Chijioke Iremeka
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, has pledged to live up to his mandate and ensure the availability of potable water supply for Nigerians.
The Minister also said he will deploy his experience and technocracy to change the narrative in the country’s water sector and sanitation, saying he would work with President Bola Tinubu’s blueprint to achieve this.
Utsev, who spoke at a reception in his honour after his swearing-in by President Tinubu in Abuja on Monday, stated that access to potable water has been a major challenge in Nigeria.
He said that the critical role which water and sanitation play in any society cannot be over-emphasised, promising to work with his team to ensure that the sector is improved in line with the sustainable development goals.
According to him, his administration would work through shared values to end poverty and inequality in the sector.
He said, “To this end, we are committed to an open door policy to encourage team-based initiatives, regular interactions with the management and staff, as well as other critical partners in the days ahead.
“The Permanent Secretary shall work out details of the schedule and we are also aware of some 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.
“His Excellency has brought us on board and I am in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and my work is to try to see that water is abundant in Nigeria because water is life and to make sure that we sanitise our country for good hygiene.”
“So you should continue to pray for me for God to give me the grace and the energy to pilot the affairs of the Ministry,” the Minister said.
Utsev, who thanked President Tinubu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; all party leaders and other supporters, said without them the appointment would not come to fruition.
He said, “I appreciate President Tinubu for finding me worthy to serve in his cabinet. I appreciate in a special way my father and mentor, Akume, who has always found me worthy of several assignments. I plead with you to continue to support him to build Benue; to build Nigeria.”
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