By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, Ujam Claris, has won the 2026 Presidential Distinguished Civil Service Career Award, the highest honour presented at the Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Ceremony.
The award was presented on Saturday, 15 August, 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Claris, who emerged the overall winner, also received a brand-new SUV in recognition of her distinguished career, dedication to duty and contribution to the Federal Civil Service.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Sani Aminu Yargaya, said the award recipients embodied the values of character, discipline, integrity, patriotism and commitment to public service.
Yargaya said recognising outstanding civil servants was essential to strengthening the Service and motivating officers whose contributions support the effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, described the recognition programme as a key component of the ongoing transformation of the Federal Civil Service.
Didi Esther Walson-Jack
She said the Rewards and Recognition System was designed to make excellence visible by identifying, celebrating and encouraging officers who demonstrate exceptional commitment and deliver value to citizens.
Walson-Jack congratulated Claris and the other recipients, urging them to regard the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility to sustain excellence and inspire younger officers.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, congratulated Claris on the achievement, describing it as a proud moment for the ministry and a reflection of the quality, dedication and professionalism of its workforce.
In her response, Claris expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the recognition.
She said the award would further encourage her to serve with dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
