Former Minister of Youth and Sports and one-time Military Administrator of Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), has passed away at the age of 83.
The retired military officer died in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024, at his home. The news of his passing was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, and corroborated by the Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly, Air Commodore Sani Zakari (retd.). Zakari stated, “AVM Frank Ajobena (retd.) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024.”
He was born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State. Lawal was a pioneering officer of the Nigerian Air Force, which he joined in 1963. He received his training as a military pilot in West Germany, graduating in 1964. Throughout his illustrious career, Lawal held numerous high-ranking positions within the NAF, including Commander of NAF Port Harcourt (1969-1970), Commander of Enugu Air Force Base (1970-72), and two stints as Commander of NAF Kano (1972-1973 and 1975-1977). He also served as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi from 1977 to 1978.
Described as “a very active and vibrant fighter pilot,” Lawal’s service to the nation extended beyond the military. He was appointed Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978, a position he held until October 1979. Later in his career, he served as the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports. After retiring from active service, Lawal ventured into business and devoted himself to faith-based philanthropy. He was known to be a devoted Muslim.
The funeral for AVM Lawal is scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2024. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
