Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal (rtd), a former Minister of Youth and Sports and one-time Military Administrator of Benue State, has died. He was 83 years old.
According to his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, AVM Lawal passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024 at his home. The Sergeant at Arms of the National Assembly, Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), confirmed the ex-minister’s death and stated that his funeral will be held on Monday.
AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed that AVM Bayo Lawal died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of June 23rd.
Born on September 14, 1941 in Offa, Kwara State, AVM Lawal attended Government College, Ibadan from 1955 to 1962 before joining the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 as one of the pioneer officers. He trained as a military pilot in West Germany, graduating in 1964.
During his distinguished career, AVM Lawal held several key positions, including Commander of the NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander of the Enugu Air Force Base (1970-72), and twice as the Commander of the NAF Kano (1972–1973) and (1975–1977). He also served as the Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi (1977–1978) and was at one point the Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College Jaji.
In July 1978, AVM Lawal was appointed as the Military Governor of Benue State, a position he held until October 1979. He was later appointed as the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
After retiring from public service, AVM Lawal remained active in business and faith-based philanthropy.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday.