Breaking: Tinubu swears in Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack as new Head of Civil Service

President Bola Tinubu has formally inaugurated Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Federation’s Civil Service.

Walson-Jack took the oath of office at about 1.00 pm at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday, just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

She takes over from Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who held sway in that capacity from March 4, 2020, until August 12, 2024.

The swearing-in ceremony took place almost a month after Tinubu gave his approval for her appointment on July 17.

While receiving the new Head of Service, Tinubu said: “You are 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 expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Head of Service, praising her for a truly exceptional tenure.

He said: “Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan must be thanked for her exceptional tenure as Head of Service. We thank her for her commitment, duty and loyalty.

“As she steps down, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering commitment to the service of her country. As we bid farewell to her, we are also hear to swear in officially the new Head of Service.”

Born in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on August 27, 1966, Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to bar in 1987.

During her tenure in Bayelsa State, she concurrently served as Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, effective July 2002.

Her journey in the Federal Civil Service started with a pioneering role as State Co-ordinator of the Rivers State Office in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

She is an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Prior to her recent appointment, Walson-Jack held the position of Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, effective January 2024, after succeeding Mr. David Andrew Adejo upon his retirement.

Meanwhile, Rivers Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his wise decision in appointing Dame Didi Esther Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Fubara also praised Walson-Jack for her pioneering achievements and for shattering glass ceilings, not only as a distinguished representative of Rivers State but also as a proud ambassador of the entire Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nelson Chukwudi the governor noted that her remarkable career in the Civil Service, capped by her appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2017, is a testament to her outstanding leadership, unimpeachable integrity, courageous spirit, and unwavering determination.

Fubara added that Walson-Jack’s distinguished and exceptional public service career will inspire many young girls in the state to strive to achieve great heights in their lives.

He said: “As you assume duties as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation effective 14th August, we are proud of the significant milestone you have achieved in your public service career.”

Fubara said that Tinubu’s visionary leadership and merit-based approach in appointing Walson-Jack, highlighted his selfless and inclusive mindset, which embodies the qualities of a true statesman and a father to the nation.

He observed that Tinubu has reaffirmed his dedication to promoting fairness, justice, and national unity through his commitment to federal character principles, demonstrating exemplary leadership.

Fubara expressed optimism that Walson-Jack will leverage her extensive expertise to drive innovative solutions and effectively implement the civil service reforms outlined in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian people.