Skip to main content

Utsev: Harnessing Nigeria's Water Resources For Economic Gains




By Tolulope Adebayo

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has experienced a remarkable resurgence, led by the visionary leadership of Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev. As the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Utsev has leveraged his vast expertise and experience in water resources and environmental engineering to champion groundbreaking initiatives addressing the nation's complex water challenges.

Hailing from Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, Professor Utsev boasts an impressive academic pedigree. He graduated with distinction from the Federal University of Agriculture (now JOSTUM), Makurdi, in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) as the best student in his cohort. He then pursued advanced studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, earning a Master's degree in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering in 2007 and a PhD in the same field in 2011.

Professor Utsev's illustrious career spans approximately 17 years, marked by distinguished tenures in academia and the engineering field. He has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise, earning widespread recognition and acclaim as a consummate administrator and highly esteemed professional. A prolific scholar, he has authored approximately 40 scholarly papers published in esteemed national and international journals, solidifying his standing as a leading authority in his field.

As Minister of Water Resources, Utsev has drawn upon his extensive experience to address flooding and erosion across the country. His academic background and professional expertise have enabled him to devise innovative solutions addressing the root causes of these problems. His leadership has fostered a culture of inclusivity and effectiveness, characterized by a silent intellectual approach focused on results-driven initiatives and collaborative governance.

Professor Utsev's most outstanding achievement yet has been his remarkable aptitude for augmenting and expanding existing initiatives, tailoring and refining them to harmonize with the pragmatic nuances of the situation. He has expertly recalibrated, adopted, or adapted policies to align with his visionary objectives for the water sector, demonstrating mastery of strategic adaptation and leadership.

Under his leadership, the Ministry of Water Resources has made significant progress in water infrastructure development, irrigation projects, and water supply expansion, 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.

Professor Utsev's appointment as Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation marks a homecoming, with an expanded purview that affords him the opportunity to leverage his intellectual approach to governance, cultivating synergy and inclusivity among diverse stakeholders. Through his commitment to transparency and accountability, he has earned the esteem and trust of the Nigerian populace, inspiring confidence in the ministry's programs and initiatives.

As a silent intellectual, Professor Utsev exemplifies leadership by example, dedicating himself selflessly to the service of the nation and its people. His efforts have begun to yield concrete results, positioning Nigeria for a brighter future where water resources are optimally harnessed for sustainable development, economic growth, and human betterment. His steadfast commitment to public service, combined with his legal acumen and expertise, makes him the perfect fit for President Tinubu's administration.

As the nation marks the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Professor Utsev's contributions to the water sector stand out as a testament to the transformative power of silent intellectual leadership, demonstrating the impact of dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to shaping a better Nigeria.

Adebayo is a communication expert based in Badagry, Lagos.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sanwo-Olu's Mistress, Aisha Achimogu, Embarrassed At Wedding Of Governor's Daughter

Saturday, April 6, 2024, is a day that Ms. Aisha Achimogu, the mistress of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, won't forget easily. The birthday celebration of Ms. Achimogu in Grenada early in the year, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, sparked controversies.  Many residents and stakeholders accused the Governor of extravagantly spending millions of naira from the state government on the event. Therefore, when Ms. Achimogu was spotted at the wedding of Governor Sanwo-Olu's daughter, Modupeoreoluwa, a lawyer, to Oladele, it provided an opportunity for those who disapproved of her presence around the Governor to take action. The woman and her troop were said to have been stationed at No 9A McDonald in Ikoyi by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Sources at the event revealed that Ms. Achimogu was promptly asked to leave by some guests as soon as she was noticed. Reportedly, what angered them was Ms. Achimogu's audacity to attend the ceremony, especially in the presence of the Governor's ...

How I Was Beaten Up By Boys In Canaanland, Ota, On The Orders Of An Italian- Man Laments

Mr. Victor, a welder from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, experienced a harrowing incident on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, while at work in Ota, Ogun State. While going about his daily duties at a construction company responsible for building the ark in Faith Tabernacle, also known as Winner's Chapel, Victor faced an unexpected altercation with his boss, an Italian man named Mr. Lucas. According to Victor, the altercation escalated when Mr. Lucas suddenly slapped him on the ear from behind, without any apparent provocation. Shocked by the unwarranted assault, Victor instinctively retaliated by delivering a slap in return.  However, the situation took a drastic turn when Mr. Lucas allegedly instructed some Nigerian boys to physically assault Victor in retaliation. Subsequently, Victor was subjected to a brutal beating by the group of assailants, resulting in severe injuries, including pores coming out of his ears. Since the incident, Victor has been struggling to recover both physical...

Waliu Taiwo Not Fit to Represent Ogun West in the Senate – Stakeholders

As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gain momentum, political activities are heating up, with aspirants beginning to declare their intentions to contest various offices. In Ogun State, one of the emerging contenders for the Ogun West Senatorial District seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) is Hon. Waliu Taiwo, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission.  Taiwo reportedly seeks to replace Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, who is rumoured to have plans to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun after his second term. However, some political stakeholders and elders in the Ogun West Senatorial District are reportedly opposing Taiwo’s ambition, arguing that he is unfit to represent the area in the Senate. Sources within the APC claimed that these stakeholders believe Taiwo lacks the credentials, vision, and capacity required for such a position.  They accused him of being driven by personal interests rather than a genui...