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ICSC’s Reform-Driven Conference to Boost Capacity and Impact of Nigerian Civil Servants – Walson-Jack

Published

1 year ago

June 25, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has declared that Nigeria’s civil service must evolve into a bold, innovative, and inclusive institution capable of meeting the complex demands of the 21st century.
She made this assertion on Wednesday at the Maiden International Civil Service Conference, hosted in Abuja by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Global Government Forum (UK).
In her keynote address, Walson-Jack emphasized that the civil service remains one of the most powerful instruments for national development and global stability.
She described the conference as a timely gathering of reformers, policymakers, and practitioners determined to redefine public service delivery across Africa and beyond.
“This conference was born from a shared recognition that, globally and especially in Africa, the civil service is at a crossroads.The systems we inherited were designed for a different era. Yet today, we are called to respond to digital disruption, climate shocks, pandemics, and growing demands for inclusion and equity,” she said.

Walson-Jack stressed that the theme of the conference “Rejuvenate, Innovate, Accelerate” goes beyond a slogan; it is a strategic call to action.

Highlighting recent progress under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), she noted several transformative initiatives already underway:
“Digital Transformation: Transitioning to a paperless system via the deployment of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS).
“Performance Management: Linking individual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with national development goals.
“Capacity Building: Modernizing institutions such as the Public Service Institute of Nigeria and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) to deliver high-impact, digitally driven training.

“These are not mere aspirations,” Walson-Jack stated. “They are concrete deliverables steering our transformation agenda.”

She outlined five strategic objectives of the maiden conference: “Fostering Global Collaboration: Bringing together civil service leaders, reform advocates, and development partners from Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond to exchange ideas and forge cross-border partnerships.

“Showcasing Transformational Practices: Featuring successful governance models like Ghana’s citizen-centered e-governance, Kenya’s institutional accountability frameworks, Singapore’s AI-enabled public service, and Morocco’s integrated digital identity reforms.

“Catalyzing Bold, Adaptive Leadership: Equipping participants to lead with creativity and resilience in the face of emerging global challenges such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and agile governance.

“Accelerating Reform Implementation in Nigeria: Serving as a strategic review of FCSSIP25 progress while mapping the road ahead for deeper reforms.

“Forging Enduring Partnerships: Using the platform to establish bilateral and multilateral partnerships through MoUs, roundtables, and networking sessions focused on reform execution, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization.”

In a passionate appealled to young civil servants and reform-minded leaders, Walson-Jack said: “You are not the future of public service you are its present. Your creativity, courage, and conviction will determine whether we succeed in rejuvenating, innovating, and accelerating the transformation we seek.”
Dr. Walson-Jack concluded by reaffirming the pivotal role of the civil service in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“The civil service is not a relic of the past. It is the engine of our future. But that engine must be powered by bold ideas, diverse minds, and an inclusive purpose.”
She declared that the conference marks a turning point a bold commitment to ending the status quo and embracing reform with urgency and determination.
“This is not just a conference. It is a signal that we are ready to change systems—and change lives,” she said, urging all delegates to leave Abuja with renewed resolve and actionable strategies to drive transformational leadership in public service.

She added that the civil service is not a relic of the past but the engine of Nigeria’s future—a force that must be rebuilt with bold ideas, diverse minds, and inclusive purpose.
“This conference is a declaration that business as usual is no longer acceptable. It is a pledge that we will not walk this path of reform alone. It is a signal that we are ready to rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate.”

Walson-Jack concluded by welcoming delegates to Abuja and encouraging them to leave the conference not just with new insights but with a renewed mission to drive transformational leadership and public service excellence across the continent.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

17 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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