The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, has marked her retirement and repositioning after 34 years of public service with the presentation of two books documenting her experiences, leadership philosophy and lessons from Nigeria’s public administration.

The books, titled, “I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service”, and “Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy & Labour of Public Service”, were presented on Tuesday in Abuja as part of activities marking Walson-Jack’s retirement and 60th birthday.

‎Walson-Jack, who began her career as a young State Counsel with the Rivers State Ministry of Justice in 1992, said the two books were intended to provide an honest account of her experiences in public service, including the opportunities, challenges, reforms and lessons encountered throughout her career.

She said the books traced her journey from her early years in the Ministry of Justice and her service in the newly created Bayelsa State in 1996 to her eventual appointment as a Federal Permanent Secretary. However, she clarified that the books did not constitute a detailed account of her tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to her, the memoirs were written to promote institutional learning and provide an insider’s perspective on the workings of Nigeria’s public service. She stressed that strong institutions could not be built through praise alone, but required constructive criticism, informed scrutiny and continuous engagement.

‎Walson-Jack said the title, “I Planted” reflected her leadership philosophy of building institutions, strengthening systems and mentoring people without seeking personal credit. She described her approach as patient and institution-focused, saying she believed public officers should make meaningful contributions and allow their work to outlive their tenure.

‎She also expressed appreciation to members of her editorial and research team, publishers, reviewers and endorsers who contributed to the production of the books. Among those she acknowledged were Prof. Akpezi Ogbuigwe, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Sunday Dare, Bolaji Olagunju, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and George Etomi.

‎The former Head of Service said the books were written for a broad audience, particularly civil servants, students, researchers, private-sector professionals and others interested in public administration and governance. She described the publications as an opportunity to share lessons from her direct experience of policy formulation and implementation.

‎Walson-Jack urged members of the public to read and recommend the books, particularly to young public officers and students interested in pursuing careers in government. She said the publications contained not only achievements but also doubts, challenges, near-failures and lessons from navigating the public service.

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, private-sector leaders, family members and friends.

‎Walson-Jack, who is due to attain the age of 60, described the presentation as a fitting way to mark the end of a 34-year career in public service. She thanked the guests for attending despite the Eid-ul-Maulud public holiday, saying their presence represented a significant show of support as she closed one chapter of her national service and began another.