The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H Adamu, has won the prestigious WaterAid’s 2021 President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to achieving long lasting results in the WASH Sector.
The award, which was presented to him at his office in Abuja on Thursday 7th April 2022, by the Country Director of WaterAid Mrs Evelyn Mere,who represented the CEO of WaterAid UK Mr Tim Wainwright is the highest commendation presented to outstanding suppoters of WaterAid on behalf of WaterAid’s President, HRH Prince Charles of Wales.
According to her, the exceptional leadership of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources has positioned Nigeria on a path towards achieving transformational change in Nigeria Water Sanitation and Hygiene Sector.
Speaking further, the Country Director commended the leadership provided by the Honourable Minister during the development of the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) by the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW) of which the Honourable Minister is the Vice President, adding that the Minister showed utmost commitment in ensuring the domestication of existing policies into alignment with ASPG.
The Country Director said that under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in the WASH sector in 2019 and also approved a 13-year National WASH Action plan.
She expressed optimism that the Honourable Minister will continue making meaningful contributions in ensuring that everyone and everywhere in Nigeria gets clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
In his response the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales, the CEO of WaterAid UK Mr Tim Wainwright and the entire WaterAid team for the recognition accorded the activities of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources through the award.
He noted that this award was indicative of International recognition of the efforts being put in place in ensuring the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals 6.1 and 6. 2 that are Water Sanitation and Hygiene related.
He remarked that the award will spur the entire WASH team to put in more efforts to achieve more goals in Nigeria putting into cognizance the large population and the need for wider coverage.
He pledged the commitment of the Federal government to meet up with the National Open Defecation-Free Roadmap by 2025, adding that collaborative efforts with the private sector will ensure its sustainability.
The Honourable Minister dedicated the award to the entire WASH team adding that the leadership provided by him was sustained by the collective efforts of all team members.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack mni in her remarks noted that the award will further inspire and strengthen collaboration and partnership with water stakeholders in the country and also ensure access to adequate and safe water for all.
Mrs. Fummi Imuetinyan
Deputy Director (Press& Public Relations)
