Former Military Administrator of Benue State and ex-Minister of Youth and Sports, Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal (retired), passed away in his sleep early Sunday, June 23, at his home.
Air Commodore Sani Zakari (retired), the Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly, confirmed the news to Vanguard. He shared that the former minister’s daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, confirmed the death and mentioned that the funeral will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024.
“AVM Frank Ajobena (retired) informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday,” Zakari stated.
Born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State, AVM Adebayo Hamed Lawal attended Government College in Ibadan from 1955 to 1962. He joined the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 as one of its pioneers and trained as a military pilot in West Germany, graduating in 1964.
Throughout his distinguished career, he held numerous key positions, including Commander of NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Enugu Air Force Base (1970–1972), and NAF Kano (1972–1973, 1975–1977). He also served as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi (1977–1978). A highly skilled fighter pilot, he commanded the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi from 1977 to 1978 before being appointed Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978, a position he held until October 1979. He later served as the Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College in Jaji and as Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
After his retirement, AVM Lawal dedicated himself to business and faith-based philanthropy. A devout Muslim, he is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
