Walson-Jack assumes office as Head of Service

The new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has officially taken office, succeeding Folasade Yemi-Esan, who retired on August 13, 2024. Walson-Jack was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu during the Federal Executive Council meeting on August 12.

According to a statement by Director of Communications Mohammed Ahmed, the handover ceremony occurred at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on Yemi-Esan’s retirement date.

In her acceptance speech, Walson-Jack expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to continue advancing reforms within the civil service. She emphasized the importance of technology and adherence to the core principles of Accountability, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Efficiency (AMPLE). She also called for collaboration from all stakeholders to support the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Yemi-Esan, in her farewell address, wished Walson-Jack strength and wisdom to excel in her new role for the benefit of the civil service and Nigeria as a whole.

Walson-Jack, a seasoned civil servant with a background in law, has held several key positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Education and Justice. She is known for her contributions to labor relations and housing initiatives. Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. She began her civil service career as a State Counsel in Rivers State in 1992, eventually becoming the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice in Bayelsa State.

Joining the Federal Civil Service in 2009, Walson-Jack was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including the OHCSF, Niger Delta Affairs, Power, and Water Resources and Sanitation. She is credited with initiatives such as the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) program and significant contributions to labor relations and the national minimum wage.

Walson-Jack is a recipient of the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and an alumna of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. She is also the author of the novel “Roses in the Thorns” and is married with children.