morgANABLE politics/Governance
Tinubu further commended her ability to document her experiences despite the demands of office, describing it as evidence of her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of public servants.
KaNo—
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and former Governor Seriake Dickson on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, as she formally presented two memoirs chronicling her career in public service.
The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together top government officials, political leaders, senior civil servants and family members to celebrate what speakers described as a remarkable career spanning over three decades across state and federal public service.
The books, titled I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and Labour of Public Service, provide insights into Walson-Jack’s professional journey, leadership philosophy and experiences in Nigeria’s bureaucracy.
Representing President Tinubu at the occasion, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, described Walson-Jack as a distinguished public servant who brought reforms and renewed efficiency to the federal civil service.
According to him, the gathering was not only to unveil the books but to celebrate a life defined by dedication, discipline and service to humanity.
“We gather for the presentation of her two books, but in reality, we are here to celebrate something much greater. We celebrate a life of selfless service, a career of exceptional leadership, and service to humanity,” he said.
He noted that Walson-Jack’s career trajectory, which saw her serve at both state and federal levels before rising to the pinnacle of the civil service, placed her among a select group of public officials with extensive administrative experience.
“Mrs Walson-Jack occupies a particularly distinguished place in our public administration history. Very few public servants have had the breadth of experience, responsibility, and perspective that her journey presents,” he added.
Tinubu Commended Walson Jack
“What makes today’s occasion even more remarkable is that while carrying the enormous responsibilities of her office, she has found the time and discipline to reflect, write, and document her experience. That is not a small achievement,” he said.
He also praised her role in repositioning the federal civil service, noting that she brought a clear vision for reform and transformation upon assuming office as Head of Service.
“I did not have to preach reform to her. She came into office with a clear understanding that the civil service must continuously evolve if it is to meet the demands of a rapidly changing Nigeria and an increasingly complex world,” he said.
Jonathan Lauds Didi’s Resilience
Former President Jonathan, who attended the event alongside his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, also highlighted Walson-Jack’s resilience and determination, recounting key moments in her career that demonstrated her commitment to service.
He recalled her transition from the Rivers State civil service to Bayelsa State following its creation in 1996, describing it as a bold move at a time of uncertainty.
Jonathan also spoke about the challenges she faced when she later moved to the federal civil service, where she was downgraded to the position of Assistant Director despite previously serving as a Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General in Bayelsa State.
“This was very demoralising, but I encouraged her to take it and she accepted. Today, she is retiring not only as a federal permanent secretary but also as Head of Service,” he said.
He explained that the situation reflected broader challenges faced by civil servants from newly created states at the time, noting that many declined similar opportunities due to perceived disadvantages.
Jonathan added that her eventual rise to the top of the federal bureaucracy underscored the importance of perseverance and faith.
“Some limitations or experiences in life might appear not very comfortable, but God might use them to prepare you for something bigger,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack on merit, noting that her emergence as the first Bayelsan to occupy the office of Head of Service was a source of pride for the state.
“We appreciate the President for appointing our daughter. That appointment made her the first Bayelsan to hold that office. We are celebrating a meritorious retirement and the end of a brilliant career,” Jonathan said.
Gov Diri Describes Didi As A Woman Of Courage
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri, who served as chief presenter of the books, described Walson-Jack as a woman of courage, discipline and exceptional intellect whose contributions to governance have left a lasting impact.
“We are gathered to honour a woman who has done herself, her family, our state and indeed our nation proud,” Diri said.
Quoting from one of her memoirs, he said, “Hardship endured in the service of something meaningful is not merely suffering; it is formation,” noting that the statement encapsulated her life and career.
“The hardship of service did not break her; it formed her. It formed the leader we celebrate today,” he said.
Diri also reflected on their working relationship during his time as Principal Executive Secretary to former Governor Seriake Dickson, while Walson-Jack served as Deputy Chief of Staff.
“In that capacity, I saw first-hand the discipline, the intellect and the quiet strength she brought to governance. She was the calm in the storm, the memory of the administration and the conscience that reminded us that every decision must serve the people,” he said.
He noted that her retirement after 34 years of service marked not an end but a transition into a new phase of influence and legacy.
“As she exits the Federal Civil Service after thirty-four years of unexampled and meritorious service spanning Rivers State, Bayelsa State and the Federal Civil Service, we do not mark an end. We mark a transition from active service to enduring legacy,” he added.
Other speakers at the event, including former Governor Seriake Dickson, also commended Walson-Jack for her integrity, professionalism and contributions to public administration.
The ceremony highlighted her achievements as Head of Service, including efforts to reform the civil service, improve efficiency and promote accountability within the system.
As the event concluded, attendees described the memoirs as valuable contributions to Nigeria’s public administration literature, offering lessons for both current and future civil servants.