President Bola Tinubu officially swore in Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation on Monday at 1:00 p.m.
The ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, just prior to the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Walson-Jack succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who retired on August 12, 2024, after serving from March 4, 2020.
The appointment comes nearly a month after President Tinubu approved her appointment on July 17.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Walson-Jack’s capabilities, stating, “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 praised Dr. Yemi-Esan for her dedicated service, saying, “Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan must be thanked for her exceptional tenure as Head of Service. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment.”
Born on August 27, 1966, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987.
Her career includes serving as Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, and she has been the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education since January 2024.
Following the swearing-in, President Tinubu presided over the Federal Executive Council meeting, which had been postponed from the previous week due to discussions with security chiefs about nationwide protests.
The council is set to review several key infrastructure projects, including 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 “85 percent complete,” according to Minister of Works Dave Umahi.
