Nigeria will host the 2025 edition of the International Civil Service Conference Week, an event expected to attract public administration experts and key stakeholders from around the world.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, announced this on Saturday during the May edition of the monthly Walking/Jogging and Aerobics exercise organised by the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Abuja.
Walson-Jack said preparations were well underway and urged civil servants across the country to participate actively. According to her, the conference will feature a range of activities including a special walking/jogging exercise on June 28 and an awards night to honour outstanding contributions in public service.
“This event will be one of the biggest gatherings of public service professionals globally. It is an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to excellence in governance,” she said. “As our Civil Service anthem says, we are marching to greatness.”
Walson-Jack, who led the fitness walk as the Chief Guest Jogger and Captain, said the monthly exercise is a clear show of commitment by public servants to healthy living and improved workplace productivity. She praised FEPSGA President, Mr Amaebi Aluko, and his team for sustaining wellness initiatives within the service.
“I have always believed in leading by example. As public servants, staying healthy is not just a personal responsibility—it’s a professional one. A healthy civil servant is a productive civil servant,” she added.
The Head of Service also extended appreciation to the government and people of Rivers State for their support during the successful hosting of the 2024 FEPSGA Games, describing their hospitality as vital to its success.
In his remarks, FEPSGA President Amaebi Aluko commended Walson-Jack for her consistent support and leadership in promoting wellness in the public sector. “Her presence today is not just symbolic—it is a strong endorsement of the role of fitness in driving efficiency and unity across government ministries and agencies,” he said.
Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service, also spoke during the event. She urged public servants to take their physical and mental well-being seriously, stating that regular exercise contributes to a more energised and effective workforce.
“This is not just a fitness event, but a call to action for a healthier, more resilient civil service,” Oyekunle said.
The upcoming 2025 International Civil Service Conference Week will position Nigeria as a hub for policy dialogue, administrative innovation, and public sector collaboration. It also comes at a time when the country is pushing for a more productive and digitally enabled civil service.
The conference is expected to include panel sessions, keynote addresses, exhibitions, and cross-cultural exchanges between civil service leaders from across Africa and beyond.
With renewed focus on reform and productivity in the public sector, stakeholders say the conference could be a major step toward enhancing Nigeria’s image in global governance discussions.