The management and staff of the Nigerian ministry of water resources, together with its agencies, development partners and other stakeholders in the water sector at the weekend organized a dinner in honour of the country’s best performing minister.

In the two terms of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which will end in a week’s time on May 29, no minister in the cabinet has done more in the area of project completion than the minister of water resources, Suleiman Adamu, even as his tenure of office also comes to an end on May 29.

Speaking during the dinner, Boss Mustapha, who is the secretary to the government of the federation, described the minister as committed, intelligent and knowledgeable in many fields, not only in engineering, but also in his passion towards change and sustainable development, which made the federal executive council (FEC) to prioritize action on the water and sanitation sector in Nigeria.

The occasion was witnessed by eminent personalities, including the head of civil service of the federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, royal fathers, including the Emir of Kazuare and elder brother of the water resources minister, His Royal Highness, Najib Hussein Adamu; and the Amanayambo of Toun- Brass, His Royal Highness, Alfred Diete Spiff.

Also present at the occasion were senior government officials, management and staff of the ministry, multiple stakeholders and development partners, contractors, family members, and many other well wishers.

The permanent secretary in the ministry of water resources, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, stated that the Adamu came to the ministry with focus and clear vision, full of commitment and determination to succeed in the water sector.

Walson-Jack further highlighted the minister’s values and principles, such as drive, commitment and punctuality, which she said were unprecedented attributes that helped him to transform the Nigerian water sector into an enviable industry, which it has become today.

According to the permanent secretary, numerous initiatives have been championed by the minister
She also explained that his charisma, private sector experience and educational background all spurred him in his duties to succeed as a 2- term minister of water resources.

She stressed that Adamu, indeed, had laid a solid foundation suitable for the ministry to build upon, going forward.

Goodwill messages were presented by eminent Nigerians and foreign development partners, including legislators, led by the chairman, house committee on water resources; the minister of women affairs; the minister of state for trade and investment; the chairman, ministerial policy advisory committee; as well as the CEO of World Toilet Summit and that of Sanitation and Water for All, USA. Others who spoke at the event included the executive director, Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, Geneva; the fomer head of service and WASH ambassador; as well as serving and past permanent secretaries; serving and retired directors of the ministry; managing directors, executive directors and DGs of the ministry’s agencies; and contractors of the ministry.

Adamu was also applauded and appreciated for his numerous contributions to the growth of the water sector since he assumed office over 7 years ago. He was described by many as a core professional with a clear cut strategy for the development of the water sector in Nigeria.

The minister, in an emotion-laden mood, appreciated the kind gesture of all dignitaries, the development partners, family members, the entire staff of the ministry and everyone that graced the occasion for the wonderful show of love in organizing such an event to honour him.

He stressed that, on assumption of duty as minister in 2015, he made it clear that he was out to do his job professionally. In the course of doing that, Adamu said, he was not prepared to bend the rules in getting things done.

His words: “On assumption of duty, I told the directors that I am not one of those quintessential politicians who will want to become senator, governor and even president after office. So, I will do my job professionally.”

He charged the next minister in the ministry to take the water sector to the next level.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts and the opening of a goodwill website, https://www.suleimanhusseinadamu.com/ for the honourable minister