Prof. Joseph Utsev - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Tue, 2025

Water Minister bags service delivery award

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By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has been honoured with the 2024 Service Delivery Award by Blueprint Newspaper for his outstanding contributions to public service and sectoral reforms.

The award was presented on Tuesday during the newspaper’s Public Lecture, Impact Series, and Awards Ceremony at the Abuja Continental Hotel, with the theme: “Exploring the Potential of Livestock Export”.

In his remarks, the minister expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition.

He dedicated the award to God Almighty and President Bola Tinubu, under whose leadership, he said, the Renewed Hope Agenda was being actively implemented across ministries.

“This award is a call to do more. We remain committed to efficient service delivery and strengthening public engagement,” he said.

Utsev also commended Blueprint Newspaper for fostering national dialogue on strategic development issues such as livestock, calling it a key sector for Nigeria’s economic growth and food security.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who chaired the occasion, said the livestock sector had huge untapped potential capable of driving industrial development and boosting Nigeria’s export profile.

He noted that the recent establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was a deliberate step by the President to harness the sector’s value chain, create jobs, and address poverty.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions for national growth,” Akume added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasised the role of the media in building democracy, encouraging journalists to uphold professionalism and accountability.

“The media must remain partners in progress by informing the public and holding institutions accountable,” he said.

In his welcome address, Mr Salisu Umar, Managing Director and CEO of Blueprint Newspaper, said the awardees were selected based on merit and their visible impact in their various fields.

He said the Impact Series and Awards Ceremony aimed to celebrate excellence, promote constructive policy discourse, and inspire commitment to national development.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Attahiru Jega, former INEC Chairman and Special Adviser to the President/National Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative.

He stressed the importance of livestock reform in addressing food insecurity and boosting rural economies.

Other dignitaries at the event included Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals; Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; Brig.-Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd), the Etsu Nupe; and David Umahi, Minister of Works, among others.

NAN reports that several Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in public service, governance, and development were also honoured at the event.

The ceremony drew participants from the National Assembly, academia, civil society, media, and other stakeholder groups. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

Tosin Kolade
Jun, Wed, 2025

Agriculture

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa Government to boost sugar production and enhance self-sufficiency in the sector.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa on a courtesy visit.

Utsev said the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at accelerating food production, job creation, and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

He outlined the proposed partnership as strategic in making life more meaningful for citizens and pledged to undertake a working visit to the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation.

The visit, he noted, would enable the ministry to determine possible areas of intervention to enhance the factory’s viability and ensure optimal benefit for the people.

Earlier, the governor said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to ensure consistent water supply to the sugar factory.

Namadi noted that steady production at the facility would add value to the state’s economy and contribute to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria produces only a small portion of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports in spite having large refining capacities.

This dependence makes the sector vulnerable to global price changes.

States like Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been identified for sugar production, with major investments underway, especially in Nasarawa.

These efforts aim to boost local production and reduce import reliance.

Improving sugar output requires stronger government support in irrigation, land access, and policy implementation.

With coordinated efforts, states like Jigawa can play a vital role in achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Tue, 2025

Water Resources

FG dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure

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By Akpan Glory

The Federal Government has refuted claims that the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger, was caused by the release or failure of water from nearby dams.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said both the Kainji and Jebba dams remain structurally sound and fully operational.

”It is important to clarify that the flooding in Mokwa was not the result of any water release from the Kainji or Jebba dams.

”Both facilities are intact and pose no risk to surrounding communities,” the minister stated.

Utsev expressed the federal government’s sympathy to the Government and people of Niger, especially the communities affected by the disaster, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 29.

He commended the swift response of the state government, local authorities, and first responders for providing relief to victims.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, the flooding was largely due to heavy rainfall associated with extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage infrastructure.

He explained that unregulated building activities and encroachments blocked a seasonal tributary of River Dingi, which normally remained dry except during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to him, the absence of efficient alternative drainage channels worsened the situation.

The minister also recalled that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under the ministry, had warned of potential flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area as part of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released on April 10.

”The AFO identified 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as high flood-risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as moderate risk.

”The high-risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara,” he said.

He reiterated earlier warnings, urging state and local governments to improve drainage, relocate at-risk communities, raise public awareness, and enforce land-use laws.

He also encouraged stakeholders to consult NIHSA’s online flood forecast dashboard for detailed, location-specific risk information to aid proactive planning and disaster mitigation.

Utsev described the Mokwa flood as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change, which continues to manifest in more frequent and intense weather events nationwide.

”As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to managing Nigeria’s water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient systems.

”We call on all sectors, government, private, civil society, and communities to work together in building safer and more resilient environments,” he said.

He added that technical personnel from the ministry, NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) were already on site in Mokwa conducting a thorough assessment to guide future interventions.

While expressing the government’s condolences, the minister noted that flooding is not just a natural event but a developmental issue requiring coordinated and sustained response.

According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 200 people lost their lives and around 500 remain missing following the floods in Mokwa on May 29.

NEMA also reported that at least 121 individuals sustained injuries, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced.

The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall destroyed over 265 homes, as well as key roads and bridges.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged federal assistance and activated the National Emergency Response Centre to coordinate ongoing recovery efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker