By Emmanuel Kwada
The State House Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, was aglow with celebration on Saturday evening as the 2025 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony marked the grand finale of a historic Civil Service Week.
The prestigious event, hosted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, recognized outstanding civil servants and celebrated the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation as a longstanding partner for its transformative contributions to Nigeria’s public service.
The Foundation also sponsored cash prizes for 16 of the 21 awards presented during the gala night.
Tonight, we honor the unsung heroes who breathe life into public service
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR), the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Sector Matters, Hon. Sani Bala, FNSE (representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives), and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, was a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in the civil service.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of celebrating civil servants who embody the spirit of service and dedication.
“Tonight, we honor the unsung heroes who breathe life into public service,” she said, highlighting the theme of transformation that defined the week’s activities, including the recently concluded Maiden International Civil Service Conference (ICSC).
She commended the awardees for their punctuality, consistency, and quiet reforms that drive systemic change, urging all civil servants to uphold these values as the “new face of reform.”
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a key development partner, was recognized with a special award as a longstanding partner of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
Mrs. Walson-Jack also acknowledged the support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has prioritized civil service reforms, including the new minimum wage and pension reforms.
“The future of public service is not coming; it is already here,” she declared, citing advancements such as digitized processes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), enhanced training programs, and a merit-based performance management system.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a key development partner, was recognized with a special award as a longstanding partner of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The Foundation’s contributions to public sector reform, capacity building, and welfare enhancement have been instrumental in advancing the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).
Its sponsorship of cash prizes for 16 award categories underscored its commitment to rewarding excellence and motivating civil servants to strive for greatness.
Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office and Chairman of the Service-Wide Awards Selection Committee (SWASCo), praised the Foundation in her welcome address.
“The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s support has been vital in institutionalizing a culture of performance, innovation, and accountability,” she said, noting that the Rewards and Recognition initiative aligns with Pillar Six of FCSSIP-25, which focuses on enhancing staff welfare.
The 2025 Awards Ceremony honored 21 recipients across six categories. The Presidential Distinguished Civil Service Award went to Engr. Dr. (Mrs) Bahijjatu Hadiza from the Ministry of Environment, who received an SUV (JAC 4 2024 Model), an award plaque, a laptop, a foreign short course, a master class program, and a certificate of award.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s support has been vital in institutionalizing a culture of performance, innovation, and accountability
The Presidential Civil Service Merit Award recognized four individuals—Chukwudi Ekwenugo (Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy), Obasi Sunday Ikemefuna (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security), Vivian Obiadika (Ministry of Solid Mineral Development), and Dr. Olarenwaju Olatunji Suleiman (Ministry of Health)—each receiving awards including SUVs, cash prizes of N500,000, laptops, foreign short courses, and certificates.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation EPIC Award honored twelve individuals from various ministries, including Dr. Oluwabamidele Ibrahim Kogbe (Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development), who received a two-bedroom flat, and others who received N250,000, laptops, master class programs, and certificates.
The Civil Service Excellence Award was presented to the Investment Promotion & Mineral Trade Department of the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, while the Sports Achievement Award went to Aseyaiseimor Pente Kelvin (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security) with a N250,000 prize and a trophy. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award was awarded to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Mrs. Walson-Jack noted a challenge during the nomination process, as some MDAs failed to submit nominations or put forward candidates who did not meet the criteria. She urged all MDAs to engage more proactively in future editions to ensure that excellence is fully represented and celebrated.
Let us clap louder than complaints, celebrate more than we criticize, and remember that at the heart of government is one powerful word: Service
The gala night concluded with music, dancing, and a renewed commitment to the values of service, integrity, and excellence. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s contributions, both as a sponsor and a partner, were lauded as a beacon of hope for the continued transformation of Nigeria’s civil service.
As Mrs. Walson-Jack aptly stated, “Let us clap louder than complaints, celebrate more than we criticize, and remember that at the heart of government is one powerful word: Service.”
The 2025 Federal Civil Service Awards Ceremony not only honored the achievements of individual civil servants and MDAs but also set a high standard for public service excellence in Nigeria.
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