*Photo: Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack*
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation(HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack,has assured Federal Civil Servants that their welfare and professional growth would remain the topmost priority during her tenure in office.
She gave the assurance during the Town hall Meeting organized for staff of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.
Mrs Walson-Jack used the forum to announce her vision and agenda for the Civil Service in the next two years.
She assured that efficiency, accountability, well-being, and development of the Civil Service would drive her vision for the Federal Civil Service, adding that “we are bringing in creativity and innovation to fast-track the vision.”
According to her,“Let me start with my vision. I would want our Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to be the standard by which all other Federal Civil Service Ministries, Extra-ministerial Departments, and Agencies are measured, not just within Nigeria but across Africa and even globally.
“This is a bold and ambitious goal, and it is one that we can only achieve together.
“Your role in this vision is not just crucial; it is indispensable. I value each of you for your dedication and hard work, and I believe your collective efforts will make this vision a reality.
“To achieve this, my agenda for the next two years will focus on three main pillars:
“Efficiency: We must streamline our processes, embrace technology, and eliminate bottlenecks. We live in a fast-paced world, and the civil service must reflect that reality. We can’t afford to be left behind.
“Accountability: We serve the public, and they expect results. We will put systems in place to ensure that every task, no matter how big or small, is completed excellently. Accountability is not about blame but ensuring we deliver our best daily work.
“Well-being and Development: Our staff are our greatest asset. Your health, both physical and mental, your development, and your job satisfaction matter to me.
“I want to ensure you have the training, resources, welfare, and support you need to do your job well and thrive.
“As I lead, I want to set an example of openness, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
“However, leadership does not come from the top. We are all leaders in our way, and I want to foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to our collective success.
“You can rest assured that my leadership style will be one of support, guidance, and encouragement, always with the best interests of the team and the organization at heart.”
She however, cautioned civil servants to desist from indolence and unproductive lifestyle, warning that “There will also be consequences for failure to perform assigned tasks when due, which may include the measures set out in the Public Service Rules 2021.”
The Head of the Civil Service appealed to civil servants to remain steadfast, vigilant, and ready to continue to make sacrifices, especially in the present economic realities facing the nation, while soliciting their support and collaboration to make the Nigerian civil service great and indeed a First-Class Civil Service, that they would be proud of.
She explained that the Town hall meeting was convened by her Office to enable her to interface with the workers on how to move the Service forward.
She said: “I want to hear directly from you and listen to your ideas, concerns, and suggestions on how we can collectively move the office forward.
“I believe that a participatory and inclusive approach is vital in fostering a cordial working relationship.
“This meeting will provide a unique platform to engage in an open and honest discussion.”
Earlier in his remarks, Comrade Sylvester Abah, Chairman, of the Joint Union Council in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, commended Walson-Jack for convening the town hall meeting a few weeks after she assumed office.
Abah revealed that the Executive members of the Association had already held a meeting with the new Head of the Civil Service while assuring that the welfare of the civil servants would be enhanced.
Some of the outcomes of the meeting between the HCSF and Executive members of the Association, according to Abah, include the institutionalization of awards and recognitions quarterly for hard-working staff, training and re-training of staff, succession plan, provision of more staff buses, special allowance for the staff, among others.
