By Stella Odueme
Mr. Richard Pheelangwah has assumed duties as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. He took over from Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi,FCNA who retired from the Federal Civil Service.
A statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan,
Director Information and Public Relations
said that the official handover ceremony took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Abuja.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Pheelangwah pledged to foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of work ethics and dedication to duties.
He also reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of staff, recognizing their significant contributions to the Ministry’s success.
With profound appreciation, Mr. Pheelangwah thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his deployment to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, acknowledging the President’s vision and leadership. He then charged the Ministry’s staff to embrace a culture of diligence, hard work, and commitment, emphasizing a culture of inclusivity, respect, and communication within the Ministry, promising to value and reward contributions, prioritize capacity building, training, and development to enhance skills and career growth, and collectively make a positive impact on citizens’ lives.
He highlighted the Ministry’s crucial role in ensuring national health, well-being, and prosperity through the provision of safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, which are fundamental human rights and pledged to work closely with the Honourable Minister, Honourable Minister of State, Directors, and the entire staff to ensure universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, especially in underserved communities.
Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, who has served in various Federal Ministries including Solid Minerals, Education, Health, Office of the First Lady, the Cabinet Office, and more, outlined plans to strengthen institutional capacity and governance in the Water and Sanitation sector through policy reforms, strategic planning, and effective regulations.
In his farewell address, Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi, FCNA (Retired), extended heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff of the Ministry and its Agencies, as well as the entire water sector stakeholders, for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout his tenure.
He warmly welcomed his successor, Mr. Pheelangwah, and assured him of the team’s unrelenting commitment, expertise, and resourcefulness in advancing the Ministry’s mandate with confidence.
He expressed belief that the new leadership will build upon the solid foundation laid in accelerating progress .
Mrs. Phoebe Nwandu, Director of Special Duties, in her welcome address, congratulated Mr. Richard Pheelangwah on his appointment as Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and wished him success in leveraging his wealth of experience to propel the Ministry forward and achieve greater heights in the water sector.
She also used the opportunity to express her sincere appreciation to Alhaji Shinkafi, praising his exceptional leadership, tireless commitment, and significant achievements during his tenure, which has left an indelible mark on the Ministry.
Present at the ceremony were Directors, staff members of the Ministry, representatives from the Joint Unions and well-wishers.
