June 25, (THEWILL) – A former military governor of Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal (rtd), is dead.
His daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, said the late AVM Lawal died in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, at his home at the age of 83.
AVM Lawal (popularly known then in the state as Group Captain Bayo Lawal) was the military governor of Benue State from 1978 to 1979. He handed over to Mr. Aper Aku as the first civilian governor of the State. He was a one-time Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports.
Born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State, Lawal 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, (1970-1972); NAF Kano twice (1972–1973) and (1975–1977), and Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi. (1977–1978).
He was a very active and vibrant fighter pilot, who was at one point the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi (1977 1978), before he was appointed 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.
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