Tinubu, Jonathan Celebrate Walson-Jack’s 34 Years of Public Service

President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan 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 at the presentation of Walson-Jack’s two memoirs, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and Labour of Public Service, in Abuja. Representing Tinubu, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described Walson-Jack as a distinguished public servant who contributed to efforts to modernise and strengthen the Federal Civil Service. Jonathan, who attended the event with his wife, Patience, recalled Walson-Jack’s difficult transition from the Bayelsa State Civil Service to the Federal Civil Service, where she was reportedly downgraded to Assistant Director despite previously serving as a Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General. He said the setback did not stop her career from advancing, noting that she eventually became Nigeria’s Head of Service. Jonathan also commended Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack in 2024, making her the first person from Bayelsa State to occupy the position. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and former Governor Seriake Dickson also praised her career and contributions to the state and country. Walson-Jack thanked Tinubu for giving her the opportunity to serve and said her two books captured aspects of her journey and achievements but did not represent the complete story of her tenure. She is retiring after 34 years of service across the Rivers, Bayelsa and Federal Civil Services.