By Olawumi Oyehan
The Grace Adayilo Legacy Initiative for Grassroots Development (GALI), established in memory of the late indigenous female Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory, Grace Adayilo, has been unveiled by the FCT HOS in Abuja.
The initiative was launched on Tuesday as part of activities marking the first anniversary of Adayilo’s death.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Head of Civil Service, Mrs Nancy Nathan, described the late Adayilo as a dedicated public servant who gave her best to the growth and development of the civil service.
Nathan commended the organisers for establishing the initiative to preserve Adayilo’s legacy, assuring that the FCT Administration would continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening the civil service.
“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.
In her remarks, the Director of the FCT Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said GALI was established to preserve Adayilo’s enduring legacy of love, compassion, service and commitment to grassroots development.
Ahmadu said a key component of the legacy was the Yeyedu Women Association, a group of women whom Adayilo, fondly called Mama Africa, nurtured, encouraged and supported over the years.
She said the association was united by the values of sisterhood, compassion, resilience and service exemplified by Adayilo, adding that its members remained committed to sustaining her legacy and supporting GALI’s interventions in grassroots communities.
“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.