Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal (rtd), a former Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports, has passed away at the age of 83. According to his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, AVM Lawal died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024, at his home.
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The Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), confirmed the ex-minister’s death to the media, noting that the funeral will be held on Monday. “AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024,” Zakari said.
Born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State, AVM Lawal attended Government College, Ibadan, from 1955 to 1962. He joined the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 as one of its pioneer officers and trained as a military pilot in West Germany, graduating in 1964.
His military career included several notable postings: Commander of NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander of Enugu Air Force Base (1970–1972), and twice Commander of NAF Kano (1972–1973 and 1975–1977). He also served as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi (1977–1978).
AVM Lawal was a distinguished fighter pilot and served as the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi from 1977 to 1978 before his appointment as the Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978, a position he held until October 1979. He also served as the Director of Air Faculty at the Command and Staff College in Jaji.
Later in his career, he was appointed Federal Minister of Youth and Sports. After retiring from the military, Lawal ventured into business and philanthropy.
AVM Lawal is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to Nigeria both in the military and public sectors.
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