The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has described her official visit to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, as inspiring, impactful, and memorable.
She made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, where she commended the state government for its progressive civil service initiatives and infrastructure development.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation, Mrs. Walson-Jack highlighted cultural moments such as being adorned in traditional Kanuri attire and enjoying a local delicacy, ‘kunu no-no’, as part of an enriching experience.
She praised the leadership masterclass organised for her team, the vibrant engagement with Borno’s civil servants, and the generous hosting by state officials.
“Our visit has been both purposeful and symbolic,” she said. “We witnessed the commissioning of critical healthcare projects and were privileged to see first-hand the bold infrastructure and administrative strides of your administration. These are not just investments in infrastructure but investments in people.”
She lauded the Borno State Government’s alignment with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025), particularly in areas of staff welfare, digital innovation, and performance-focused governance.
She also recognised Borno’s active participation in national civil service reforms, including its presence at major national events such as the Civil Service Week in Abuja and the International Civil Service Conference opened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on federal reforms, Mrs. Walson-Jack mentioned the “F-CIP25 Final Sprint: Delivering Results” initiative, which aims to accelerate progress as the FCSSIP enters its final implementation phase.
She introduced ServiceWise GPT, a cutting-edge AI tool developed to improve service delivery by providing public servants easy access to information across the civil service system.
“I must commend the pace and precision of your administration in uplifting civil service standards—from health insurance enrollment to implementing a ₦70,000 minimum wage. These reflect people-centered governance,” she added.
Outstanding Contributions
In his response, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum warmly welcomed Mrs. Walson-Jack, describing her as a dedicated and experienced public servant whose career exemplifies integrity and national service.
He noted that her visit was the first of its kind by a serving Head of the Federal Civil Service to Borno State and recognised her outstanding contributions at both state and federal levels.
“Your commitment to the plight of civil servants is commendable, and we are proud to receive you here in Borno,” Zulum stated.
He highlighted her impressive career, including her previous role as Permanent Secretary in the Presidency and Head of Legal Drafting at the Ministry of Justice.
Governor Zulum also appreciated the federal delegation’s inspection of the Federal Secretariat and Federal Training Center (FTC) in Maiduguri, reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening civil service infrastructure.
He revealed that new housing units had been allocated to federal civil servants in the state and promised continued support for the FTC, which recently secured accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
“Institutional allocations for staff housing will continue,” Zulum assured her.
“We are committed to supporting the FTC and ensuring it thrives as a center of excellence in the Northeast.”
He commended Mrs. Walson-Jack’s publication of her book, promising to read her autobiography and hinting at the possibility of writing his own in the future.
Hauwa Abu