By Queen Kunde
It was a night of pride, purpose, and powerful affirmation for Nigeria’s public sector as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, led the 2025 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony held at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Rock, Abuja.
The grand event, which marked the climax of the 2025 Civil Service Week and followed the inaugural International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), brought together top dignitaries including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The President was hailed for his unwavering support to public sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking with passion and clarity, Walson-Jack described the evening not as a celebration of titles, but of tenacity. “We come together to honour the unsung heroes who breathe life into public service. They are not just workers they are quiet reformers,” she declared, earning resounding applause from an audience filled with top government functionaries, legislators, foreign dignitaries, and civil servants from across the federation.
The Head of Service emphasized that the awards were more than ceremonial they were a declaration that transformation in governance is already underway, driven by a new breed of purpose-driven civil servants who are punctual, consistent, and committed. “Resuming work by 8:00 a.m. is not just a rule it is a culture we must reclaim,” she charged.
Walson-Jack used the occasion to commend the President for key civil service-friendly reforms, including the push for a new minimum wage and pension overhaul. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a commitment to dignity, fairness, innovation, and reward,” she stated.
While congratulating the honourees, she reminded others in the service that excellence is never wasted, even if unrecognized for now. “Do your work so well that it cannot be ignored,” she advised. She also challenged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to actively participate in future nominations, noting that some either failed to nominate candidates or submitted unqualified names.
The awards ceremony, now a fixed feature of the Civil Service calendar, continues to evolve as a platform to recognize consistent integrity and silent innovation within government circles. Walson-Jack concluded on a celebratory yet sober note: “Let us clap louder than we complain. Let the spirit of excellence never fade.”
As the music rose and the night of honour gave way to festivity, it was clear that a new chapter of pride and purpose is unfolding in Nigeria’s Civil Service.