Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation in Nigeria, is a proactive leader who is committed to preventing potential disasters in his sector. He understands that managing and preventing any disaster requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. With his proactive approach and dedication to his work, he is setting an example for other ministers to follow.
Recently, Utsev highlighted the risk of flooding in 31 states and 148 local government councils in Nigeria. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts from both the government and non-governmental sectors in tackling this issue. One of the most notable actions taken by Utsev was the release of the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) report.
This report contains crucial information about the areas at high risk of flooding, the expected severity, and the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the vulnerability of communities. Utsev recognized the need for widespread awareness and urged the media to play a vital role in disseminating this information to the public.
The high flood-risk states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe
Utsev’s proactive approach is commendable. He is not only reactive but also proactive in his approach to managing and preventing crises. This kind of attitude is crucial in managing and avoiding disasters, especially when it comes to water resources and sanitation. Another significant achievement of Utsev is the government’s ongoing efforts towards achieving open defecation-free status by 2025. He has been actively involved in implementing policies and strategies to achieve this target, including providing funds and resources to rural communities for building proper toilet facilities.
Utsev’s dedication and hard work towards his portfolio are commendable. He is setting an example for other ministers to follow, and with such leaders at the helm, we can be assured that the country’s water resources and sanitation will be managed efficiently, and potential disasters can be avoided. We need more proactive leaders like Utsev who are committed to preventing potential disasters and managing crises effectively.
