The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HCSF, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has commended the media for its support, professionalism and constructive engagement throughout her two-year tenure.
Walson-Jack gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with senior editors, heads of news, editors-in-chief of media organizations, Permanent Secretaries and other dignitaries.
The event was organized to appreciate the media’s partnership and support as Walson-Jack prepares to leave office on Aug. 27.
She said the engagement provided an opportunity to acknowledge the media’s contribution to communicating the activities, policies, programmes and reforms of the Federal Civil Service. “I am truly delighted to be with you today at this special interactive session.
“It gives me a valuable opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support, professionalism and partnership throughout the past two years of my tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” she said.
Walson-Jack particularly praised the media for what she described as fair, balanced and objective coverage of the activities and reform initiatives of the HCSF office.
She said such coverage had helped Nigerians better understand and appreciate the transformation taking place across the Federal Civil Service.
“You have helped Nigerians to see, understand and appreciate the transformation taking place across the Federal Civil Service,” she said.
The HCSF recalled several media engagements held during her tenure, including meet-and-greet sessions with journalists, World Press Conferences on the International Civil Service Conference in 2025 and 2026, as well as briefings on the paperless civil service and her first 100 days in office.
According to her, reports, interviews, speeches and analyses by journalists had taken the civil service reform story beyond the walls of government offices and closer to citizens.
“You have followed our journey closely and reported our achievements, innovations and, of course, our challenges.
“In doing so, you have provided an important bridge between the service and the citizens we are privileged to serve,” she said.
Walson-Jack, however, stressed that the media’s responsibility went beyond reporting events or reproducing official statements.
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She urged journalists to continue asking difficult questions, seeking clarification, interrogating government policies and holding public institutions accountable.
“Indeed, some of your questions have occasionally been more difficult than the reforms themselves. But those questions have also helped us to reflect, communicate more clearly and improve our work,” she said.
The HCSF said strong institutions could not be built through praise alone, noting that constructive criticism, informed scrutiny and continuous engagement were essential to institutional development.
She urged the media to sustain responsible, factual, balanced and constructive journalism while helping Nigerians understand the importance of a professional, efficient, productive, ethical, incorruptible and citizen-centred public service. “The civil service reform story is still unfolding. And you are an important part of that story.
“There will be more milestones to celebrate, challenges to overcome and lessons to share. Please continue to tell the story with accuracy, fairness and depth,” she said.
Walson-Jack expressed confidence that the partnership between the HCSF office and the media would continue and become stronger under her successor. She said the relationship was built on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving Nigerians.
She also urged journalists to continue asking important questions, maintaining high standards of accountability and reporting the achievements and challenges of the Federal Civil Service.
On digitalization, Walson-Jack said the Federal Civil Service would continue to deepen its digital transformation agenda.
“So the digitalization, we are going even deeper. My successor will take it to the next level. And I believe that digitalization has come to stay,” she said.
As she prepares to leave office, Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to the media for its partnership and professionalism throughout her tenure.
“On behalf of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and on my own behalf, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your partnership, professionalism and commitment to telling the civil service story.
“As I approach the end of my tenure in a few days, I look back on this relationship with great appreciation,” she said.
Walson-Jack concluded by urging the media to continue reporting the activities and reforms of the Federal Civil Service accurately, fairly and objectively.
NAN
