Nigeria’s former Minister of Youth and Sports , retired Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal is dead.
His daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, confirmed his death.
According to her, AVM Lawal died in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024 at his Offa home in Kwara State at the age of 83 years.
AVM Lawal was born on September 14, 1941 in Offa, Kwara State.
He will later be buried today according to Islamic rites in Offa.
The former Minister attended Government College, Ibadan between 1955 and 1962 before joining the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 among the pioneer officers.
Lawal was trained as a Military Pilot in West Germany from where he graduated in 1964.
His postings included Commander, NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander, Enugu Air Force Base, 1970-72; NAF Kano twice; (1972–1973) and (1975–1977) and Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi. (1977–1978).
AVM Lawal was a very active and vibrant fighter pilot who was at a point the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, 1977-78, before his appointment as Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978 until October 1979.
At one time, he was Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College Jaji.
He was later appointed Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
After retirement, he went into business and faith-based philanthropy.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. (vitalnewsngr.com)