President Bola Tinubu, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacchaeus Adedeji, are among the dignitaries expected at the presentation of two books authored by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
The book presentation, scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, in Abuja, will feature the unveiling of two publications: “I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service” and “Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy, & Labour of Public Service.”
The books chronicle Walson-Jack’s remarkable journey through the public service, detailing her experiences, leadership philosophy, institutional reforms, and contributions during her years as a state and federal civil servant.
Other prominent personalities expected at the event include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; the 36 state governors; ministers; permanent secretaries; service chiefs; and members of the diplomatic corps.
The two publications, which follow her earlier autobiography, “Roses in the Thorns: An Autobiography,” also continue a literary tradition established by her late father, Christian Atani Okpofaa Otobotekere, the Okun XIX and Amananaowei of Tombia, Bayelsa State, who authored 14 books before his death in 2023.
The books will be reviewed by Dr Joe Abah, former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, and have already received commendations from leading public policy experts and business figures, including Prof Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission; legal icon George Etomi; and Chairman of Access Bank Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
Prof Olaopa described “I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service” as an insightful account of the challenges and triumphs of a pioneering civil servant who remained committed to integrity despite the complexities of public administration.
According to him, the book provides valuable lessons for present and future civil servants, as well as professionals seeking to understand how commitment, resilience and ethical leadership can lead to enduring impact in the public sector.
Aig-Imoukhuede, while endorsing “Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy, & Labour of Public Service,” said the publication offers a rare perspective on leadership at the highest levels of government.
He noted that the book provides practical insights into governance, institutional reforms and ethical leadership, making it a significant contribution to public administration literature and a useful guide for policymakers and public servants across Africa.
Etomi also described the book as a compelling reflection of service to the Nigerian state with competence, courage and conscience, adding that it would inspire those committed to building efficient and trustworthy public institutions.
Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Member of the National Institute (mni), began her public service career in the Rivers State Civil Service in 1992.
Following the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, she transferred to the new state civil service, where she rose to become Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice. She also served at different times as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff to the Governor.
She joined the Federal Civil Service in 2009 and rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in 2017, serving in six different ministries before her appointment by President Tinubu as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in August 2024.
Walson-Jack is married to Nimi Walson-Jack, a renowned lawyer and former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association.
