Ex-minister Pate gets Dan’iyan Ibi title in Taraba

Sarkin Ibi inTaraba State, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbawuro III, has bestowed the traditional title of Dan Iyan Ibi on the former Minister of State for Health, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, for his contribution to the health sector in the country.
Alhaji Bawuro III, while receiving the former minister in his palace Saturday, said he was impressed by the way the former minister handled the responsibilities entrusted to him by bringing in innovations in curbing child and maternal health, success in polio eradication and controlling other vaccine preventable diseases in the country during his tenure.
The royal father said Pate, while serving as Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), initiated the involvement of traditional leaders in resolving health challenges such as polio eradication, routine immunization and primary health care, particularly in the North, where there was suspicion over the taking of oral polio vaccine.
Dr Pate, who is also the Chigari of Misau in his home state of Bauchi State, thanked the royal father for the title, saying he was overwhelmed by the gesture.
He pleaded for support for his new undertakings through the Chigari Foundation, which he said is focused on health and education.
The title of Dan Iya is usually bestowed on distinguished citizens to acknowledge their contributions and leadership in social development.