National Institute alumni hails appointment of Diiarau Didi Esther Walson-Jack as Head of Service
Story from Uji A. ILIYASU
The national president of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador E.O. Okafor mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI family, heartily rejoices with and congratulates one of their outstanding members, Mrs. Diiarau Didi Esther Walson-Jack OON, mni; Deputy Monitor General, SEC 30, 2008; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry for Water Resources; on her well-deserved appointment as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation with effect from August 14, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on Wednesday.
A statement signed by AANI National Publicity Secretary, and Sarkin Yakin Kanwa Katsina, Brigadier-General SK Usman (rtd), on Wednesday said Ambassador Okafor praised President Bola Tinubu for the landmark appointment of one of their own, saying there is no doubt that the appointment bears eloquent testimony to Mrs Walson-Jack’s “extraordinary career, a luminous tapestry woven with threads of immense contribution to national development, unwavering dedication to public service, and unparalleled excellence in the legal profession”.
The alumni added: “Her impeccable public service career exemplifies the very essence of meritocracy, a beacon of hope for all who aspire to serve our great nation at the highest levels.
“Her appointment is also a testament to her immense contributions to national development, public service, and the legal profession.
Her dedication and exemplary service in various capacities have been pivotal in shaping the landscape of public administration in Nigeria.
“As an esteemed legal professional and an exceptional administrator, Mrs. Walson-Jack OON, mni, has significantly influenced national policy and governance through her unwavering commitment and leadership.
“The President’s decision to entrust one of AANI’s most outstanding members with this momentous responsibility is a stroke of genius and very commendable.
“Her great wealth of experience garnered through decades of distinguished public service across various ministries, positions her perfectly to lead the civil service into a new era of brilliance.
“Her dedication to duty and commitment to the public good, coupled with her exceptional administrative acumen, brings hope and promises a civil service transformed and reshaped to meet the demands of the 21st century in this country.”
The alumni said they are particularly elated by this development as the new Head of Service’s accomplishments resonate deeply within the association.
“Her dedication to both AANI and its members is always a source of immense pride to us all.
Her exemplary service as Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice; and most recently, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Water Resources; stands as a monument to her unwavering commitment and quest for professionalism and excellence.
“Her educational background is equally impressive. An esteemed alumna of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Benin City; and the Federal Government College in Ilorin. She is a shining example for future generations.
Her legal prowess, honed at the University of Lagos and solidified by her call to the Nigerian Bar in 1987, is a testament to her intellectual brilliance.
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“Furthermore, her personal life reflects the values she embodies. Married to Honourable Nimi Walson-Jack, a former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a leading civic educator, she has instilled those same values in their two children, both of whom have chosen the noble path of law.
The statement noted that Mrs Walson-Jack’s trajectory since her first appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2017 is nothing short of phenomenal.
“Her exceptional leadership has been felt across the Service Welfare Office, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and the Federal Ministries of Power, Water Resources, and Sanitation.
“Her commitment and contribution to public service began long before, flourishing during her time as a state counsellor in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice.
“Consequently, AANI acknowledges, takes immense pride and celebrates the new Head of Service’s numerous accolades, including African Iconic Female Administrator of the Year (2024); an Award of Excellence from the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (2019); and Public Administrator of the Year for Bayelsa State (2008).
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu GCFR, for recognising merit and appointing a distinguished AANI member to this esteemed position as the appointment reflects the high standards of training and leadership development provided by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Nigeria’s premier public policy and the highest think tank for the federation.
“AANI wishes to reiterate its support for the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Walson-Jack in her new appointment.
“We have full confidence that she will not only justify the president’s trust but will also lead the civil service to new heights of professionalism and excellence while prioritising the well-being of all public servants in the country.
“As she takes up this onerous responsibility, we at AANI solidly stand beside her, ready to offer our support to enable her to succeed.
“This appointment is a glorious day for Nigeria, where merit and excellence are celebrated.
Therefore, we at AANI are filled with immense pride as we witness one of our own ascends to such a prestigious position. We do not doubt that she will make history, leaving an indelible mark on the Nigerian civil service for generations.”
Proofreading, editing by Uji A. Iliyasu, Editor at Neptune Prime
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