By Gloria Ikibah
Former Minister of Youth and Sports and ex-Military Administrator of Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal (rtd), has passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 23 at his residence.
The sad news was confirmed by Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly, with Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, his daughter.
His funeral is scheduled for Monday, June 2024.
Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal was born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State. His distinguished career in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) began in 1963, where he was among the pioneering officers. Trained as a Military Pilot in West Germany, he graduated in 1964 and went on to hold several significant positions including Commander of NAF bases in Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano, as well as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi.
In addition to his military service, he served as Military Governor of Benue State from July 1978 to October 1979 and later as Federal Minister of Youth and Sports. A devout Muslim, after retiring from service, he engaged in business and philanthropy.
Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.