Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the redeployment of Dr. Tunji Alausa, the former Minister of State for Health, to his new role as Minister of Education as a recognition of his exceptional work.
According to Pate, Alausa’s new appointment is “a reward for good work.”
Prof. Pate made these remarks during a handover ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, November 4, 2024, where Dr. Alausa transferred responsibilities to his successor, Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye.
Reflecting on Alausa’s service, the Coordinating Minister praised his capacity, commitment, and teamwork, noting that these qualities played a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“He is a man with vision and a collaborative spirit,” Pate said. “These attributes have been instrumental in the transformative progress within the health sector, making services more effective, efficient, and accessible to Nigerians.”
As he wished Dr. Alausa success in his new role as Minister of Education, Prof. Pate remarked, “The reward for work is more work, and the reward for good work is even more work. So, I am not surprised.”
The Coordinating Minister also welcomed Dr. Salako Adeboye as the new Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, expressing confidence in his contribution to the ministry’s goals.
Pate affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building on recent achievements to revitalize the health sector, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event’s high point was the formal transfer of handover notes by Dr. Alausa to Dr. Adeboye, in the presence of Prof. Pate, Permanent Secretary Kachollom Daju, and senior departmental directors.
In addition to the handover, Dr. Alausa’s final duties included issuing appointment letters to ten new Medical Directors of federal hospitals and newly established Federal Medical Centres in Misau, Bauchi State; Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State; and Epe, Lagos State.
Addressing the new Medical Directors, Dr. Alausa encouraged them to be diligent, prudent, and focused in their roles. He reminded them of the saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and emphasized, “Focus on projects that can be completed on time. Every government investment in healthcare should make a tangible difference for our citizens.”
