TINUBU, JONATHAN PRAISE OUTGOING HEAD OF SERVICE WALSON-JACK
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and his predecessor, Seriake Dickson, have praised the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, for her contributions to Nigeria’s public service.
They spoke on Tuesday at the presentation of Walson-Jack’s two books, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and Labour of Public Service, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described Walson-Jack as an accomplished public servant who played a significant role in repositioning the federal bureaucracy.
The President said her career reflected selfless service, exceptional leadership and commitment to humanity, noting that she had served at both state and federal levels before rising to become Nigeria’s top civil servant.
He commended her for documenting her experiences and lessons from public service, saying her efforts would provide valuable insights for those coming after her.
Tinubu also praised her understanding of the need to continually reform the civil service to make it more responsive and effective in addressing the challenges of a changing Nigeria.
Jonathan, who attended the event with his wife, Patience, also commended Walson-Jack, recalling the challenges she faced while transitioning from the Rivers State civil service to that of the newly created Bayelsa State and later to the Federal Civil Service.
He recalled that Walson-Jack was downgraded to Assistant Director when she moved to the Federal Civil Service despite previously serving as a Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General in Bayelsa State.
Jonathan said he encouraged her to accept the position, adding that the setback eventually became part of a journey that culminated in her becoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
He congratulated her on her retirement and commended President Tinubu for appointing her to the position, noting that she became the first person from Bayelsa State to serve as the nation’s Head of Service.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who presented the books, described Walson-Jack as a woman of courage, intelligence and discipline.
Diri thanked Tinubu for appointing her in August 2024, saying her career had brought pride to her family, Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
He said her 34 years of service across Rivers State, Bayelsa State and the Federal Civil Service represented a remarkable career and a lasting legacy.
Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson also praised Walson-Jack, describing her as a great servant of the people.
Dickson recalled working with her when he served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa State, saying her administrative expertise contributed significantly to reforms in the state’s justice sector.
He also recounted how he supported her career progression, including helping facilitate her participation at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and her subsequent transfer to the Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack, in her remarks, thanked President Tinubu for giving her the opportunity to serve the administration and the country.
She explained that the two books were written to document her experiences, challenges, reforms and lessons from her years in public service.
Walson-Jack, who will turn 60 on August 27, said the occasion marked both her retirement from public service and the documentation of her 34-year career.
Several senior government officials, former public office holders, diplomats, traditional and political leaders, business executives and other public servants attended the event.
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