AANI President Pays Courtesy Call on Head of Civil Service

The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador EO Okafor mni, led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on Mrs. Esther Didi Walton-Jack OON mni, the newly appointed Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, in her office in Abuja.

During the visit, Ambassador Okafor congratulated Mrs. Walton-Jack on her appointment, emphasizing the association’s eagerness to collaborate with her office to enhance civil service performance. “We admire your commitment and exemplary leadership since assuming office. AANI stands ready to support the progress you are spearheading,” he stated.

Mrs. Walton-Jack expressed her gratitude for the visit, calling it a “special moment.” Reflecting on her time at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, she remarked, “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 praised AANI’s dedication to national development and shared her administration’s strategic reform agenda, which focuses on six key pillars. “I am eager to collaborate with AANI, especially in training and capacity building, which is our first pillar,” she noted.

Mrs. Walton-Jack highlighted the untapped potential of research projects from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) participants, urging AANI to advocate for their effective implementation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “These projects hold significant potential for improving governance, and they deserve our attention,” she added.

Additionally, she acknowledged the need for policy reviews and reforms, suggesting that AANI could play a vital role in updating outdated policies. “Your expertise could initiate necessary changes,” she stated, expressing her hope for continued collaboration.

Accompanying Ambassador Okafor were prominent AANI members, including former President Engineer MG Umar mni, FCT Chapter Chairman Rear Admiral FO Isaac (rtd), and National Treasurer Alhaji Samaila Umar Sifawa mni, among others.

Senior officials from the Office of the Head of Service, including Mr. Omachi Raymond Omenka and Dr. Comfort Adeosun, were also present.

Mrs. Walton-Jack, a long-time AANI member, has taken on a pivotal role as one of the nation’s senior public servants, and the visit underscored the association’s commitment to supporting her in this new responsibility.