In line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, Professor Joseph Utsev, the newly appointed Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, affirmed his commitment to diligently implement a comprehensive plan for the water sector.
Utsev delivered this assurance during his inaugural address upon assuming office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Joined by Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Utsev emphasized that water stands as a pivotal factor for all forms of progress. He emphasized that water will be granted paramount importance, while efforts to enhance sanitation and hygiene practices will be intensified to foster a healthy and productive nation.
Professor Utsev underlined that President Tinubu’s blueprint aims to elevate the water sector in alignment with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said: “To this end, we are committed to an open door policy to encourage team-based initiatives, regular interactions with the management and staffers as well as other critical partners in the days ahead.
“The Permanent Secretary shall work out details of the schedule, We are aware of some of the challenges which may have impeded the productivity of staff.
“Consequently, effort shall be made to address them head-on. Staff training, promotions, and provision of essential working tools, equipment, and facilities shall be our top priority.
“We expect our hardworking staff to reciprocate these gestures with a renewed commitment to duty by prompt handling of official correspondence and assignments.”
In the meantime, he expressed his goal of eradicating poverty and inequality within the water sector by fostering shared value. He noted that his team would swiftly initiate operations, considering that the Water Resources and Sanitation sector holds a pivotal place among the core infrastructure ministries in the Tinubu-led administration, with a direct and positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.
The Minister also highlighted plans for an upcoming tour of the Ministry’s facilities, including ongoing projects and programs. This tour aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of affairs and guide future endeavors.
Earlier, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, affirmed their dedicated pursuit of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for the water sector. Goronyo stressed the fundamental importance of water as the lifeline of the nation’s well-being and future.
Preceding this, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary, extended a warm welcome and acknowledged the extensive experience and dedication exhibited by both ministers. Walson-Jack underscored their contribution as invaluable assets in advancing the ministry’s mission.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the ministry has consistently championed the cause of establishing a sustainable water supply that caters to the cultural and socio-economic requirements of all Nigerians.
“We are at a critical point where the challenges and opportunities in the water and sanitation sector are ever-evolving, the issues of water scarcity, pollution, among others, require innovative solutions and collaborative effort.
“The water, sanitation, and hygiene sector is critical to developing our country’s economy, health, and environment, in line with the renewed hope agenda, we are working to ensure adequate and safe irrigation of farmlands”, she said.
Meanwhile, she (Walson-Jack) pledged the support and cooperation of the entire management staff to collaborate, develop, and implement strategies, policies, and programs that would lead to sustainable development that would benefit Nigerians.
