Diri Celebrate Walson-Jack’s Legacy Of Public Service

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has joined eminent Nigerians, senior citizens and top public servants from Bayelsa State to honour the retiring Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame (Mrs.) Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, at the presentation of her two books, I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service and Beyond the Mandate in Abuja.

Hotnews reports that the books chronicle Walson-Jack’s 34 years of distinguished service spanning Rivers State, Bayelsa State and the Federal Civil Service.

Governor Diri, who attended the event alongside his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri, 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 Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other distinguished guests.

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

He described her as resilient, diligent and a woman of integrity, noting that he witnessed first-hand the discipline, intellect and quiet strength she brought to governance in Bayelsa State.

According to the Governor, 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.”

Governor Diri said her retirement from the Federal Civil Service should not be seen as an end, but as a transition from active service to an enduring legacy.

He described the two books as more than personal recollections, saying they also serve as an archive of the formative years of Bayelsa State and a record of the contributions of individuals who laid important foundations for the state’s development.

While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack to the position of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in August 2024, Governor Diri expressed delight that she served the nation with an unblemished record.

He congratulated her on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, describing her as an outstanding ambassador of the state, the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation.

“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,” the governor said.

Governor Diri prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health and greater opportunities for Dame Walson-Jack to continue contributing to the development of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

The event provided an opportunity for dignitaries, colleagues, family members and well-wishers to celebrate a remarkable public servant whose career has been defined by dedication, professionalism and service to the nation.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday, 27, August, 2026