Dan-Hassan: A trailblazer in FCT water, sanitation

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By Muhammad N. Imam

Pioneer Executive Director (ED), FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate (RUWASSA), Dr. Mohammed Ali Dan-Hassan, has been extolled as one whose career exemplifies dedication, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to water and sanitation development in the FCT.

At his recent retirement ceremony at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre, Abuja, his humility not only became so manifest but it became a platform of praise and admiration.

The Acting Director of FCT RUWASSA, Abigail Patricia Ekpenisi, Mrs. Joy Okoro, a former Director, FCT Water Board, and other highly respected figures that at one time or the other shaped the water sector of the FCT, attested to the fact that Dan-Hassan is indeed humane, accommodating and gentle to the core.

Dr. Mrs Jumai Ahmadu, the Ag. Director Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department FCT Administration, in her welcome address at the event, described Dan-Hassan as a leader, a mentor, and a man whose dedication to public service has left an enduring legacy in the FCTA and in the heart of FCT residents.

“It is a gathering, not just to celebrate the end of a career, but a lifetime of innovation, commitment, humility, and service to humanity. His contribution, particularly in the area of rural water supply, sanitation and community development, has touched countless lives and strengthened the foundation of our development and istitution,” she said.

Born in Kaduna in 1964, of Kura LGA, Kano parents, Dr. Dan-Hassan’s primary education started at LEA Primary School Tudun Wada, Kaduna and secondary education Govt. Tech. College, Mashi, Katsina State.

He then proceeded to A.B.U. Zaria to read Applied Geology, then bagged his M.Sc. in Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife then crowned it with a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from Federal University of Technology, Minna in 2013.

During Dr. Dan-Hassan’s tenure, he was instrumental in reforming key water sector under his purview and focused on modernization, capacity enhancement, and helped strengthen FCT’s rural water sector, making it more efficient and responsive to emerging challenges.

His administration was characterized by transparency, accountability, and a people-centred approach to governance which was a testament to his trailblazing leadership in public service.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dan-Hassan is playing a key role in humanitarian services. He was President, Rotary Club, Wuse Central (2019/20), District Executive Secretary, Rotary International District 9125 (2022/23), and Major Donor Level 1 as well as National Chairman, Rotary Fellowship of Tea Lovers, Nigeria.

Here’s a man who has served variously, first as Field Geologist, Water Surveys (Nig.) Ltd, Bauchi, then as Lecturer II, Geology Department, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Dr. Dan-Hassan has indeed carved his niche as a sector expert in Geology/Hydrogeology, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), rural water supply, community mobilisation and environmental health interventions.

At the FCT Water Board where he had served, he was Chief Hydrogeologist, Asst. Director, Deputy Director and Director (Geology) from 1995-2024.

After serving as Ag.Executive Director (ED), FCT RUWASSA from November 2020 he was confirmed as substantive ED from October 2022.

A member, International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), and Fellow, Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists (NAM), Dan-Hassan came with a mission to change the narrative by ensuring that every community in the FCT has access to drinkable water.

Among his key mandates and initiative at RUWASSA include his efforts to eliminate open defecation in FCT under Presidential Order 009 of 2018.

Dan-Hassan was also responsible for the provision and rehabilitation of water supply schemes in rural/peri-urban communities, borehole drilling, improving access to potable and safe water, as well as public toilet facilities.

His academic acumen is also evident as he was Adjunct Associate Professor of Geology, IBB University, Lapai, Niger State, and is currently engaged as Adjunct Lecturer and Research Fellow, Jose A. Centeno International Centre for Medical Geology Research, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

It comes as no surprise therefore that Dr. Dan-Hassan has published a 199-page book on the Hydrogeology (Groundwater Dynamics) of the FCT, Abuja.

Water is life, it nurtures us and sustains us daily and drives our local economy, and while FCTA remains committed to reducing multidimensional poverty levels and achieving set targets in water sanitation and hygiene, and being committed to meeting the universal access to water sanitation by the SDG target of 2030, Dr. Dan-Hassan, during his tenure, did everything to ensure the provision of drinkable water.

Many others took their turn at Dan-Hassan’s send-forth to emphasise that Dan-Hassan’s tenure at RUWASSA marked the touching of all the nooks and crannies of the FCT by providing access to water leaving a landmark of government intervention.

With a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and compassion that transcends boundaries, among this visionary’s greatest acievements are the countless lives he’s transformed through his character and service to humanity.

His actions have underscored his philosophy, and demonstrates a remarkable willingness to lead through team work, which is defined by a code that reveals his true symphony as one of selflessness, wisdom, and kindness garbed in humility thus reinforcing social cohesion and collective progress and thus achieving true sophistication.

We honor not only his achievements but also his character. His legacy serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not in seeking recognition or power but in serving others with humility and compassion.

Kudos to Dr. M.A. Dan-Hassan, whose legacy as a trailblazer encompasses both his leadership and transformative role, continues to set a high standard for public service and community empowerment in FCT and beyond.

We thus hail Dan-Hassan, a shining example of humility and sophistication – may his life continue to inspire generations to come. Happy Retirement, Sir.

Imam, a media practitioner, wrote from Wuse 2, Abuja