The District Head of Lailaba and Sarkin Gobir Lailaba, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Mera, has endorsed the nationwide Geneith Health Competition and called on traditional rulers, governments and development partners to step up grassroots action to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.
The monarch gave the endorsement on August 18, 2026, when he received the competition’s Activator, Aminu Ahmad Zubairu, during a courtesy visit to his palace in Lailaba.
Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Mera said sustained investment, community mobilisation and stronger multisectoral collaboration were needed to keep malaria from regaining ground. He described the disease as a major threat to vulnerable and underserved populations.
“With strong commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action, and community engagement, malaria can be defeated,” the royal father said.
“Malaria is a killer disease, and anything that supports its eradication is welcome. Our students are ready to take up the challenge and excel in this competition.”
He urged stakeholders to ensure students in rural and hard-to-reach communities are included, and said Lailaba would support its students to participate. According to him, equipping young people with health knowledge will help carry vital information from schools into homes across Kebbi State.
“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.
Alhaji Mera also called on other traditional rulers, community leaders and corporate organisations to support the campaign, stressing that traditional institutions have a critical role in driving health interventions at the grassroots.
“The support for the Geneith Health Competition is growing, and we must capitalise on this momentum,” he added. “I urge all levels of government, private organisations, and community leaders to come together and support this initiative. Our united efforts are essential in effectively combating malaria and safeguarding the health of our citizens.”
Responding, Activator Aminu Ahmad Zubairu thanked the monarch for backing the youth-focused initiative.
“We are immensely grateful to His Royal Highness, Sarkin Gobir Lailaba, for opening his doors to us and standing firmly behind this youth-centred movement,” Zubairu said. “His royal blessings serve as a powerful catalyst that will inspire students across Kebbi State to actively join the fight for a malaria-free Nigeria.”
The Geneith Health Competition is organised by CEOAFRICA in partnership with the Department of Public Health, and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, makers of Coatal Forte Softgel. It is the brainchild of Prince Cletus Sunday Ilobanafor, Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, with support from Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Prince Ilobanafor said the competition is designed to turn students from passive recipients of health information into active ambassadors.
“Malaria is Nigeria’s deadliest enemy, causing economic deprivation and loss of lives. Through this competition, our goal is to see students become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the backing of traditional institutions is key to expanding grassroots participation and ensuring malaria education reaches households nationwide.
The competition targets secondary and tertiary students across Nigeria at state, regional and national levels. It combines health education, advocacy and contest elements, with scholarships, academic rewards and other prizes valued at over ₦1 billion.
Organisers said registration will close on October 30, 2026, and noted that support from traditional councils is helping build momentum for the campaign ahead of the deadline.
