By Esther Onyegbula

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has received dual national honours from the National Association of Nigerian Students and the Youth Coalition for Education in Nigeria in recognition of what the groups described as his contributions to media development and societal transformation.

The awards were presented during a ceremony at Ilobanafor’s office, attended by student leaders and youth advocates, who said the joint recognition reflected his role in advancing developmental journalism, promoting credible narratives and amplifying youth-centred discourse across Nigeria and the African continent.

Under the honours, NANS designated Ilobanafor as an “Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation,” while YOCEN conferred on him a “Certificate of Noble Prize for Excellence,” alongside the title “Vanguard of Societal Transformation in Nigeria.”

The organisers described the dual recognition as a milestone acknowledging what they termed his professionalism, integrity and consistency in reshaping the Nigerian and African media narrative.

Speaking during the presentation, the YOCEN delegation said Ilobanafor’s selection followed what it called a rigorous review of his professional record. The group cited his commitment to ethical journalism, courage in storytelling and sustained efforts to amplify the voices of underserved communities.

According to the delegation, his body of work exemplifies excellence and a steadfast commitment to truth, adding that his leadership at CEOAFRICA has helped project positive stories about Nigeria and the continent.

In his acceptance remarks, Ilobanafor expressed appreciation to the student leaders, describing the recognition as significant because it came from the youth constituency.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Nigerian students, the leaders of tomorrow,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to national service. “I remain grateful and will continue to serve my country in the best way I know.”

He urged young people to take active roles in national development, encouraging the visiting student leaders to act as ambassadors of positive change. According to him, Nigeria’s greatest asset lies in its youthful population, stressing that expanding opportunities for service and innovation remains critical to national progress.

Ilobanafor also highlighted his role as initiator of the Geneith Health Competition, a platform designed to mobilise secondary and tertiary institution students in the fight against malaria through advocacy. He encouraged students to participate in the 2026 edition of the initiative, describing it as a youth-driven intervention against the disease.

Organisers maintained that the honours reflect Ilobanafor’s advocacy for young people, promotion of responsible journalism and commitment to positive societal values, which they said align with the core ideals of both organisations.