Broad Partnerships Will Make Nigeria Grow – Walson-Jack

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack OON, mni has said that Broad Partnerships are the key for effective governance that will create policies that are well informed, pragmatic and responsive to societal needs.

She stated this while delivering a lecture at the University of Ibadan @ 75 lecture series titled; “Governance in Partnership; The Essential Collaboration between Civil Service, Political Leadership and Academia,” held at the Trenchard Hall of the University.

Mrs. Walson-Jack said that effective partnerships amongst the Civil Servants, Political Leadership and Academia are essential in solving multifaceted problems that beset the society, hinting that, policy making is a core task for the government.

The Head of Service of the Federation, who was represented by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni, fcipm added that Civil Service is the backbone of the Government operations, saying that it is pivotal in translating legislative mandates into tangible actions, delivering essential services and keeping public trust.

She explained further that political leadership is provided by elected officials situated within the executive and legislative arms of government at the Federal and State levels.

The State Head of Service pointed out that Nigeria Civil Service was a central institution in the administration of the States and federation.

She said, “collaboration with civil service and academia is crucial for political leaders to be effective, while political leaders provide clear policy direction, civil servants offer the technical know-how to develop and implement these policies effectively, civil servants provide institutional memory and the necessary expertise to implement policies, the civil service is focused on long- term policy implementation and stability, academia offers rigorous research and insights that guide informed decision-making, allowing leaders to base policies on scientific evidence and data, academia operates on academic timelines that do not align with political circles.”

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale described the number one civil servant in the federation as a public servant of unwavering dedication, hinting that the civil service, political leadership and academia can collaborate to develop and implement policies that will address the societal challenges.

Professor Adebowale opined that the mission of the University is to address the need for societal impact to contribute to the transformation of the society through creativity and innovation.

—Kunle Bakare.