Tinubu swears in new Head of Service

President Bola Tinubu on Monday performed the swearing ceremony of the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, into office.

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

President Tinubu had approved the appointment of Walson-Jack as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, on July 17, 2024.

An earlier statement from the presidency had indicated that, Walson-Jack takes over from the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, who is due to retire on August 13, 2024.

Prior to Walson-Jack’s appointment, she was the permanent secretary of 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.”

President Tinubu also thanked the outgoing HoS for what he called “an 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 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 holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Lagos and 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 commenced 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, Nigeria.

Until her latest appointment, Walson-Jack served as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education since January 2024, following the retirement of the substantive Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. David Andrew Adejo.

The Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu, started immediately after the brief oath taking ceremony.

The FEC could not hold last week during the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance, instead, the President convened national security council meeting.

The protests which started on August 11, ended on Saturday, August 10.