From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
At the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, urged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General to uphold integrity and excellence in their roles.
During the induction ceremony on Wednesday, she stated, “Your appointments are a testament to your dedication, professionalism, and track record in the service of Nigeria. We thank you for your contributions thus far and are confident that you will bring even greater value in your new roles.”
Walson-Jack focused on the theme “FCSSIP 25: Final Sprint – Delivering Results”, noting: “The slogan for this year—‘2025: YEAR OF ACCOMPLISHMENT’—must guide your decisions, your leadership, and your sense of urgency.”
She encouraged leveraging the three-day induction, saying, “Pay close attention to the lectures and presentations delivered by our carefully selected resource persons. Their wealth of experience and insight is invaluable.”
She stressed collaboration, stating, “Foster open, respectful communication with your subordinates and superiors alike. Collaboration, mutual respect, and unity of purpose are critical to our collective success.” Walson-Jack, appointed in August 2024, reiterated her commitment to modernising the civil service, concluding, “May your leadership leave a legacy of transformation, transparency, and national development.”
Permanent Secretary Fatima Mahmood, in her welcome address, described the induction as “a strategic investment in institutional capacity and policy coherence across government.”
She thanked President Bola Tinubu, stating, “We are thankful to Mr President for the trust placed in us and the opportunity to serve at this level of national responsibility.” Mahmood urged inductees to embrace collaboration, saying, “Let us absorb, contribute, and connect—knowing that the work before us demands more than competence; it demands collaboration, courage, and a commitment to national progress.”
New Permanent Secretaries include Obi Emeka Vitalis (Budget and Economic Planning), Mahmood Fatima Sugra Tabi’a (Career Management Office), and 16 others.