In a bold and transformative move, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, recently reintroduced the Federal Civil Service Anthem —a powerful symbol designed to reignite the spirit of patriotism, integrity, and commitment among Nigeria’s public servants.
First unveiled in 2018, the anthem has been revitalized as a central pillar of the ongoing civil service reforms, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and a deep focus on citizen-centered service delivery.
During a recent meeting with media executives in Abuja, Walson-Jack passionately underscored the anthem’s renewed purpose. “This anthem is more than just words,” she said, “it is a call to action—an affirmation of what it means to serve the nation with integrity, to be efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen-centered.”
According to her, these values encapsulated in the anthem will not only guide public servants but also inspire a new era of excellence within the civil service.
This reintroduction comes at a critical juncture for the federal civil service, as the office continues to steer the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, a blueprint designed to transform the service into a more agile, innovative, and effective institution.
Walson-Jack emphasized that creativity and innovation are key to accelerating this reform agenda, which is built on six pillars of improvement. The anthem, she believes, will serve as a motivational force, driving the momentum needed to ensure that these reforms are fully realized.
The Head of Service did not fail to acknowledge the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu, whose “Renewed Hope Agenda” has been a guiding light in the reform journey.
“The federal civil service must deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Walson-Jack stressed. “It’s not just about reform for reform’s sake; it’s about ensuring that the civil service is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Nigerian people.”
As she looked forward to her administration’s 100 days in office, Walson-Jack highlighted a range of initiatives in the pipeline that would further position the civil service as a key driver of national progress. Among them, the civil service anthem stands out as a cultural tool to unite public servants under a common vision, reminding them of their role as stewards of public trust.
The lyrics of the anthem are simple yet profound, resonating deeply with the ideals that define the civil service’s mission: to serve with integrity, uphold accountability, and put the needs of citizens first. Walson-Jack envisions a future where every civil servant—whether at the federal or local level—internalizes these values and lives them out in daily service to the nation.
As Nigeria embarks on this next chapter of civil service reform, the reintroduction of the anthem marks more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a declaration of intent, a commitment to building a more efficient, professional, and forward-thinking public administration. The anthem will not only echo through the halls of government offices but also serve as a reminder to all Nigerians that public service is a noble calling—one that requires dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
With this renewed spirit, the civil service is poised to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the Nigerian people, delivering on the promise of good governance and national development.