7 Facts You Should Know About the New Civil Service Chief -Didi Walson-Jack

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, as the new leader of the Civil Service of the Federation starting August 14, 2024. 

She is set to replace the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, who will retire on August 13, 2024.

President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Head of Service for her service and urged the incoming Head of Service to perform her duties with creativity, integrity, and a strict observance of the existing civil service rules and regulations.

Here are seven important things to know about her:

Long Career in Public Service  

Mrs. Walson-Jack has spent many years working for the government. She started her career at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. Over the years, she has held several important jobs at both the state and federal levels, showing her dedication and skills in public service.

Early Staff Member in Bayelsa State

When Bayelsa State was formed in October 1996, Mrs. Walson-Jack was one of the first people to work in the state’s Ministry of Justice and Civil Service. She played a key role in setting up the legal and administrative systems there.

Expert in Legal Drafting in Bayelsa

She was the first and only certified Legal Drafter in Bayelsa State, leading the Legal Drafting Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Department of the State House of Assembly. She was crucial in creating laws that helped govern the state from 1996 to 2002.

Leadership Roles in the Federal Civil Service

In the federal government, she worked as an Assistant Director and then Deputy Director in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Her leadership skills were further shown when she returned to work for the Bayelsa State Government, where she held several top positions.

Recognition for Her Work

Mrs. Walson-Jack has received many awards for her excellent work. In 2024, she was named the African Iconic Female Administrator of the Year. She also received a special award from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs & the Wife of the Governor of Bayelsa State in 2019.

Published Author

She has written a best-selling book called “Roses in the Thorns,” where she shares her life’s challenges and successes, both personally and professionally.

New Role as Head of Civil Service 

Taking on her new role in August, Mrs. Walson-Jack will replace Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR. With her proven track record, she is expected to bring new ideas, honesty, and strict rule-following to the role, aiming to make positive changes in Nigeria’s civil service.