The District Head of Lailaba and Sarkin Gobir Lailaba in Kebbi State, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Mera, has endorsed the nationwide Geneith Health Competition and urged traditional rulers, governments, and development partners to intensify efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria. Receiving the competition’s Activator, Aminu Ahmad Zubairu, in his palace on August 18, 2026, the monarch said malaria continues to threaten vulnerable and underserved communities, and warned that gains made could be lost without sustained investment and community action. “With strong commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action, and community engagement, malaria can be defeated,” he said. “Malaria is a killer disease, and anything that supports its eradication is welcome.”
Alhaji Mera called for greater involvement of young people in malaria prevention, stressing that students in rural and hard-to-reach areas must not be left behind. He pledged Lailaba’s support for students’ participation, noting that equipping them as health ambassadors will help spread prevention messages from schools to homes across Kebbi. “This is the kind of initiative the world must rally behind to foster sustainable healthcare solutions, bridge critical awareness gaps, and mobilise local actors against preventable diseases,” he said. The traditional ruler also urged other monarchs, community leaders, and corporate organizations to support the campaign, describing collective action as key to achieving a malaria-free society.
Responding, Activator Aminu Ahmad Zubairu thanked the monarch for backing the youth-focused initiative. Organised by CEOAFRICA in partnership with the Department of Public Health and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the competition targets secondary and tertiary students at state, regional and national levels. According to CEOAFRICA MD, Prince Cletus Sunday Ilobanafor, and Geneith Pharmaceuticals Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, the program aims to turn students into active malaria ambassadors, with scholarships and prizes worth over ₦1 billion. With registration running until October 30, 2026, organisers say growing support from traditional institutions is boosting nationwide participation.
