President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent Nigerians have commended the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, for her contributions to the Nigerian public service.

They spoke on Tuesday at the presentation of Walson-Jack’s two books, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and Labour of Public Service, in Abuja.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, described Walson-Jack as a distinguished public servant who had helped reposition the Federal Civil Service for greater efficiency and responsiveness.

The President praised her commitment to reform, saying she understood the need for the civil service to continuously evolve in response to Nigeria’s changing needs.

He said her decision to document her experiences in public service would provide useful lessons for those coming after her.

Jonathan, who attended the event with his wife, Patience Jonathan, also praised Walson-Jack, recalling the challenges she faced when she moved from the Bayelsa State Civil Service to the Federal Civil Service.

He noted that she had been downgraded to the position of Assistant Director despite previously serving as a Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State.

Jonathan said the setback did not prevent Walson-Jack from eventually rising to become the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

He thanked Tinubu for appointing her to the position, describing her appointment as a meritorious recognition that made her the first Bayelsan to become Nigeria’s Head of Service.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also described Walson-Jack as a woman of courage, exceptional intellect and discipline.

Diri said her 34-year career across the Rivers, Bayelsa and Federal Civil Services demonstrated her commitment to public service.

Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, who also attended the event, described Walson-Jack as a great servant of the people and recalled working with her during his tenure as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Walson-Jack, who will turn 60 on Thursday, said the books were written to document her experiences and lessons from 34 years in public service.

She thanked Tinubu for giving her the opportunity to serve as Head of Service and said her retirement marked both the end of active public service and the beginning of a new phase of her legacy.