Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed strong support for far-reaching reforms being championed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, pledging full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through innovation, sectoral transformation, and public service excellence.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other dignitaries at the official opening of the maiden International Civil Service Conference held on Thursday, 26th June 2025, at Eagle Square, Abuja, a major highlight of the 2025 Civil Service Week.
Declaring the conference open, President Tinubu described the Nigerian Civil Service as the backbone of effective governance, commending civil servants as the “quiet architects of stability, innovation, and public trust.” He stressed that the Civil Service remains the critical vehicle for delivering public goods, driving national development, and sustaining democratic progress.
“Civil servants, you are not just the backbone of effective administration across borders but the very essence of it. Your leadership and stakeholder roles are crucial in modernising and fortifying the Civil Service for generations unborn,” the President said.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations , Ben Bem Goong, reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President announced the approval of a comprehensive Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis to deepen capacity and entrench a high-performance culture. He further reiterated the Federal Government’s focus on improved welfare through the new national minimum wage, consequential salary adjustments, and the Pension Bond Scheme.
President Tinubu also emphasised the importance of accurate, secure data as the “lifeblood of every reform we pursue,” directing all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to strengthen data management in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
Welcoming delegates, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the Conference as a movement of renewal and innovation, reflecting the Civil Service’s readiness to adapt to global realities through digitalisation and values-based service delivery.
She highlighted ongoing reforms, including the deployment of an Enterprise Content Management System (ECM) for a paperless service, a robust Performance Management System linking individual KPIs to national goals, and revitalised training for civil servants.
Throughout the week-long activities themed “Leveraging Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service,” the Ministry actively participated in key events, from the commissioning of the remodeled Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) Foyer and Reception Gallery on Friday 20th June 2025, annual church thanksgiving, the International Civil Service Conference, and a networking event at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, to the grand Rewards & Recognition Awards Ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the State House, held on Saturday 28th June, 2025.
As part of the highlights, the Permanent Secretary conducted the the Honourable Minister on an inspection of the Ministry’s well-curated exhibition stand showcasing improved pasture seeds, fresh eggs, yoghurt, vaccines, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a smoking can (used for bee farming), and a fully kitted beekeeper, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable livestock development.
Speaking at the stand, the Honourable Minister praised civil servants for their dedication, noting that the Ministry’s vision for food security, economic diversification, and rural prosperity remains firmly anchored on a modern, high-performing Civil Service.
“From improved breeding to animal health and value addition, our Ministry is championing practical solutions that will boost livelihoods and food security. The Civil Service is our most valuable partner in delivering these outcomes,” the Minister said.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, commended the Head of Civil Service for the successful execution of the Civil Service Week, adding that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with civil Servants to implement transformative initiatives that benefit Nigerians.
In recognition of dedication and service excellence, an Assistant Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Lawrence Agbor, was among distinguished civil servants honoured at the Rewards & Recognition Awards Ceremony, which brought the week-long activities to a memorable close on Saturday, 28th June 2025.
