The Nigerian government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has recognized 18 exemplary public servants as part of the 2025 Federal Civil Service Week celebrations held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
The highest honour, the Presidential Distinguished Civil Service Career Award, was presented to Engr. (Dr.) Bahijjahtu Hadiza Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control & Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment, for her outstanding contributions to public service.
Dr. Oluwabamidele Ibrahim Kobe, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, received the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation EPIC Award for his exceptional commitment to administrative excellence and innovative policy implementation.
Celebrating Excellence Across Categories
Other awardees were celebrated across various categories, including Digital Transformation, Citizen-Centric Service Delivery, and Leadership in Public Sector Innovation, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering a merit-driven civil service.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, described the awardees as embodiments of the "quiet achievers" who power Nigeria's progress.
"Today, we celebrate not just titles, but impact, not positions, but purpose," she declared. "These honourees have demonstrated that excellence is not an accident, but a choice, one built on discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the Nigerian people."
Punctuality as a Cornerstone of Excellence
Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized the critical role of punctuality, accountability, and workplace ethics in driving systemic reform and stressed the importance of discipline in the service.
"Punctuality and regular attendance are not merely procedural requirements; they are foundational to the culture of excellence we must restore and uphold in the Nigerian Civil Service. Reporting to duty by 8:00 a.m. is an expression of respect for the institution, our colleagues, and the citizens we serve," she stated.
The Head of Service called on all civil servants to push beyond their limits, strive for higher standards, and dedicate themselves more courageously to excellence and integrity in their work. She reminded those not recognized this year that their work is not unnoticed, urging all public servants to continue giving their best.
The event was attended by top dignitaries including Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), and Hon. Sani Bala, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Sector Matters.
The recognition ceremony underscores the government's resolve to build a citizen-focused, digitally empowered, and performance-driven civil service that can effectively meet the needs of Nigerians.
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