By Esther Onyegbula

Organisers of the Geneith Health Competition, GHC, have called on secondary school and tertiary institution students across Nigeria to intensify preparations ahead of the national competition scheduled for October 30, 2026, as anticipation builds for what they described as one of Africa’s biggest youth-driven health competitions.

The Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and sponsor of the initiative, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, urged students to dedicate the remaining weeks before the competition to disciplined study, research, critical thinking and personal development.

They also appealed to school administrators across the country to ensure that all eligible students register and participate in the initiative.

Organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the Geneith Health Competition is a nationwide initiative designed to combat malaria through education, innovation, advocacy and youth engagement.

The competition has received the endorsement of the Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as part of efforts to raise a new generation of health ambassadors committed to malaria elimination in Nigeria.

Speaking on the growing acceptance of the initiative, Prince Iloabanafor said the competition had attracted overwhelming interest from students across the country, demonstrating the willingness of Nigerian youths to contribute to addressing one of the nation’s most pressing public health challenges.

He said: “The Geneith Health Competition has grown into a powerful national movement. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by students across Nigeria demonstrate that the next generation is prepared to become part of lasting healthcare solutions. Beyond winning prizes, this competition is about building informed young leaders who will champion the fight against malaria.”

According to him, the competition has rapidly evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for nurturing young talents while promoting health education and community engagement.

Encouraging participants to recognise their role in shaping the country’s future, he said: “Our children and youths are no longer merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are already making an impact today. By participating in this competition, you are helping to reshape Nigeria’s healthcare future. Approach this opportunity with confidence, discipline and determination, knowing that your knowledge can make a real difference.”

On his part, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa challenged young Nigerians to take responsibility for leading efforts against malaria, describing the disease as one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health threats.

He said: “Malaria continues to claim lives and limit the potential of millions of Nigerians. The younger generation possesses the energy, innovation and digital skills needed to drive sustainable change. This is your opportunity to become champions for healthier communities and build the healthier Nigeria we all desire.”

To encourage excellence, the organisers announced a ₦1 billion prize package comprising cash rewards, scholarships, training opportunities, educational materials and other gift items.

They disclosed that exceptional participants would also receive prizes at different stages of the competition in recognition of outstanding performance.
Prince Iloabanafor stressed that success in the competition would depend largely on adequate preparation.

He said: “Champions are made now, in the quiet hours of disciplined study, consistent research and focused preparation. This competition is more than an examination; it is an opportunity to become ambassadors for healthcare advancement in Nigeria.”

He advised contestants to regularly monitor their emails and the official competition website for updates on schedules, venues and competition guidelines, while urging them to rely only on verified communication channels.

The CEOAFRICA boss also appealed to schools across Nigeria to support the initiative by registering eligible students.
“We encourage schools across Nigeria to register their students and support this national movement that combines education with healthcare advocacy. Every eligible child deserves the opportunity to participate,” he said.

He further directed project activators involved in the registration exercise to wear their official identity cards, branded caps and other approved means of identification during school visits to enhance transparency and public confidence.
According to the organisers, the Geneith Health Competition goes beyond academic excellence by developing participants into community-based Malaria Ambassadors who will promote healthy practices within their schools, homes and communities, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s long-term malaria elimination efforts.

They noted that the initiative comes at a time Nigeria continues to bear one of the world’s highest malaria burdens, adding that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had previously described the project as a timely intervention.
Prince Iloabanafor further urged schools to encourage broad student participation during the final weeks leading to the competition, saying wider participation would strengthen the campaign against malaria and inspire a new generation of informed health advocates.

Chief Emmanuel Umenwa reaffirmed that the initiative reflects Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, youth empowerment and sustainable healthcare development.

“Our vision is to empower young Nigerians to become problem-solvers and future healthcare leaders through innovation and education. We remain committed to our guiding theme of Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite and Stay Committed,” he said.

The organisers said registration remains open for qualified participants nationwide through the official competition portal, adding that preparations are in top gear to deliver a world-class event that will celebrate academic excellence while empowering thousands of young Nigerians to become leaders in the campaign against malaria.