of GALI but urged its organisers to ensure that the initiative was run with transparency and accountability.
“Transforming late Grace Adayilo’s legacy into a lasting memory is commendable. I urge the foundation to promote its programmes with honesty, sincerity and accountability.
“I encourage younger civil servants to see their jobs as a responsibility that must be taken seriously,” she said.
She also assured the organisers of the continued support of the FCT Administration for efforts aimed at strengthening the civil service.
The Director of the FCT Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said the initiative was established to preserve Adayilo’s contributions to public service and grassroots development.
She said the Yeyedu Women Association was particularly important to Adayilo’s legacy, having been nurtured and supported by her over the years.
According to Ahmadu, the women, who fondly called Adayilo “Mama Africa”, were united by the values of sisterhood, compassion, resilience and service which she promoted.
“GALI brings together her children, family, the Yeyedu Women, friends, associates and well-wishers in a collective commitment to turn remembrance into service and her legacy into lasting impact,” she said.
The launch brought together leaders in the public service, members of Adayilo’s family, friends, mentees and other associates.
