By Okon Okon
Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has commended the media for its support, professionalism and constructive engagement during her two-year tenure.
Walson-Jack gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja at an interactive session with senior editors, heads of news and editors-in-chief of media organisations, Permanent Secretaries and other dignitaries.
The event was organised to appreciate the media for its partnership and support as she prepares to leave office on Aug. 27.
“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 commended the media for what she described as fair, balanced and objective coverage of the activities, policies, programmes and reform initiatives of the HCSF office.
She said the media had helped Nigerians understood and appreciated 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 during her tenure, including a meet-and-greet with the media and World Press Conferences on the International Civil Service Conference in 2025 and 2026.
She also mentioned briefings on the paperless civil service and her first 100 days in office.
She said the media, through its reports, interviews, speeches and analyses, had taken the civil service reform story beyond the walls of the HCSF office.
“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 said that the media’s responsibility went beyond reporting events and reproducing official statements, emphasising that journalists should ask difficult questions, seek clarification, interrogate issues and hold 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.
According to her, strong institutions could not be built through praise alone but were strengthened by constructive criticism, informed scrutiny and continuous engagement.
She urged journalists to sustain responsible, factual, balanced and constructive journalism while helping Nigerians understand the role 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 endure and become stronger under her successor.
She said the relationship was founded on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving Nigerians.
Walson-Jack urged the media to continue asking important questions, holding the Federal Civil Service to high standards and reporting its achievements.
On digitalisation, Walson-Jack said the Federal Civil Service would continue to deepen its digital transformation agenda.
“So the digitalisation, we are going even deeper. My successor will take it to the next level. And I believe that digitalisation has come to stay,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to the media for its partnership and wished journalists continued success in their profession.
“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 telling the story of the Federal Civil Service accurately, fairly and objectively.(NAN) (www.nan.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru