News Investigators/ The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, 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.
Prof. 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