By Esther Onyegbula

Members of the Geneith Health Competition, GHC, Activation Team have celebrated the initiator of the competition and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, on the occasion of his birthday, while reaffirming their commitment to the campaign against malaria in Nigeria.

The team said the greatest birthday gift they could offer the media entrepreneur would be the successful implementation of the Geneith Health Competition aimed at reducing malaria prevalence and improving healthcare outcomes across the country.

In a statement signed by Mr. Emmanuel Adams on behalf of the activation team on Sunday, the group described Prince Iloabanafor as a visionary leader, accomplished journalist, development communicator and public health advocate whose contributions continue to inspire positive change within and outside Nigeria.

According to the statement, Prince Iloabanafor has distinguished himself through his commitment to journalism, information technology, public communication and social development.

The team noted that his dedication to innovation and national development has earned him recognition across several sectors.

“Today is not merely a birthday celebration but a reflection of the growth and impact of a young leader whose vision continues to inspire hope among Nigerians and beyond. His commitment to national development has established him as one of the emerging voices of responsible leadership in the country,” the statement read.

Speaking further, Adams described the celebrant as an intelligent and courageous leader committed to nation-building and societal progress.

“You are obviously very intelligent and fearless, and we are proud to be part of your vision for nation-building and the progress of Nigeria. Nigeria needs voices that challenge the status quo, encourage thoughtful discourse, and keep hope alive for the future of our country,” Adams stated.

The activation team also commended Prince Iloabanafor’s efforts toward transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector through innovative interventions and strategic partnerships.

“Your tireless dedication to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Your guidance and humility continue to shape the futures of many across the country. Your remarkable contributions to the media landscape and your unwavering support for peace, harmony, and inclusive development remain exemplary,” the statement added.

The group applauded his role in promoting responsible public engagement and strengthening democratic discourse, noting that his advocacy on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians has continued to encourage active citizen participation.

Members of the Geneith Health Team, GHT, who also joined in the celebration, wished the CEOAFRICA boss many more years of good health and service to humanity.

According to them, Prince Iloabanafor’s longevity and sustained impact remain evidence of his commitment to justice, equity and social progress.

The statement highlighted several local and international recognitions received by the celebrant for his contributions to socio-economic development, media excellence and humanitarian service.

Among the honours mentioned was the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the Global African Shores of African Union Diaspora during a Roundtable Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022.

In 2023, he also received the Arikana Excellence Award from the African Diaspora Development Institute, ADDI, in Washington D.C., United States, in recognition of his contributions to African development.

Locally, the statement noted that Prince Iloabanafor has received commendations from organisations including the Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, SCHAF, Arewa Youth groups, educational institutions, student bodies and professional associations for his contributions to healthcare advocacy, education and public service.

As a digital media and Information and Communication Technology, ICT, expert, the team said Prince Iloabanafor has represented Africa at several international engagements focused on African languages, digital transformation and sustainable development.

The birthday celebration also coincided with the 11th anniversary of CEOAFRICA, which the team described as a milestone in media excellence and continental impact.

According to the statement, the organisation has evolved into a leading African communication platform offering objective journalism, documentary production, digital advertising, corporate communication solutions and strategic media partnerships.

Reacting to the tributes, Prince Iloabanafor said his greatest birthday wish remains the achievement of a malaria-free Nigeria.

He explained that the Geneith Health Competition was conceived as a practical intervention designed to mobilise young people, healthcare stakeholders and communities in the fight against malaria.

According to him, the success of health interventions capable of saving lives and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians would represent the true celebration of his life and work.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceutical and sponsor of the Geneith Health Competition urged ambassadors of the anti-malaria initiative to intensify efforts toward ensuring the success of the programme.

He called on participants and volunteers to embrace the vision of the initiative and strengthen grassroots advocacy to maximise its impact nationwide.

As preparations intensify for the rollout of the competition, members of the activation team expressed optimism that the initiative would serve as a transformative platform for healthcare innovation, public awareness and malaria prevention.

The team reaffirmed its commitment to the successful delivery of the project and appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals and members of the public to support the initiative.

According to the group, sustained partnerships and collective action remain critical to achieving the vision of a malaria-free Nigeria and securing a healthier future for coming generations.