By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – President Bola Tinubu has sworn in the new Head of Civil Service (HoS) of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
This took place on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Walson-Jack took the oath of office at about 1:00 pm, just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The new HoS succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who served from March 4, 2020, until August 12, 2024. Her tenure ended upon her attainment of the retirement age of 60.
The swearing-in ceremony comes nearly a month after the President, on July 17, approved her appointment.
Addressing 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.”
He also thanked the outgoing HoS for what he called “an exceptional tenure,” adding that “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 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 in both the Bayelsa State and the Federal service and 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.