Nigeria Turns To Billionaires Dangote, Otedola, And Elumelu In Fight Against Malaria

The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to combat malaria, a major public health threat, by appointing a high-powered team of the nation's leading business magnates to spearhead the campaign. Over the weekend, billionaire businessmen Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, and banking titan Tony Elumelu were tasked with leading the National End Malaria Council (NEMC), a strategic move aimed at reducing the scourge of malaria, which continues to devastate the country.

This appointment builds on the earlier inclusion of these business magnates in the National Economy Advisory Committee in February, a strategic decision made by President Bola Tinubu in response to the economic pressures resulting from the naira's depreciation. The latest collaboration between the government and private sector leaders marks a significant step in addressing public health issues alongside economic revitalization efforts.

Femi Otedola, recently reinstated on the world's billionaires list , chairs Geregu Power Plc and FBN Holdings Plc. Aliko Dangote who ranks as the country's richest individual, leads the conglomerate Dangote Group, while Elumelu helms UBA Group and founded Heirs Holdings. Their leadership is expected to steer the country towards its goal of eliminating malaria, a disease that continues to claim over 600,000 lives globally each year, with Nigeria contributing more than a quarter of these cases.

During the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting Nigeria's disproportionate share of the global malaria burden. "Nigeria contributes more than a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 deaths, mostly among children and pregnant women," Alausa stated. He further outlined the socio-economic toll malaria imposes on the country, with the disease responsible for a significant percentage of childhood mortality, school absenteeism, and hospital visits.