Water Minister Stuns Nation with Landmark Service Delivery Award Win

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has been honoured with the 2024 Service Delivery Award in recognition of his ministry’s performance in advancing public service outcomes.

According to sources familiar with the event, the award was conferred during a public lecture and award ceremony held in Abuja, themed “Exploring the Potential of Livestock Export.” The event, organized by a national newspaper, brought together government officials, media professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Utsev expressed deep appreciation to the organisers and dedicated the award to God and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to improving water and sanitation services nationwide and pledged continued alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized the strategic importance of livestock development for Nigeria’s economic diversification. He highlighted the recent establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a calculated effort to unlock the sector’s potential for national growth.

Also addressing the audience, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, called on the media to uphold objectivity and accountability. He stressed the importance of a responsible press in supporting good governance and democratic sustainability.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of the host media organisation stated that recipients of the awards were carefully selected based on merit and outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and current adviser to the President on livestock reform initiatives.

The event featured several goodwill messages from dignitaries including the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Etsu Nupe, Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd), and other distinguished guests. Awards were also presented to other ministers and national figures who have demonstrated excellence in public service.

The ceremony was attended by members of the National Assembly, academia, civil society representatives, and senior government officials.