Diri Celebrates Retiring HOS, Walson-Jack, Says Bayelsa Is Proud Of Her

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has celebrated the retiring Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame (Mrs.) Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, describing her as a worthy daughter of Bayelsa State and a distinguished public servant whose 34 years of meritorious service have brought honour to the state and the nation.

Governor Diri stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, where he joined his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri, eminent Nigerians, senior citizens and other dignitaries from Bayelsa State at the presentation of Walson-Jack’s two books, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate.

The books chronicle her 34-year career in the civil service and her contributions to public administration across Rivers State, Bayelsa State and the Federal Civil Service.

The governor acknowledged the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum; Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu; former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson; former Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and other dignitaries at the event.

As the Chief Presenter of I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service, Diri reflected on his working relationship with Walson-Jack during her tenure as Chief of Staff, Government House, under the administration of his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

He described her as a resilient, diligent and principled public servant who brought discipline, intellect and quiet strength to governance.

According to him, Walson-Jack was “the calm in the storm, the memory of the administration, and the conscience that reminded us that every decision must serve the people.”

Diri said her retirement from the Federal Civil Service after 34 years should not be regarded as an end to her contribution to public service, but as a transition from active service to an enduring legacy.

He noted that the two books were more than personal recollections, describing them as an important record of the formative years of Bayelsa State and the contributions of individuals who helped lay the foundations for the state's development.

“The text and tone of the books indeed bear a striking resemblance to their author: measured, graceful, principled, and deeply rooted,” the governor said.

Diri also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in August 2024, noting that she had served the country with an unblemished record.

He said Bayelsa State was proud of her accomplishments and congratulated her on her successful career, describing her as an outstanding ambassador of the state and the Niger Delta.

“Bayelsa is proud of you, a worthy daughter of the Ijaw nation. You planted in Rivers and Bayelsa States. You watered in Abuja. And God in His grace has increased the work of your hands,” Diri said.

He added that the gathering represented a celebration of the harvest of her years of dedication, integrity and purposeful service, which, according to him, would continue to inspire generations long after her retirement.

The governor prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health and greater opportunities for Walson-Jack to contribute to the development of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.