News
River Basins: 100 Civil Society Groups commend Minister Utsev’s innovative approaches, repositioning of agencies for productivity
100 civil society groups across Africa have praised Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, for his groundbreaking initiatives in transforming Nigeria’s river basins.
Dr. Kolawole Alabi, the Executive Director of Transparency Watch Initiative (TWI) and Comrade Dangana Davies, the President of Good Governance Advocates in Africa (GGAA) made this known in a press statement.
Under Professor Utsev’s leadership, the groups said the Ministry has introduced innovative approaches to sustainable management and development of river basins, revitalizing ailing irrigation schemes, and promoting integrated water resources management.
These efforts, they said, have significantly improved water security, agricultural productivity, and food security, benefiting millions of Nigerians.
According to the groups, the Minister’s commitment to a water-secure Nigeria has also led to the construction of thousands of water schemes and sanitation facilities, serving over 32 million people.
The civil society groups commended Professor Utsev’s proactive approach to water analysis, his commitment to addressing concerns, and his leadership in repositioning the Ministry and its agencies for productivity.
“Wish to express our profound appreciation for the innovative approaches and leadership demonstrated by Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, in transforming Nigeria’s river basins,” the statement said.
“Professor Utsev has introduced groundbreaking initiatives in the 12 Lower Benue River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), prioritizing sustainable management and development of river basins. He has revitalized ailing irrigation schemes through creative solutions, enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
“A monitoring and evaluation framework has been implemented to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Integrated water resources management has been promoted, ensuring equitable allocation and efficient use of water resources. Cutting-edge technologies have been introduced for water harvesting, storage, and distribution, reducing waste and improving water supply.
“These innovations have had a profoundly positive impact on Nigeria’s river basins, including improved water security and availability for millions of people, enhanced agricultural productivity and food security, increased economic activities and job creation in rural areas, better management and conservation of water resources, and reduced conflicts over water resources.
“Under Professor Utsev’s leadership, the Ministry has made significant strides in water infrastructure development, irrigation projects, and water supply expansion, thereby enhancing the nation’s water security.
“His commitment to a water-secure Nigeria has led to the implementation of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring equal access to clean water and sanitation for all citizens.
“We commend the Minister for constructing thousands of water schemes in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, benefiting approximately 32 million people. His efforts in the sanitation sub-sector have resulted in the construction of thousands of sanitation facilities in institutions and public places, serving 550,820 persons across 127 Local Government Areas.
“The Minister’s proactive approach to water analysis, aimed at safeguarding Nigerians and curtailing the spread of Cholera, is particularly noteworthy. Recently, the Minister’s inspection visit to the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe State demonstrated his commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring the dam’s stability. ”
The groups, however, urged the Minister to continue his outstanding work and encouraged other stakeholders to support his initiatives.
The statement added: “We recognize Professor Utsev’s exceptional leadership and innovative approaches, which have repositioned the Ministry and its agencies for productivity.
“His efforts have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s water security and sanitation development. We urge the Minister to continue his outstanding work and encourage other stakeholders to support his initiatives.”
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
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