PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Esther Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The swearing-in ceremony took place before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by President Tinubu.
Walson-Jack, who officially assumes office on August 14, 2024, following the retirement of her predecessor, Folasade Yemi-Esan, pledged to build on existing reforms in the civil service. She committed to aligning the service with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” by introducing innovations and creativity to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, acknowledged the significant responsibility Walson-Jack is taking on and expressed his confidence in her ability to lead. “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,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised the outgoing Head of Service, Yemi-Esan, describing her tenure as “exceptional” and expressing gratitude for her dedication and loyalty to the service.
Walson-Jack, born in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on August 27, 1966, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987. Her career in public service began as a State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, and she later transferred to the Ministry of Justice, Bayelsa State, following the state’s creation in 1996.
Over the years, Walson-Jack has held various key positions in the Federal Civil Service. She was appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several ministries, including the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education. Until her new appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education since January 2024.
Walson-Jack’s professional background also includes a Certificate in Legislative Drafting from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos, and the California State Senate, USA. She is a Certified Conflict Resolution and Peace Building practitioner and an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Her extensive experience in the public service and her commitment to reform and innovation are expected to drive significant improvements in the Nigerian civil service as she takes on her new role as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
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