Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has announced that preparations are in full swing for Nigeria to host the prestigious 2025 International Civil Service Conference Week. The announcement came during her keynote speech at the May edition of the monthly Walking, Jogging, and Aerobics event organized by the Federation of the Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Abuja.
The much-anticipated event is expected to draw key figures and experts in public administration from around the world, spotlighting Nigeria as a hub for global civil service collaboration.
“The Conference Week will feature a variety of activities, including a special walking and jogging exercise scheduled for June 28, capped with an Awards Night to honour outstanding contributions,” Mrs. Walson-Jack shared enthusiastically. “Participation from all civil servants is crucial—after all, as our Civil Service anthem declares, we are marching to greatness.”
Serving as both the Chief Guest Jogger and Captain, Mrs. Walson-Jack praised the fitness initiative as a powerful testament to the public service’s dedication to promoting health and boosting workplace productivity. She extended heartfelt appreciation to FEPSGA President Mr. Amaebi Aluko and his team for championing wellness and unity across the service through these regular fitness engagements.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 2024 edition in Rivers State, she applauded the warmth and hospitality of the people there, describing their role as instrumental to the event’s success.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also revealed that her involvement in the monthly exercise routine dates back to her tenure as a director and permanent secretary, emphasizing the importance of leading by example in public service wellness.
“Physical fitness is more than a personal ambition—it is a public service necessity. Healthy civil servants are productive civil servants. Leaders must inspire wellness, not only through words but by action,” she emphasized.
She urged all civil servants, regardless of their rank or fitness level, to embrace exercise as a vital part of their daily lives, viewing it both as a personal commitment and a contribution to a vibrant, effective public sector.
In his remarks, FEPSGA President Amaebi Aluko praised the unwavering support of the Head of Civil Service for sports and wellness initiatives within the public service. He described Mrs. Walson-Jack’s active participation as a strong endorsement of the critical role physical activity plays in enhancing productivity and efficiency across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“We give God the glory. FEPSGA itself is the result of the vision and dedication of our current Head of Civil Service, dating back to her days as a Permanent Secretary,” Aluko remarked.
Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, also encouraged public servants to prioritise both their physical and mental well-being, noting that such commitment is key to improving productivity and service delivery.
She described the fitness initiative as a courageous and vital step toward nurturing a healthier, more energetic, and resilient workforce.
“It is with great joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this transformative wellness journey,” Oyekunle concluded.
