In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s civil service, President Bola Tinubu on Monday, August 12, 2024, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
The ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, was a symbol of continuity and a fresh start, as Mrs. Walson-Jack officially took her oath of office in the presence of key government officials.
President Tinubu, addressing Mrs. Walson-Jack moments after the swearing-in, delivered a clear and powerful charge: to lead with integrity, transparency, and a sense of duty. “The civil service is the backbone of our government’s operations,” the President emphasized.
“Your role is critical to ensuring that our nation progresses in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Serve the nation with honesty, commitment, and fairness.”
In his remarks, the President also paid tribute to the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, whose tenure he described as exceptional.
“Dr. Yemi-Esan has set a high standard for public administration in Nigeria. Her commitment to duty, loyalty, and vision has driven significant transformation in the civil service. We are grateful for the professionalism and reforms she implemented during her time.”
The ceremony was both reflective and forward-looking, as Mrs. Walson-Jack, a legal luminary and seasoned public servant, took the reins with a promise to continue the reform initiatives set in motion by her predecessor.
In her remarks to the media, she expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence he placed in her and extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Yemi-Esan for her mentorship.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this role,” said Walson-Jack. “I look forward to building on the existing reforms, injecting creativity and innovation so that the civil service can be even more effective and efficient in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Mrs. Walson-Jack’s public service career is a testament to dedication and excellence. A graduate of the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Laws degree, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. Her career began in Rivers State as a state counsel, and she later rose to the prestigious position of Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State.
Since joining the Federal Civil Service in 2009, her leadership in various ministries—Power, Water Resources, Education, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service—has earned her respect across the public service spectrum.
As she steps into her new role, Mrs. Walson-Jack carries with her a wealth of experience and a vision to uplift Nigeria’s civil service into a more dynamic and citizen-centered institution. With her at the helm, the civil service is poised to meet the demands of modern governance, driving change and upholding the core values of integrity and professionalism.
This moment marks the dawn of a new era for Nigeria’s civil service, as the nation looks to the future with renewed hope and a commitment to excellence.