The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation today held a formal handover ceremony in Abuja, marking the transition of leadership from the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, to the newly redeployed Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong.
In her inaugural remarks, Dr. Umobong expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, OON, mni, for the confidence reposed in her. She stated that she accepts the responsibility with humility and gratitude, noting the Ministry’s critical role in national development, highlighting that water sustains life, drives agriculture, supports industry, and underpins public health and human well-being.
Having been redeployed from the Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), where she supported the coordination of Federal Executive Council decisions, Dr. Umobong pledged to bring discipline, clarity, and a results-oriented work culture to the Ministry. She emphasized that efficiency, transparency, and accountability must guide all operations, and reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive and collaborative leadership, stressing that every officer, regardless of rank, plays a vital role in achieving the Ministry’s mandate.
Dr. Umobong expressed readiness to work with all staff across departments and agencies, outlining key priority areas such as water supply, sanitation, irrigation, river-basin development, hydrology, and climate resilience. She encouraged staff to approach this new chapter with renewed commitment, professionalism, and unity of purpose.
She also thanked her predecessor for his contributions and pledged to build on existing achievements while adding new value to strengthen the sector.
Umobong delivering her remarks during the handover ceremony
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, whom he described as “a brother and a dependable leader.” He highlighted notable accomplishments during his tenure, including strengthening reforms, expanding irrigation for food security, enhancing sanitation systems, improving access to potable water, and fostering collaboration among agencies and development partners.
Mr. Pheelangwah commended the Ministry’s staff for their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork, and encouraged them to offer even greater support to his successor. He has been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Defence as Permanent Secretary.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office (SSO), OSGF, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, alongside Water Resources and Sanitation Directors, heads of agencies, senior officials, and staff of the Ministry and the Cabinet Affairs Office.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and PR
26 November 2025
