Tinubu swears in Walson-Jack as head of service

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Esther Walson-Jack as head of the service (HoS) of the federation.

She was sworn in before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

The president had appointed Walson-Jack as the HoS in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the president spokesperson, on July 17. 

Ngelale said her appointment will take effect on August 14 — a day after Folasade Yemi-Esan, the current HoS, retires from the civil service.

Tinubu asked Walson-Jack to serve the country with integrity and transparency.

The president also commended Yemi-Esan for her dedication to duty, describing her tenure as exceptional.

”We must learn from her commitment to duty, loyalty, and great vision. She served our nation exceptionally well with dedication, guiding the civil service through significant transformation and reforms,” Tinubu said.

”Her dedication to enhancing efficiency, transparency, and professionalism has set a high standard for public administration in this country.

”As she steps step down, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering commitment and the significant impact she has made in our country. We thank you very much.”

Addressing journalists after her swearing-in, Walson-Jack said she will build on the successes of her predecessor.

”I must also thank the outgone HoS, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, for her mentorship and guidance throughout my career,” she said.

”I look forward to building on the existing reforms in a way that will bring innovation and creativity, so that the civil service can be more effective and efficient to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987.

Before joining the federal civil service, she was the solicitor-general of Bayelsa and also served as the permanent secretary of the state ministry of justice.

She is credited with initiatives, such as the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme (FISH) and contributions to labour relations and the national minimum wage.

She is an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and an alumna of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau state.