By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Banquet Hall of the State House came alive on Saturday evening as the Federal Government celebrated outstanding public servants at the 2025 Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office and Chairperson of the Service-Wide Awards Selection Committee (SWASCO), warmly welcomed dignitaries, awardees, and guests to what she described as a “reaffirmation of our collective belief in the ideals of public service.”
The high-profile ceremony, attended by top government functionaries including ministers, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, development partners, and captains of industry, honoured civil servants for excellence, integrity, and dedicated service across ministries and agencies.
Mrs. Oyekunle praised the leadership of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, for her transformative work through the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP-25).
She noted that the awards initiative is rooted in Pillar Six of FCSSIP-25, focused on enhancing staff welfare and improving the value proposition for civil servants.
In a heartfelt tribute to the awardees, Oyekunle said, “Your recognition tonight is a reward for your excellence, consistency, and commitment to duty. May this honour inspire even greater service in the years ahead.”
The event also recognized the efforts of the 2025 Awards Planning Committee and the SWASCO members for conducting a transparent and credible selection process.
“We See You, We Honour You,” Says Walson-Jack – Civil Service Chief Celebrates Unsung Heroes at 2025 Awards
Meanwhile, the 2025 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony was a night of tribute, transformation, and triumph, as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, led celebrations honouring Nigeria’s most dedicated public servants.
Addressing a packed hall at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Walson-Jack described the event as “a celebration not of position, but of purpose; not of rank, but of impact.”
She further stated, “The awards night marked the grand finale of the Civil Service Week, which included Nigeria’s hosting of the maiden International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) — a historic gathering of civil service leaders from around the world.”
Walson-Jack expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support of civil service reforms. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a commitment to dignity, fairness, innovation, and reward,” she said.
The Head of Service urged civil servants to embrace punctuality and regular attendance as core values of professional excellence, describing them as “the new face of reform.”
“Our awardees tonight are not just workers; they are quiet reformers. They fix systems, write policies, and show up with smiles. Excellence is their everyday habit,” she said. She further encouraged those yet to be recognized not to relent, assuring them that “excellence is never wasted.”
In a candid moment, Walson-Jack highlighted that some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) failed to submit nominations or put forward unqualified candidates — a situation she said must be corrected in future editions.
She concluded with a rousing call: “To all civil servants across the country: this is your moment. Own it. Honour it. Multiply it. Let the music play. Let the dancing begin. And let the spirit of excellence never fade.”
Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Recognised During Gala Night for Supporting Outstanding Civil Servants
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, hosted a grand Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Gala Night at the State House Banquet Hall, honouring top-performing civil servants from across the country.
The high-profile event, which marked the conclusion of the 2025 Civil Service Week, celebrated 21 exceptional individuals and teams for their dedication, excellence, and service to the nation.
A key highlight of the evening was the role of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, which generously sponsored the cash prizes for 16 of the 21 awards presented.
The Foundation’s support was hailed as a critical contribution to promoting a performance-driven culture within the public sector.
In recognition of its enduring partnership and commitment to civil service reform, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation was itself honoured with an award as a longstanding partner of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The event was attended by senior government officials, dignitaries, international partners, and members of the diplomatic community — all united in applauding the efforts of Nigeria’s civil servants, who continue to deliver vital public services with integrity and professionalism.
The event also featured musical performances, applause-filled recognitions, and jubilant scenes as awardees were presented with medals and plaques for their outstanding service to the nation.
