Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Passes Away
Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal (rtd), the former Minister of Youth and Sports and Military Administrator of Benue State, has passed away. He died peacefully in his sleep early on Sunday, June 23rd, at his residence.
Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), the Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, confirmed the former minister’s passing from Mr. Lawal’s daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro and stated that the funeral is scheduled for Monday.
“AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep at the early hours of Sunday 23 Jun 24,” Zakari said.
AVM was born on 14 September, 1941 in Offa, Kwara State. He 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.
