The country representative of the Carter Centre in Nigeria, Dr Emmanuel Miri, has stated that the exceptional leadership qualities that the former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has brought to bear in the Centre have led to the successful elimination of Guinea worm and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria.
Dr Miri, who worked with Gen. Yakubu Gowon at the Carter Centre, stated this in an interview with LEADERSHIP to mark his 90th birthday anniversary in Jos.
He also disclosed that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter invited Gen. Yakubu Gowon in 1998 to join the Carter Centre in a move to eradicate the Guinea worm.
He said Nigeria was one of the most endemic countries with genuine worms then.
Miri explained that 20 countries globally were infected with guinea worm, 17 of which were African countries. At the same time, Nigeria alone had over 650,000 cases, adding that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was worried about the development.
He noted that the last cases of Guinea worm were in 2008, stressing that since Gen. Gowon’s involvement, they could eliminate the disease, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has given Nigeria a certificate indicating that guinea worm has been eliminated from the country.
Miri also stated that after he succeeded in eliminating the disease, Gen. Yakubu Gowon Centre was also nominated by Global Fund to be the principal recipient of funding for Malaria in Nigeria.
“Gen Gowon was deeply involved in the Malaria program he led, and in 2010, the Carter Center signed another memorandum of understanding (MoU) with his Center to fight neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Dr. Miri further stressed, “ I can proudly say the program was a huge success under his watch. His exceptional leadership qualities have led to the total elimination of River blindness and Lymphatic Phylarisis in Plateau and Nasarawa states.”
He further argued that since the former Head of State retired from the military, he has engaged himself in the fight against neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria and other African countries.
“What touched me most about Gen. Yakubu Gowon was his humility. He is not shy or afraid of going to rural areas.”
Dr Miri also stressed, “We went with him to the most difficult terrain, where he dropped his car and trekked on foot a long distance to meet with women and children to educate them on tackling these diseases. This is a unique leadership quality that no past or serving Nigerian leader possessed.”
He urged the present crop of leaders in the country to emulate Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s attributes and learn to serve the people and not want to be served.
Dr. Miri further added that Gen Yakubu Gowon’s contributions to global health will never be forgotten in a hurry.
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