President Bola Tinubu, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara are among top dignitaries expected at the public presentation of two new books authored by the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, 25 August 2026 in Abuja, according to a press statement by the Didi Walson-Jack Books Presentation Committee.
The books to be presented are:
1. ‘I Planted: A Memoir of Purposeful Service’
2. ‘Beyond the Mandate: A Memoir on Leadership, Legacy, & Labour of Public Service’
Both memoirs detail Walson-Jack’s experiences as a state and federal public servant and are sequels to her first book, ‘Roses in the Thorns: An Autobiography’.
The presentation will also feature Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, SGF Senator George Akume, NIRS Chairman Dr Zacchaeus Adedeji, the 36 state governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The books keep alive a family literary legacy established by her father, Christian Atani Okpofaa Otobotekere, the Okun XIX and Amananaowei of Tombia — the late poet-King of Tombia, Bayelsa State, who authored 14 books before his death in 2023.
The books will be officially reviewed by Dr Joe Abah, former Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
They have already received endorsements from prominent public policy and business leaders.
Prof Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, described ‘I Planted’ as essential reading for civil servants:
“It navigates the tensions of being a pioneer civil servant in a fledgling state and the treacherous politics of the workplace, all while maintaining her resolve to preserve her integrity at all costs… It is indeed essential reading for present and future career civil servants... who genuinely desire to understand how to overcome the many landmines of the public-sector workplace.”
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Bank Holdings, said ‘Beyond the Mandate’ offers a rare insider perspective:
“Drawing on decades of experience, Didi Esther Walson-Jack distils practical lessons on governance, institutional reform and ethical leadership with clarity and authority. It is an invaluable guide for policymakers, public servants and leaders committed to strengthening institutions throughout Africa.”
Legal icon George Etomi also endorsed ‘Beyond the Mandate’ as “a compelling account of what it means to serve the Nigerian State with competence, courage, and conscience… an inspiring guide for all who believe that government can still be made efficient, humane, and worthy of public trust.”
An OON and mni, Walson-Jack began her public service career in the Rivers State Civil Service in 1992. After Bayelsa State’s creation in 1996, she transferred and rose to Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice.
She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff to the Governor.
In 2009, she joined the Federal Civil Service, becoming Permanent Secretary in 2017 and serving across six ministries.
In August 2024, President Tinubu appointed her Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
She is married to Nimi Walson-Jack, a lawyer and former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association.