The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has praised the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, for her contributions to Nigeria’s public service.
Adedeji spoke through his representative, M.L. Mbaka, at the public presentation of Walson-Jack’s two memoirs, which documented her years of service, leadership experience and reforms in the civil service.
He described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate Walson-Jack’s career, honour excellence and preserve the institutional memory of purposeful leadership.
Adedeji also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for attending the event, saying the President’s presence demonstrated the administration’s commitment to a professional, merit-based and result-oriented civil service.
He commended the chief presenters, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for their support and solidarity.
According to him, Walson-Jack’s rise to the position of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation reflected her competence, integrity and dedication to public service.
He said she had left the civil service stronger, more responsive and more professional, describing her as an inspiration to public servants across the country.
Adedeji said the two memoirs, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and Levels of Public Service, offered valuable lessons on leadership, reforms and institutional development.
He noted that the books would provide useful reference materials for students, scholars and public servants while documenting the challenges and achievements associated with governance.
“By writing them, you have filled a critical gap in our national literature. You have given the civil service a voice and a face,” he said.
Adedeji said the book presentation was more than a literary event, describing it as an investment in Nigeria’s public institutions and the future of public service.
He congratulated Walson-Jack on her career and wished her good health, happiness and prosperity in the next chapter of her life.