Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to entrenching a culture of excellence, integrity, innovation, accountability and merit in the Federal Civil Service, as outstanding public servants were honoured at the 2026 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Award Ceremony, held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Eno Olotu, FCAI, mnipr, Director, Press, and Public Relations.
Delivering special remarks at the ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, FNIM, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Sani Aminu Yargaya, described the award recipients as men and women of distinction whose achievements reflect character, discipline, integrity, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to duty.
He noted that these values are essential to strengthening public confidence in government and advancing the vision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a more effective, responsive and results-oriented public service.
The SGF emphasised that the Federal Civil Service remains the enduring machinery through which government policies, national priorities and the commitments of elected leaders are translated into programmes, projects and services for the benefit of Nigerians.
In her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, described the ceremony as a defining expression of the Service’s commitment to making excellence visible and rewarding performance that delivers value to citizens.
She stated that the Rewards and Recognition System reflects a fundamental principle underpinning the ongoing transformation of the Federal Civil Service: “excellence must be recognised, integrity celebrated, and outstanding service never allowed to go unnoticed.”
The HCSF expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his unwavering support for the transformation of the Civil Service and commended the SGF for his leadership and partnership in advancing reforms across Government.
Mrs. Walson-Jack disclosed that the Rewards and Recognition System operates at three mutually reinforcing levels: Monthly Departmental, Annual Ministerial and Service-Wide Rewards and Recognition, urging Permanent Secretaries to provide the necessary leadership to ensure that deserving officers are identified, recognised and encouraged.
While congratulating the award recipients, she charged them to see the recognition not merely as an honour, but as a responsibility to sustain excellence, mentor younger officers and uphold the values and standards that earned them the distinction.
Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasised that the Rewards and Recognition System is ultimately about building a Federal Civil Service where excellence is not only expected but deliberately encouraged, recognised and rewarded.
She acknowledged the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation for its continued support through cash rewards under the HCSF EPIC Award; Leadway Assurance Company Limited for donating a brand-new vehicle as the star prize for the overall winner; and the Nigerian Communications Commission for its partnership towards the success of the ceremony.
The Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Dr. Abdul S. U. Garba, in his welcome remarks, described the ceremony as a celebration of excellence, dedication, innovation and exemplary service. He commended members of the Service-Wide Awards Selection Committee and Planning Committee for their diligence in ensuring an objective, transparent and merit-based selection process.
The Presidential Distinguished Civil Service Career Award was won by Ujam Claris of the Federal Ministry of Education, who received the star prize, a brand-new SUV.
Other awardees include; Abumoye Ayo Emmanuel who was honoured with the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award.
Anthony Okechukwu Ogwo and Peter Ochoche Emmanuel who received the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation EPIC Award, while the Youth Help Desk of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development won the Civil Service Excellence Award.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment emerged winner of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award, while Aseyaiseimor Pente Kelvin and Yaman Kate Akpoarebi both received the Sports Achievement Award
The 2026 Rewards and Recognition Ceremony reinforces the Federal Government’s determination to build a Civil Service where performance is visible, excellence is rewarded, integrity is valued and outstanding contributions translate into better service delivery for Nigerians.
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