The gathering, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, marked the presentation of two books authored by Walson-Jack, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and Labour of Public Service.
Representing Tinubu at the event, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described Walson-Jack as an accomplished public servant whose career had contributed significantly to the development and reform of Nigeria’s civil service.
The President said Walson-Jack had demonstrated that public service was not only about occupying an office but also about creating lasting value for future generations.
He commended her efforts to make the federal civil service more efficient, responsive and results-oriented, noting that she understood the need for the institution to evolve with
Nigeria’s changing needs.
Jonathan, who attended the event alongside his wife, Patience Jonathan, also praised Walson-Jack for her resilience and career achievements.
The former President recalled her transition from the Rivers State Civil Service to the newly created Bayelsa State Civil Service and later to the Federal Civil Service.
He particularly remembered an experience in which Walson-Jack was reportedly downgraded to Assistant Director after moving to the federal service, despite having served as a Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General in Bayelsa State.
Jonathan said he encouraged her not to allow the setback to discourage her, noting that the experience eventually became part of a remarkable career that culminated in her becoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
He also commended Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack to the position, describing the appointment as a significant achievement for Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri, who served as the chief presenter of the books, described Walson-Jack as a woman of courage, intelligence and discipline.
Diri said her career demonstrated how difficult experiences could shape an individual for greater responsibilities.
He recalled working with her during his time as Principal Executive Secretary under former Governor Seriake Dickson, describing her as a disciplined administrator who contributed significantly to governance in Bayelsa.
According to him, Walson-Jack’s 34 years of public service across Rivers, Bayelsa and the Federal Civil Service represented a distinguished career worthy of celebration.
Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson also paid tribute to Walson-Jack, describing her as “a great servant of our people.”
Dickson recalled working with her when he served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa State, saying her administrative expertise contributed to reforms in the state’s justice system.
He also recounted supporting her career progression, including facilitating her participation at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and her eventual movement into the Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for giving her the opportunity to serve in his administration and at the federal level.
Explaining the motivation behind her books, she said they were written to document her experiences in public service, including the opportunities, challenges, reforms and lessons she encountered throughout her career.
She noted that the books traced her journey from the Ministry of Justice in the newly established Bayelsa State in 1996 to her eventual rise to the position of Federal Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.
Walson-Jack clarified that the books did not provide a detailed account of her tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, saying that story would be told at another time.
She is expected to turn 60 on August 27 and is retiring after 34 years in public service.
The event attracted senior government officials, former public office holders, traditional rulers, political leaders, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders and other public servants.
Among those present or represented were Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha and incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Abel Enitan.
A notable moment at the ceremony was a special prayer for Walson-Jack led by Ajoke Murtala-Mohammed, widow of former Head of State Murtala Mohammed.
