President inaugurates new Head of Service, reappoints NBC DG 

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, swore in the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

The ceremony, which preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, took place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

The President had approved Walson-Jack’s appointment on July 17.

An earlier statement from the Presidency had indicated that Walson-Jack takes over from the former occupant, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, who is due for retirement today.

Prior to Walson-Jack’s appointment, she was the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

She was appointed Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several ministries.

Receiving the new Head of Service, Tinubu said: “You’re stepping into very big shoes, and we pray that God continue to guide you, provide you with wisdom and enhance your integrity to serve this country and the civil service in the most successful way.”

The President also thanked the outgoing HoS for what he called “an exceptional tenure.”

His words: “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 and for her unwavering commitment in 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, who holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Lagos, was called to Bar in 1987.

She served as Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in July 2002.

Her career in the Federal Civil Service began at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs where she served as pioneer State Co-ordinator of the Rivers State Office of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

She is an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State.
ALSO, the President has approved the reappointment of Adamu Adaji as Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for a second term in office.

The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

The letter states: “I am pleased to inform you that His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the renewal of your appointment as Director-General of the National Boundary Commission for a second and final term of four years, in accordance with the provisions of Section 16 (1) and (3)(a) of the National Boundary Commission (Establishment) Act, 2006.”

“This (re) appointment is effective from August 7, 2024, and your emoluments and other conditions of service shall be as provided under the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008.”

Adaji joined the NBC in 1992 as an Assistant Chief Surveyor, having previously worked as a Lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State.