Tinubu swears in Didi Walson-Jack as new Head of Service

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation. The ceremony took place at approximately 1:00 pm on Monday in the Council Chamber of Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Walson-Jack succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who served as the Head of Service from March 4, 2020, until August 12, 2024, a day before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. The swearing-in comes nearly a month after President Tinubu approved her appointment on July 17.

In his remarks during the ceremony, President Tinubu acknowledged the significant responsibility Walson-Jack is taking on, saying, “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 most successfully.”

The President also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Yemi-Esan, for what he described as an “exceptional tenure,” commending her commitment, duty, and loyalty to the nation.

“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,” Tinubu said. He also officially welcomed Walson-Jack to her new role.

Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, born on August 27, 1966, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987. She has served as Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in Bayelsa State since July 2002. Her federal career began at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, where she served as the pioneer State Coordinator for Rivers State. She is also an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State. Prior to her recent appointment, Walson-Jack was the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education since January 2024, succeeding Mr. David Andrew Adejo.

Following the swearing-in, President Tinubu proceeded to chair the FEC meeting. The meeting had been postponed the previous week for discussions with Security Chiefs concerning ongoing nationwide protests. The council is expected to deliberate on several memos, including those related to 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 is reportedly 85% complete, according to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.