Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) on Friday, canvased support for a concerted effort for a fight against malaria in the country and called on government at all levels and other stakeholders to join in the fight.

Gowon made the call yesterday when he led a team of health experts working with his Non-Governmental Organization, Gowon Foundation in the fight against malaria disease in the country on an advocacy visit to the Nasarawa state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura at the Government House Lafia.

The former Head of State, who commended the state government for her efforts in the elimination of guinea worm disease in the country, told the governor that he was in the state to canvass the support of the state government towards the elimination of malaria disease in the state and country in general.

He maintained that the task of eradicating was a collective responsibility, pointing out that only team spirit from government and other stakeholders could lead to total elimination of malaria and other neglected diseases like glaucoma, blindness among others.

Gowon commended the state government for the warm reception accorded him and his team and solicited for prayers for the oneness of Nigeria and her leaders at all levels to enable them serve the people well.

Responding Governor Al-Makura, who was overwhelmed by the visit, assured that his government was ready to collaborate and support fully, the fight against malaria disease in the state and country in general.

Al-Makura who described the former Head of State as a patriotic Nigerian with an uncommon commitment for the oneness and well-being of the country, noted that Nasarawa shall remain grateful to General Gowon because of his untiring efforts that led to the elimination of guinea worm and other diseases in the state in particular and the country in general.