By Augustine Ehikioya
The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, has led a delegation of AANI members on a courtesy call to one of their own, Mrs. Esther Didi Walton-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, at her office in Abuja.
Walson-Jack is a member of Senior Executive Course 30, 2008, (SEC 30, 2008), Deputy Monitor General (DMG) of her SEC and Assistant Secretary General of AANI National Executive Committee.
During the visit on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024, Ambassador Okafor said that the delegation was in her office to identify with her, congratulate her on the well-deserved appointment as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and reiterate the association’s readiness to collaborate with her office to enhance her performance.
He expressed the association’s admiration for Mrs. Walton-Jack’s commitment, and exemplary leadership since her assumption of office.
According to a statement by the AANI National Publicity Secretary, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), and Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the President also offered AANI’s support in fostering the progress she has been spearheading in the civil service.
In her response, Mrs Walton-Jack, visibly delighted by the visit, described the occasion as a special moment.
She reminisced about her fond memories with fellow AANI members at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru and emphasized the strong bond that alumni of the National Institute share.
“This visit brings back a sense of belonging and camaraderie. It marks the beginning of what I believe will be a fruitful collaboration between my office and AANI,” she stated.
She further praised AANI for its unwavering commitment to national development and for continually upholding the principles it stands for.
Mrs Walton-Jack also reassured the President that her administration is grounded in a strategic reform agenda centred around six key pillars, and is eager to collaborate with AANI, especially in the area of training and capacity building, represented by pillar one.
She noted that AANI possesses valuable resources that align with the strategic goals of her office.
In particular, she emphasized the importance of improving the utilization of research projects conducted by participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
“These projects hold significant potential for improving governance across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Unfortunately, they often do not receive the attention they deserve. I encourage AANI to advocate for the effective implementation of these research outcomes, which could lead to far-reaching policy improvements,” she added.
Mrs Walton-Jack also acknowledged the importance of policy review and reform, suggesting that AANI, with its wealth of expertise, could play a vital role in initiating necessary changes to outdated policies.
She thanked AANI for its consistent support and congratulatory message and expressed her hope for continued collaboration aimed at building a better society.
Accompanying Ambassador Okafor on the visit were notable AANI members, including former AANI President, Engineer MG Umar; Chairman of the FCT Chapter, Rear Admiral FO Isaac (rtd); National Treasurer, Alhaji Samaila Umar Sifawa, Brigadier General SK Usman (Rtd), National Publicity Secretary; Dr. Babatunde Kayode, Assistant Secretary-General; Dr. Gado Shehu, FCT Chapter Secretary-General; Ambassador Christy Mbonu; and Alhaji Muhammad Nasir Ladan, Director of Administration at the AANI National Secretariat.
Also, present at the occasion were senior officials from the Office of the Head of Service, including Mr Omachi Raymond Omenka, Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office; Dr. Bako Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Policy and Strategies Office; Hajiya (Mrs.) FST Mahmood, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office; and Dr. Comfort Adeosun, Director overseeing the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office and Director of Information. Mrs Eno Olotu.
The statement added “It is worth recalling that Mrs Esther Didi Walton-Jack was recently appointed as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, a role that makes her one of the nation’s most senior public servants.
“Given her long-standing association with AANI as an outstanding member, the leadership of the association deemed it fitting to honour her with a courtesy visit and offer its goodwill as she embarks on this important responsibility.”
