Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack, has noted the importance of celebrating civil servants,  who embody reform and dedication to public good.

 Mrs. Walson-Jack spoke at this year’s Civil Service Week in Abuja, where top government officials, development partners, and thought leaders gathered to discuss innovations in service delivery and civil service reforms.

 To cap the celebrations, civil servants and ministries were given awards and recognition for their dedication and performance.

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a Diamond Sponsor of the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, was specially recognised for its contributions to capacity building and reforms under Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).

 The foundation sponsored 16 of the 21 award categories, demonstrating its commitment to motivating workers and fostering excellence.

The ceremony drew high-level dignitaries, including Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, representing President Bola  Tinubu, Chair of House Committee on Public Sector Matters, Sani Bala,  representing Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and  foundation Chair, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

“Tonight, we honour the unsung heroes who breathe life into public service,” the head of Civil Service said.

 “The future of public service is not coming, it is here,” she added, citing digital transformation, enhanced training, and performance-based systems as milestones of reforms.

Permanent Secretary of Service Welfare Office and Chair of Service-Wide Awards Selection Committee (SWASCo),  Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, praised the foundation’s role in institutionalising innovation and accountability.

Twenty one recipients across six categories were honoured.

Mrs. Walson-Jack urged MDAs to be more proactive in nominating deserving candidates to ensure excellence does not go unrecognised.

“Let us clap louder than complaints, celebrate more than we criticise, and remember that at the heart of government is one powerful word: Service,” she added.