The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, received the 2024 Service Delivery Award from Blueprint Newspaper on Monday in recognition of his contributions to public service delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The award was presented during the Blueprint Impact Series and Awards Ceremony held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The event, featuring a public lecture titled “Exploring the Potential of Livestock Export,” brought together government officials, policymakers, and media stakeholders.

Receiving the award, Prof. Utsev expressed his gratitude to Blueprint for the recognition and dedicated the honour to God and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality services in the water and sanitation sector, aligned with the administration’s development priorities.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who chaired the event, described the livestock sector as vital to Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy. He stated that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was a strategic move by the President to unlock export opportunities and address socio-economic challenges.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, urged the media to uphold professionalism, remain objective, and continue to hold public officials accountable in the interests of national development.

Earlier, Blueprint’s Managing Director, Mr. Salisu Umar, explained that the awards honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.

The keynote address was delivered by former INEC Chairman and Special Adviser to the President, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who now serves as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative.

Other awardees at the ceremony included the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike; and other distinguished Nigerians.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, stated on Tuesday that the event attracted a wide range of participants, including members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, senior government officials, academics, and media professionals.