Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, born on September 20, 1978, hails from Trede in the Ashanti Region. He attended Opoku Ware School for his secondary education and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Ghana Institute of Management & Public Administration (GIMPA). He went on to attain an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana Business School. More recently, in 2022, he completed a Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA).

Adjei has a diverse professional background. Before his current ministerial appointment, he served as Program Director of the Lordina Foundation, was a marketing executive, and held positions in financial and insurance services. He was also a board member of the National Lottery Authority. Politically, he is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

His public service includes serving as Deputy Minister of Defence from 2015 to 2017 under the John Mahama administration. In early 2025, he was appointed Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources. In this role, he emphasizes strengthening infrastructure, improving water supply systems, tackling the housing deficit, and addressing urbanisation challenges. 

Hon. Collins Nzovu is a Zambian politician and member of the United Party for National Development (UPND), serving as Member of Parliament for the Nangoma constituency since August 2021. In September 2021, he was appointed Minister of Green Economy and Environment under President Hakainde Hichilema.

In mid-2024, Nzovu’s portfolio was changed, and he assumed the role of Minister of Water Development and Sanitation. As minister, he is responsible for overseeing Zambia’s water and sanitation policy, improving water supply systems, ensuring sustainable management of water resources, and expanding access to sanitation services for rural and urban populations.

Born in 1980 in Lusaka, Nzovu studied at the University of Zambia. His work has included previous engagements in environmental policy, green economy initiatives, and public service with a focus on sustainable development.

Amal Mint Maouloud was born on September 17, 1983 in Brussels, Belgium. She trained as an engineer, earning a diploma in Fluid Mechanics and Energy in 2006 from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers, University Paris 6, and complemented this with a Master II in Information Management & Innovation the next year.

Her early career included work in France as a project engineer with Électricité de France (EDF), and then in Mauritania with the National Agency for Renewable Energies (ANADER) and the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC). Over time she took on ministerial responsibilities: Minister of Housing, Urbanism and Territorial Reclamation (2016-2018), then Minister of Equipment and Transport (2018-2019). She was also Director General of Mauritania Airlines from 2019 to 2021, and later worked as an international consultant in the energy sector. 

Since August 6, 2024, Amal Mint Maouloud has been serving as Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation in the Government of Mokhtar Ould Djay. In this role she is overseeing policy and programs related to water supply, sanitation, and the development of hydraulic infrastructure

Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye was appointed Rwanda’s Minister of Environment on 24 July 2025 by President Paul Kagame. Before her appointment, she led the land restoration programs across Africa at the World Resources Institute, overseeing initiatives such as Restore Local.

She holds a PhD in Geography from Clark University in Massachusetts, where her research garnered the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship for her work on forest cover change in western Rwanda. Her earlier academic credentials include a Master’s in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Rwanda. 

Arakwiye is known for her deep experience in environmental research and restoration, having worked with Conservation International, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, and WRI.

BIOGRAPHIE DE SON EXCELLENCE MONSIEUR LE MINISTRE DU DEVELOPPEMENT DE L’ENERGIE ET DES RESSOURCES HYDRAULIQUES

Né le 29 décembre 1969, Son Excellence Monsieur Bertrand Arthur PIRI est originaire de la République Centrafricaine. II a été nommé par Décret N°21.146 du 23 juin 2021,  Ministre du Développement de l’Energie et des Ressources Hydrauliques. Son Excellence Monsieur Bertrand Arthur PIRI est Inspecteur Principal des Impôts, diplômé de 3e cycle en Administration des Régies financières et certifié en Contrôle et Audit des dépenses publiques respectivement de l’ENAM de Yaoundé et de l’ENA de Paris. Il a occupé au paravent, la position de Ministre Contrôleur Général du Secteur Parapublic. Il est également depuis 2021, Expert agréé chargé de l’Analyse et du suivi de la Comptabilité des Entreprises du secteur Parapublic. Durant sa carrière, il a occupé de nombreux rangs honorifiques dans le pays tant sur le plan administratif que sur le plan politique. Il totalise plus de 20 ans d’expérience dans l’administration.

João Baptista Borges was born on 4 January 1964 in Ingombota, Luanda, where he also spent much of his early life. He comes from a family of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva. Borges began his technical training in 1983 with an intermediate course in electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute, before earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Agostinho Neto University in 1991. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Electrotechnical & Computer Engineering from Universidade Nova de Lisboa in Portugal in 2011.

His professional career includes roles as a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University, and significant work in the energy utility sector with EDEL-EP (Angola’s electricity distribution enterprise). He rose through various positions: Deputy Director for Investment, Deputy Technical Director, then Chairman of the Board at EDEL-EP.

In government, Borges has been Deputy Minister of Energy, then Secretary of State for Energy, before being appointed Minister of Energy and Water. He has held the ministerial portfolio continuously since 2011, serving under Presidents José Eduardo dos Santos and João Lourenço. As minister, he has overseen policy formulation and regulation in both energy and water sectors, and driven efforts in expanding access to services, updating legal frameworks, and improving utility operations in Angola. 

Prof. Dr. Hani Atif Nebhan Sewilam is the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, appointed in August 2022

A leading academic in hydrology and water resources management, he holds a PhD in Water Resources Management from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and an MSc in Environmental and Irrigation Engineering from the University of Southampton, UK. His undergraduate and early training were at Zagazig University in Egypt. 

Before becoming minister, Dr. Sewilam served as the Director of the UNESCO Chair in Hydrological Changes and Water Resources Management at RWTH Aachen, Germany, and was a professor at the American University in Cairo, where he also founded the Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability (CARES). 

He has published over 130 scientific works in areas including irrigation, water-energy-food nexus, desalination, integrated water systems, and sustainable development, and has led numerous international research and capacity building projects across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean region.

In addition to his ministerial role, in 2023 he was elected President of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) for a two-year term

Hon. Dr. Eng. Habtamu Itefa Geleta is the Minister of Water and Energy for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a position he has held since October 5, 2021, appointed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

Hon. Ève Bazaiba Masudi, born on 12 August 1965 in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a seasoned lawyer, politician, and human rights advocate. She pursued humanities studies in Latin and Philosophy at Lycée Bosangani in Kinshasa before obtaining a degree in International Relations from the Université Cardinal Malula. She later strengthened her academic profile with a law degree from the Protestant University in the Congo.

Her political journey began with activism in the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) before joining the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC), where she rose to prominence as a key figure. In 2011, she was elected as a Deputy representing Basoko and was re-elected in 2018, establishing herself as an influential parliamentarian. Within the National Assembly, she notably served as President of the Socio-Cultural Commission, where she advocated for social and developmental issues.

Ève Bazaiba’s leadership and dedication earned her appointment in April 2021 as Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the DRC, a position through which she has played a critical role in shaping national policy on environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. In addition to her ministerial responsibilities, she has been the Secretary-General of the MLC since 2014, further cementing her influence in Congolese politics.

Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for human rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and people with disabilities. Her work reflects a deep commitment to both national development and global sustainability, making her one of the most respected voices in Congolese public life.

CITATION OF ENGR. PROF.  JOSEPH TERLUMUN UTSEV FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, FICEN, FIIA

Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev is currently Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation. He is a renowned Professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Politician, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Administrator of great repute and hails from Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

EDUCATION

Engr. Prof. Utsev holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering from the then Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State. He graduated as the overall best student in 2004 with Second Class Honours “Upper Division” in grade.

Between 2005 and 2006, he was at the Kaduna State Development and Property Company (KSDPC) for his one (1) year mandatory NYSC scheme.

The distinguished engineering scholar is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he bagged both a Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering in 2007 and 2011 respectively.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Upon completion of his NYSC, He was retained as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 2006 where he rose through the ranks to become Professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering in 2021.

Due to his love and passion for excellence, the amiable administrator, Utsev, was appointed Deputy Director and later confirmed as substantive Director in the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, from 2013 – 2017. While serving as Director, he facilitated the establishment of Seven (7) entrepreneurship skills acquisition centres for human capital development and revenue generation.

In March 2017, Prof. Utsev was appointed as Honourable Commissioner, in charge of the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment, Benue State, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the growth of the Engineering profession and society at large. While serving as commissioner, one of his notable achievements was the completion of the long-abandoned Idye Basin Flood and Erosion Control Project in Makurdi, Benue state, which has significantly reduced the perennial flash floods experienced by residents of the basin.

In 2020, he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Director, Engineering, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi, Benue State. Here in his usual manner, the erudite scholar and management expert initiated and administered the design and construction of several irrigation and water supply infrastructure in the catchment area of the authority in line with the mandate and vision of the Buhari-led administration.

In recognition of his hard work and commitment to the ideas of nation building, President Muhammadu Buhari again in 2021 appointed him as the pioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic Wannune – Benue State where he brought his engineering prowess to bear by willingly  initiating, leading and coordinating the designs and construction of modern office blocks, Lecture theatres, access roads and walkways, workshops and laboratories, hostels, water, and electricity infrastructure among others projects within a very short time. This was instrumental to the swift take-off of academic and management activities in the infant institution.

In a like manner, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, swore him in as the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation. Prof. Utsev in his usual disposition has already hit the ground running by conducting facility assessment of parastatals and agencies under his Ministry with a view to repositioning them for effectiveness, especially in ensuring food security, revenue, and employment generation in the country.

He has successfully, supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate research and has also attended many professional conferences and workshops across Nigeria, Africa, the United States of America, United Kingdom, among others.

AWARDS/HONOURS

Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev is a recipient of many awards which include but are not limited to the following:

• Award of Excellence. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Alumni Association -Campus Branch. 2023
• Award of Excellence for Contribution to Automotive Industry in Benue/Nigeria at Large. Automotive and Locomotive Engineers Institute. 2023
• Best Commissioner in the Water/Environmental Sector in Nigeria. Nigerian Independent Assessors. 2018
• Best Graduating Student. Civil Engineering Department.
• Most Resourceful Lecturer. Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, FUAM Chapter.
• Distinguished Merit Award. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Alumni Association – Campus Chapter. 2018
• Academic Noble Award. Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria.
• Distinguished Merit Award for Water Resources Engineering Infrastructural Development, The Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, Makurdi Chapter. 2018
• Award for Effective Service Delivery and Open Door Policy. Jemgbagh Media Forum.
• Jemgbagh Youth Ambassador. Jemgbagh Students Association.
• Onov Mba CWO Mba Tavershima. Catholic Women Organization, St. Joseph’s Parish, Akpehe, Makurdi.
• Vessel of Perseverance. FYB Forum, Catholic Chaplaincy, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
• Best Honourable Commissioner in the Water/Environmental sector in Nigeria by Independent Assessors- 2018.
• Academic Noble Award by the Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria in 2016.
• Award for Effective Service Delivery and Open Door Policy by the Jemgbagh Media Forum – 2018.
• Distinguished Merit Award for Water Resources Engineering Infrastructural Development – 2018.
• Appreciation by ACE Events management, UK, for support at the 2017 Edition of Water Africa and West Africa Building & Construction.

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES

Engr. Prof. Terlumun Utsev is a Registered Civil Engineer by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a:

• Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers,
• Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers,
• Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers,
• Fellow, Automobile and Locomotive Engineers Institute.
• Fellow, Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria,
• Fellow, Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria,
• Member, Institute of Entrepreneurs of Nigeria,
• Graduate Member, Nigerian Institution of Management among others.

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Makurdi Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers and is currently the National Ex-Officio of the Institution.

Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev enjoys reading, initiating new research frontiers, traveling, and playing badminton. He is happily married and the marriage is blessed with children.