By Correspondent in Abuja.
In a heartwarming celebration of dedication and excellence, the Federal Government on Saturday night honoured 18 exceptional civil servants with prestigious awards, including cars, laptops, cash prizes, and other life-changing incentives.
Our correspondent reports that the event, held as part of the 2025 Civil Service Awards Night in Abuja, also recognised two outstanding federal ministries. It followed the successful maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference, which brought together over 5,000 delegates from around the world to explore innovation and reform in public service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, praised the honourees as “quiet reformers” who consistently go above and beyond to keep the wheels of government turning.
“They show up on time, meet deadlines, write policies, fix systems, and still manage to maintain a smile
“Tonight, we pause to acknowledge the busyness and say: we see you. We thank you. We honour you,”she said.
Walson-Jack emphasised that the award ceremony has become a key tradition on the civil service calendar, a vital way to appreciate the everyday heroes whose contributions often go unnoticed.
She lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his support of civil service reform, including advancements in digitization, performance management, and worker welfare, such as the new minimum wage and pension improvements.
In a firm but encouraging tone, she urged all civil servants to embrace punctuality and discipline as core values.
“Resuming work by 8 a.m. is not just a rule; it is a culture we must reclaim and uphold. When we arrive on time, we demonstrate respect for the system, our colleagues, and the citizens we serve,”she declared.
To those who were not recognised this year, she had a powerful message: “Recognition may take time, but it will come. Do your work so well that it cannot be ignored,”she urged.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, hailed civil servants as the backbone of governance and national development.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a merit-driven, innovative, and accountable public service.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Presidential Star Prize to Dr. Bahijjatu Hadiza of the Federal Ministry of Environment, who received an SUV, a laptop, a foreign short course, a masterclass programme, and an award certificate.
Another top awardee, Chukwudi Ekwenugo of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, was also gifted an SUV, N500,000 in cash, a laptop, and a scholarship for a foreign short course.
Other recipients also walked away with laptops, cash prizes ranging from N250,000 to N500,000, among other incentives in recognition of their integrity, innovation, and commitment to public service.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
