.As Idris emphasises role of media in nation building
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has dedicated the 2024 Service Delivery Award conferred on him by Blueprint Newspaper for his outstanding contributions to public service and sectoral reforms to President Bola Tinubu.
The award was presented o
yesterday during the newspaper’s Public Lecture, Impact Series, and Awards Ceremony in Abuja under the theme: “Exploring the Potential of Livestock Export”.
Utsev, in his remarks expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition and thanked Tinubu, under whose leadership, he said, the Renewed Hope Agenda was being actively implemented across ministries.
According to him “This award is a call to do more. We remain committed to efficient service delivery and strengthening public engagement”.
The Minister 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, Senator 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.
Besides, 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”, Idris said.
In his welcome address, Managing Director and CEO of Blueprint Newspaper, Mr Salisu Umar, 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.
Former Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman and Special Adviser to the President/National Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, Professor Attahiru Jega, in a
keynote address at the event stressed the importance of livestock reform in addressing food insecurity and boosting rural economies.
Other dignitaries at the event included Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Women Affairs; Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, among others.
Nigerians from different walks of life who have distinguished themselves in public service, governance, and development were also honoured at the event which had in attendance eminent personalities from the National Assembly, academia, civil society, media, and other stakeholder groups.
