By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO – In a historic recognition of exceptional service and leadership, the District Head of Kware, Alhaji Muhammadu Dan’iya, has conferred the revered traditional title of Zaruman Kware on Professor Shehu Sale, the outgoing Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Kware.

The installation ceremony, held on Saturday, coincided with Prof. Sale’s final day in office—marking the culmination of a tenure that transformed FNPH Kware and positively impacted the broader community.

Alhaji Dan’iya praised Prof. Sale’s exemplary contributions, highlighting his community-focused initiatives that improved healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare across Kware. According to the District Head, the Zaruman Kware title—the first of its kind in the chiefdom—was a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for Sale’s legacy of developmental leadership and public service excellence.

“Prof. Sale brought transformation not only to the hospital but to the entire community. From access to potable water and youth empowerment to infrastructure and employment opportunities, his leadership has left a lasting impact,” Dan’iya said.

A Consultant Psychiatrist and Master Trainer, Prof. Sale led numerous high-impact projects at FNPH Kware, turning it into a model institution with expanded facilities and enhanced service delivery. His efforts extended beyond the hospital, driving initiatives that uplifted livelihoods and improved the quality of life for Kware residents.

The traditional ruler encouraged the new titleholder to remain steadfast in unity, sincerity, and service, emphasizing that development fosters peace and brings communities together.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Sale expressed deep gratitude for the honour, pledging continued support for public health and regional development through his experience in medical administration and policy.

“Kware has become my second home,” Sale said. “I am committed to working closely with traditional institutions to advance our shared goals of growth, inclusion, and well-being.”

He also acknowledged the important role traditional rulers play in community cohesion and development, pledging to partner with grassroots leaders for sustained impact.

Former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Hassan Nasiha, commended the District Head for the timely and well-deserved honour, noting that such recognitions inspire continued excellence among public service professionals.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Vice Chairman of Kware Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammad Umar; the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali-Junaid; government officials; and many well-wishers.

The event also showcased the recent commissioning of key infrastructure projects initiated under Prof. Sale’s leadership. These projects—launched earlier in the week by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako—include:

A Molecular Laboratory

An Intensive Care Unit

A Regional Women and Children Drug Dependency Treatment Centre

An Accident and Emergency Centre

A Multipurpose Students’ Hostel

A School of Post Basic Nursing (Psychiatry)

An ICT Centre, multi-purpose hall, and alternative power system

The Minister lauded these developments as vital to enhancing patient outcomes and institutional efficiency, cementing Prof. Sale’s legacy as a transformative leader in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.