"I Planted and Moved On": Walson-Jack Presents Memoirs, Urges Institution-First Leadership as She Bows Out

The Outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has presented two memoirs chronicling her 34 years in public service.

She noted that her career was built on the philosophy of “I planted, I believed, and I moved on.”

The books, “I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service” and “Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy & Labour of Public Service”,  were unveiled in Abuja during activities marking her retirement and 60th birthday.

The event was held on Tuesday as Muslim faithfuls observed Eid-ul-Maulud public holiday.

Reflecting on her journey from a young State Counsel in Rivers State Ministry of Justice in 1992 to Head of Service, Walson-Jack said 34 years was long enough “to plant things, institutions, systems, people and to watch some of them grow taller than you.”

“It is also long enough to make mistakes, to learn, to be humbled, and, on the good days, to be useful,” she said.

She explained that the books are not a self-congratulatory account but an honest record of opportunities, frustrations, reforms and lessons from her service.

“I did not set out to write a book that flatters me. I set out to place on record my own account of the system I have had the honour of serving,” she said.

The title “I Planted”, she said, captures her leadership philosophy:  “I planted, I believed, and I moved on. I did not chase credit for the institutions I helped to build... I planted them, trusted them to grow, and moved to the next assignment.”

She noted the books do not cover her tenure as Head of Service, but rather offer “a peep into what we achieved” and serve as a preview of more works to come.

 
Walson-Jack said the memoirs were written for civil servants, students, researchers and business leaders who want to understand how government “actually thinks and moves.”

“You will find triumphs, yes, but also doubts, near-failures, and quiet negotiations that never make it into a press release,” she said. 

“If you are a civil servant, this book was written for you, it is, I hope, the mentor many of you never had time to sit down with.”

She urged guests to do more than collect signed copies, but to “actually read them, and, if you find them worthy, to recommend them, gift them, and purchase a copy for the young officer in your Ministry.”

She thanked her editorial and research team, publishers, reviewers including Prof. Akpezi Ogbuigwe, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Sunday Dare, Bolaji Olagunju, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and George Etomi, and her family “who lived through this book twice.”

The event featured a review of both works by Dr. Joe Abah. 

Walson-Jack closed by saying: “Thirty-four years ago, I walked into a Ministry of Justice office in Port Harcourt... I planted along the way. Today, I simply invite you to come and see some of what grew.”

Walson-Jack had opened her welcome address by thanking guests for attending despite the Eid holiday. 

“The nation is marking Eid-ul-Malud... and many of you could rightly be at home... Instead, you are here. That is not a small thing, and I do not take it lightly. I am deeply, deeply grateful,” she said.

Among those who attended the ceremony were political leaders, colleagues in the civil service, captains of industry, family, friends and members of the press.

She described their presence as “one of the finest endorsements a public servant could ask for.”