In a passionate call to action, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, delivered a compelling welcome address at the official launch of the Geneith Health Competition, a youth-driven initiative aimed at combating malaria in Nigeria.
Addressing a cross-section of dignitaries, stakeholders, and media representatives, Prince Ilobanafor lauded the collective commitment of attendees to tackling one of the nation’s most pressing public health challenges.
“We gather today under the theme of this year’s World Malaria Day—‘Let’s come together to Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite, and Stay Committed.’ This is more than a slogan; it’s a powerful mandate to act,” he said. “Malaria continues to steal lives, especially in vulnerable and rural communities. It is time we empower our youth to lead the fight.”
The Geneith Health Competition, he explained, is structured to engage Junior and Senior Secondary School students as well as Tertiary Institution students in malaria advocacy and innovation. Participants will be tasked with developing context-specific solutions through public health campaigns and community engagement over the coming year.
Prince Ilobanafor extended gratitude to supporting partners including the World Health Organization, Nigeria’s National Rollback Malaria Program, and the Federal Ministries of Health and Education. He also thanked state commissioners, development agencies, educators, civil society groups, and media organizations for their collaborative efforts.
He reserved special appreciation for Geneith under Coatal Softgel and other supporting brands, commending their generous sponsorship. “Your support enables us to arm young Nigerians with the tools and knowledge to become health ambassadors. Through them, we are building a future of proactive public health leadership,” he stated.
As the event unfolds with a detailed briefing on the competition’s structure and impact goals, Ilobanafor called on participants to contribute meaningfully to the discourse. “Let us inspire hope and commitment in our youth. Let us work hand-in-hand to eliminate malaria,” he concluded.
The launch marked the beginning of what organizers and stakeholders hope will be a transformative movement in malaria prevention, led by the energy and creativity of Nigeria’s youth.
