By Joel Ajayi
The historic 2025 Civil Service Week concluded on a high note with a prestigious Presidential Awards Ceremony held on Saturday at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Among the most celebrated recipients was Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Bahijjatu Hadiza of the Federal Ministry of Environment, who clinched the 2025 Presidential Distinguished Public Service Award. She was recognized for her remarkable dedication, innovative contributions, and outstanding service in the public sector.
The grand event, which brought together top government functionaries, civil servants, and key stakeholders from across the country, served as the climax of a week-long celebration of innovation, excellence, and transformation in Nigeria’s Civil Service.
In the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award category, four individuals were honoured:
Chukwudi Ekwenugo – Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Obasi Sunday Ikemefuna – Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Vivian Obiadika – Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
Dr. Olarenwaju Olatunji Suleiman
Each recipient in this category received an award plaque, a brand-new laptop, a foreign short course opportunity, ₦500,000, and a certificate of award.
In the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) EPIC Award category, twelve outstanding civil servants were recognized for exemplary performance and commitment:
Dr. Oluwabamidele Ibrahim Kogbe – Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Gloria Onovo – Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
Patience Ojieriakhi – Ministry of Finance
Samson Pere – Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Lawrence Manyo Agbo – Federal Ministry of Livestock Development
Jonathan Ogbeni Aligbe – Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Abaleke Uzoma Anslem – Ministry of Police Affairs
Ifeanyi Anthony Onwu – Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
Dahiru Abdu Azuftama – Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
Okafor Uchechukwu Umahi – Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
Audu Ibrahim Yusuf – Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Rose Ujunwa Maduka – Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
Awardees in this category received a plaque, a laptop, a masterclass programme opportunity, ₦250,000, and a certificate of award.
In the Civil Service Excellence Award category, the Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade Department under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development emerged victorious. The department was recognized for its exceptional service delivery and innovation, receiving a plaque and certificate of award.
For the Sports Achievement Award, Aseyaiseimor Pente Kelvin of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received top honours. He was presented with a trophy, certificate, and ₦250,000 cash prize.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Award for MDAs was awarded to the Federal Ministry of Works, acknowledging its progressive efforts in promoting inclusive workplace practices.
While delivering her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Didi Esther Walson-Jack, urged civil servants across the nation to adopt a culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Do your work so well that it cannot be ignored,” she charged. “You do not need to be in the spotlight to make an impact. The light shines brightest on those who serve with integrity in the shadows.”
Walson-Jack noted that the Civil Service is not only evolving, but actively delivering on transformation through digitized processes, performance-based reforms, and leadership capacity building across MDAs.
“Our greatest asset is not our policies it’s our people,” she declared.
Commending the awardees, she said their discipline and devotion prove that public service can be noble and impactful:
“Excellence is not a one-time act it is a habit. Wear your medals with pride, but let your humility shine even brighter.”
To those who were not recognized, she offered words of hope and motivation:
“Your work is not invisible. Recognition may take time, but it will come. Keep showing up, give your best, and raise the bar. Excellence is never wasted.”
The event wrapped up a remarkable Civil Service Week that also featured the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), where stakeholders and global delegates discussed the future of public administration in Nigeria.
Walson-Jack expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast commitment to the welfare and transformation of Nigeria’s Civil Service.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan it is a commitment to dignity, fairness, innovation, and reward. His Excellency’s presence at the ICSC was a strong show of support for the reform agenda.”
She concluded by urging civil servants to remain steadfast in service:
“Let us clap louder than we complain, celebrate more than we criticise, and remember that at the heart of government is one powerful word: Service. To all civil servants across the countrythis is your moment. Own it. Honour it. Multiply it. Congratulations to all the awardees.”
