President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The ceremony took place on Monday at approximately 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Mrs. Walson-Jack succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who served as the substantive Head of Service from March 4, 2020, until August 12, 2024, the day before she reached the retirement age of 60.
This swearing-in follows President Tinubu’s approval of Walson-Jack’s appointment nearly a month ago, on July 17. During the ceremony, President Tinubu acknowledged the significance of the role she is stepping into and offered words of encouragement.
“You’re stepping into very big shoes, and we pray that God continues to guide you, provide you with wisdom, and enhance your integrity to serve this country and the civil service in the most successful way,” Tinubu said.
The President also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the outgoing Head of Service, praising Dr. Yemi-Esan for her “exceptional tenure.”
“Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan must be thanked for her exceptional tenure as Head of Service. We appreciate her commitment, duty, and loyalty. As she steps down, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering dedication to the service of her country,” Tinubu added.
Born on August 27, 1966, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Mrs. Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987. Her extensive career includes roles such as Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in July 2002. She also served as the pioneer State Coordinator for the Rivers State Office of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Mrs. Walson-Jack is an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State. Before her recent appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, a position she assumed in January 2024 following the retirement of her predecessor, Mr. David Andrew Adejo.
After the swearing-in, President Tinubu presided over the FEC meeting, which had been postponed the previous week due to a meeting with his Security Chiefs concerning nationwide protests. The council is expected to deliberate on various matters, including several infrastructure projects that were discussed but deferred at the last meeting on July 29. These projects include the Natalla-Boru Road in Kano State, the Ojo-Odum-Okuku Road in Benue State, and the Umuahia-Aba road project by Arab Contractors, which is reported to be “85 per cent complete,” according to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
