Dr. Emanso Umobong Takes Charge as Permanent Secretary, Vows to Drive Accountability and Efficiency in Water Resources, Sanitation Sector’s
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on Thursday held a formal handover ceremony in Abuja, marking the transition of leadership from outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, to the newly redeployed Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Umobong expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, OON, mni, for the trust reposed in her. She said she was assuming the role with humility and gratitude, while underscoring the Ministry’s central importance to national development—highlighting that water sustains life, drives agriculture, powers industry, and underpins public health and human well-being.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Umobong — recently redeployed from the Cabinet Affairs Office at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), pledged to instill discipline, clarity, and a results-driven work culture across the Ministry. She stressed that efficiency, transparency, and accountability must guide all operations, and reaffirmed her commitment to an inclusive leadership style in which every officer, regardless of cadre, is seen as vital to delivering on the Ministry’s mandate.
She outlined key priority areas for her administration, including improved water supply, sanitation, irrigation expansion, river-basin development, hydrology, and climate resilience. Dr. Umobong urged staff to embrace this new chapter with renewed dedication, professionalism, and unity of purpose.
Dr. Umobong also thanked her predecessor for his service and pledged to consolidate on the Ministry’s gains while adding new value to strengthen the sector’s performance.
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Pheelangwah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the Honourable Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, whom he described as “a brother and a dependable leader.”
He highlighted reforms implemented during his tenure, improvements in potable water access, sanitation expansion, irrigation support for food security, and enhanced collaboration with agencies and development partners.
He commended the staff for their dedication and teamwork, urging them to extend even greater support to his successor. Mr. Pheelangwah has been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Defence as Permanent Secretary.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office (SSO), OSGF, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, directors of the Ministry, heads of agencies, senior officials, and staff of both the Ministry and the Cabinet Affairs Office.
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