President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, marking a significant transition in Nigeria’s public service leadership. The ceremony, held just before the Federal Executive Council meeting, was highlighted by President Tinubu’s call for integrity and transparency in service delivery.
Announcing the development on his official X handle, Special Adviser for Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, shared details of the swearing-in. President Tinubu, in his remarks, charged Walson-Jack to lead with honor, emphasizing the need for a civil service that upholds the values of accountability and ethical governance. “Serve this nation with integrity and transparency,” the President advised, underscoring the critical role the civil service plays in the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
President Tinubu also took a moment to pay tribute to the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, lauding her tenure as exceptional and transformative. “Your leadership has set a high standard, and we are grateful for your service,” Tinubu stated, reflecting on Yemi-Esan’s contributions to the civil service reform.
In her maiden address to the media following the swearing-in, Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in her. She also acknowledged the impact of her predecessor’s mentorship throughout her career. “I must thank Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan for her guidance. I look forward to building on the existing reforms with a focus on innovation and creativity to make the civil service more effective and efficient,” Walson-Jack affirmed, signaling her commitment to enhancing service delivery under the administration’s transformative agenda.
Mrs. Walson-Jack comes into the role with a rich background in law and public administration. A graduate of the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Laws degree, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. Her journey in public service began in 1992 as a state counsel in Rivers State, where she eventually ascended to the position of Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State.
Her illustrious federal service career commenced in 2009, with a notable appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2017. She is also an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a distinguished alumna of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
In addition to her administrative acumen, Mrs. Walson-Jack is an accomplished author, known for her novel Roses in the Thorns, which showcases her literary prowess alongside her public service achievements.
As she steps into this pivotal role, all eyes are on Walson-Jack to lead Nigeria’s civil service into a new era of innovation, efficiency, and unwavering integrity.
PIONEER NEWS 