By Esther Onyegbula

As Nigerians marked this year’s Democracy Day celebration, leaders of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) have commended citizens for embracing the anti-malaria movement, describing the growing participation in the initiative as a demonstration of collective commitment to improving public health and national development.

In a joint Democracy Day message, the Initiator of the Geneith Health Competition and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Iloabanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals and sponsor of the initiative, Prince Ilobanafor, said the competition, powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, has continued to attract increasing participation from students, youth leaders and community advocates across the country.

They said the overwhelming response reflects what they described as a national awakening and renewed determination among young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the fight against malaria.

According to the leaders, Democracy Day represents more than the celebration of political freedom, stressing that genuine development must also include freedom from preventable diseases that continue to threaten the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians.

“The growing interest in the Geneith Health Competition demonstrates the willingness of young people to take ownership of Nigeria’s health future and actively participate in nation-building,” they stated.

The GHC leadership also welcomed the recent passage of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination Bill by the Senate, describing it as a significant legislative milestone capable of strengthening the country’s malaria elimination efforts.

They further expressed support for the healthcare initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that disease prevention and improved healthcare delivery remain critical to sustainable national development.

Speaking on the importance of the campaign, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa said malaria elimination remains an achievable goal if stakeholders sustain current efforts and commitments.

“Countries around the world have successfully eliminated malaria, and Nigeria has the resources, expertise and human capacity to achieve the same result. Future generations deserve a healthier society built on the commitment and sacrifices of today’s citizens,” he said.

Umenwa identified students and young people as the driving force behind the campaign, noting that their creativity, innovation and energy make them powerful agents of change in the quest to improve health outcomes across communities.

Echoing the position, Iloabanafor said the increasing number of young Nigerians seeking to participate in the initiative shows that citizens are ready to take collective action against malaria.

“The steady influx of prospective participants is evidence of growing national consciousness and a willingness among Nigerians to support initiatives that directly improve lives and strengthen communities,” he said.

He called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to sustain awareness campaigns and keep malaria elimination at the forefront of national discourse.

The GHC initiator also urged students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to embrace their roles as Anti-Malaria Ambassadors by leading advocacy campaigns and promoting preventive measures within their communities.

The organisation’s leadership stressed that achieving a malaria-free Nigeria would require coordinated efforts among government institutions, private sector players, educational institutions, community leaders, development partners and citizens.

They called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that policy initiatives translate into measurable outcomes capable of reducing the burden of malaria across the country.

“As Nigeria celebrates another year of democratic governance, citizens must remain resolute in the fight against malaria. This campaign represents a national movement aimed at protecting lives, strengthening communities and securing a healthier future for generations to come,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, registration for the Geneith Health Competition remains open, with students from various parts of the country continuing to enroll as the initiative expands its nationwide advocacy for malaria elimination and improved public health outcomes.