Preserving Lessons for the Future of Public Service
Reforms are sustained when the people who lead them leave not just results, but the lessons others can carry forward. As the immediate past Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON mni, concluded her tenure, she launched two books, offering an opportunity to reflect on why preserving institutional knowledge matters for the future of reform.
Capturing the experiences of senior public servants can help ensure that valuable insights gained over decades of service continue to inform those who come after them. This was the spirit behind the launch of two books by the immediate past Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON mni, documenting lessons from her 34-year career in public service.
“I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service” and “Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy and the Labour of Public Service” reflect on her experiences across the state and federal service, offering insights on leadership, governance, institutional reform and ethical public service.
Our Chairman, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR joined other distinguished guests at the book launch in Abuja. In his endorsement of “Beyond the Mandate”, he described the book as an important contribution to the study of public administration and a valuable guide for policymakers, public servants and leaders committed to strengthening institutions across Africa.
Reviewers have described the memoirs as a reflection of what sustained and principled service within government looks like in practice. It entails the everyday decision to navigate institutional politics, hold on to ethical standards, and build systems that outlast any single administration.
The book launch brought together leaders from across government, the private sector and public service, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
To truly build long lasting institutions lessons from experience should not leave when individuals do. Documenting successes, challenges and insights helps preserve knowledge and gives future generations of public servants something to build on.