Pate quits as minister, opts for US varsity post Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammed Pate The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammed Pate, on Wednesday resigned from the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan. His resignation, which has since been accepted by the President, took effect from Wednesday. In a letter to Jonathan, Pate said he was leaving to take up a Professorial seat in Duke University’s Global Health Institute, United States. He said in that new capacity, he would participate in a “university-wide Africa initiative and serve as Senior Adviser to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Washington DC.” Pate however offered the continuation of his service on part-time basis as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication and the public-private coalition for Saving One Million Lives Initiative. In the letter, he said, “As we have discussed, I wish to offer the continuation of my service on part-time basis as chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication and the public-private coalition for Saving One Million Lives Initiative, if you agree, in fulfillment of my previous commitment to see to the conclusion of these important national priorities. “This may entail an honorary advisory role reporting directly to you the progress at least on quarterly basis.” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told State House correspondents that Jonathan was highly elated that his cabinet was attracting global attention. He said the President saw Pate’s appointment as a plus for his administration and the country. Abati said Jonathan commended the minister for the integrity and competence he brought on board while carrying out his duties first, as the Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and later, as a minister. The President’s spokesman said it would be recalled that another cabinet member, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was one of those shortlisted for the position of World Bank President last year.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 05:16:44 +0000
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