President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
According to The PUNCH, the swearing-in took place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday in the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, just before the Federal Executive Council meeting commenced.
Walson-Jack takes over from Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who retired on August 12, 2024, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Yemi-Esan had served as the substantive Head of Service since March 2020.
In his remarks, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Yemi-Esan’s “exceptional tenure,” highlighting her dedication and loyalty to the country.
Addressing Walson-Jack, he noted, “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.”
Born on August 27, 1966, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Walson-Jack is a law graduate from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987.
Her career includes serving as Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice.
She also held a key role as the pioneer State Coordinator of the Rivers State Office of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
An alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, Walson-Jack’s most recent position was as Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, a role she assumed in January 2024.
Following the swearing-in, President Tinubu presided over the FEC meeting, which had been postponed a week earlier due to discussions with Security Chiefs concerning nationwide protests.
The council’s agenda included deliberations on several pending infrastructure projects, such as the Natalla-Boru Road in Kano State and the Umuahia-Aba road project, among others.
