President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
The Federal Executive Council meeting was about to start when Walson-Jack took the oath of office on Monday at 1:00 pm in the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
She succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who was the substantive Head of State from March 4, 2020, to August 12, 2024, a day before she attained the retirement age of 60.
Nearly a month has passed since the President confirmed her appointment on July 17 before the swearing-in ceremony.
While receiving the new Head of Service, Tinubu said, “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.”
The President also thanked the outgoing Head of Service 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 for her unwavering commitment to the service of her country. As we bid farewell to her, we are also here 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.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Tinubu proceeded to preside over the FEC meeting.
In order to discuss the nationwide protests, the President had rescheduled the meeting with his security chiefs one week prior.
Among other matters, the council is likely to discuss the memos that were stepped down at its last meeting on July 29.
According to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, they 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, he said, is “85 per cent complete.”
