Walson-Jack Launches Two Books After 34 Years In Public Service

Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, recently launched two memoirs detailing her 34-year career in public service. The books, titled "I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service" and "Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy & Labour of Public Service," were unveiled at an event in Abuja.

Mrs. Walson-Jack recounted her experiences, reforms, and lessons learned throughout her tenure in public service, which began with her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting to Rivers State in 1992. She highlighted her efforts in developing institutions, improving systems, and mentoring younger officers during her various assignments.

I Planted focused on her role in building and enhancing public institutions, while Beyond the Mandate delved into the responsibilities of public servants beyond their formal duties, such as nurturing talent, strengthening institutions, and preserving institutional knowledge. However, Mrs. Walson-Jack clarified that the memoirs do not cover her time as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, stating that the story of that period will be told at another time.

Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized the critical role of the civil service in implementing and sustaining government policies. He noted that while political leadership may change, it is the civil service's institutional memory and technical capacity that remain vital. Udeh added that the Federal Government is implementing reforms to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery in the public sector, with the expectation that the civil service will move beyond routine administration towards measurable results and improved services for citizens.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, served as the chief presenter for I Planted, highlighting Mrs. Walson-Jack's career, which included assignments aimed at establishing and developing public institutions. Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ngozi Nma Odu, represented Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and shared that Mrs. Walson-Jack introduced structured quarterly engagements with organized labor during her service in the state.

These engagements provided a platform for resolving disagreements between government and labor through open dialogue.