The outgoing Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has revealed that she never aspired to become the Head of Service throughout her career as a civil servant.
This changed on September 18, 2019, when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed her as the acting Head of Service of the Federation.
Recall that Yemi Esan was appointed acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation while serving as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources after her redeployment from Federal Ministry of Education.
Her appointment was sequel to suspension from office of her predecessor, Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita and Buhari confirmed her appointment as substantive Head of Service on 4th March 2020.
After more than five successful years in office, Yemi-Esan will be handing over to her successor, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, as she retires from the Federal Civil Service following a distinguished career.
Walson-Jack, a close ally of Yemi-Esan, has been groomed for the role in alignment with the succession plan Yemi-Esan has consistently advocated for within the civil service. Walson-Jack most recently served as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organized in her honor by the Joint Union Negotiating Council in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in Abuja, Yemi-Esan attributed her rise to the position of Head of Service to the mercies of God.
She encouraged civil servants to remain dedicated to serving the nation, emphasizing that diligence is ultimately rewarded by God.
Reflecting on her career, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “I never anticipated, dreamt, or planned to become the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, but through His mercy, God chose me for this role. It was by God’s grace alone, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity.”
Yemi-Esan also extended her gratitude to both former President Buhari and the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the role and supporting her throughout her tenure, which made her work more manageable.
She advised the incoming Head of Service to maintain an open-door policy and foster clear communication to ensure inclusivity among civil servants.
Reflecting on her journey as Head of Service, Yemi-Esan recalled assuming the role when the morale of civil servants was at a low point, a situation she believes has significantly improved thanks to the hard work and dedication of her team.
She praised the staff union members for their cooperation throughout her tenure and expressed her appreciation for the unprecedented honor of being celebrated by the union.
“This event today is unprecedented. I have never heard of a union celebrating and honoring a public official because it’s challenging to satisfy everyone, so I thank all of you,” she remarked.
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She encouraged them to extend the same support to the incoming Head of Service, whom she believes is well-prepared for the role.
Mr. Silvester Abah, President of the Joint Union Negotiating Council, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, commended Yemi-Esan for prioritizing workers’ welfare and implementing various reform initiatives that have improved the Federal Civil Service in Nigeria.
Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the incoming Head of Civil Service, praised Yemi-Esan for her embodiment of core civil service values, including accountability, meritocracy, professionalism, loyalty, and efficiency, as well as for the transformation of the civil service under her leadership.
Mr. Raymond Omachi, Permanent Secretary, Common Service Office (CSO), noted that the town hall meeting was dedicated to celebrating Yemi-Esan’s remarkable achievements and her five-year tenure, which was free of any major incidents.
