Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceutical, has called on all Ambassadors of the War against Malaria initiative to redouble their efforts to ensure the success of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC). The GHC, he explained, was conceived as a practical intervention to mobilize young people, healthcare stakeholders, and communities in the fight against malaria, one of Nigeria's most persistent public health challenges.
Grassroots Advocacy Urged
Iloabanafor urged participants and volunteers to embrace the vision of the initiative and intensify grassroots advocacy to maximize its impact across communities nationwide. He emphasized that collective action is critical to reducing malaria prevalence and improving health outcomes.
Birthday Felicitations
Members of the GHC Activation Team extended warm birthday wishes to Iloabanafor, reaffirming their commitment to the nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating malaria in Nigeria. In a statement signed by Mr. Emmanuel Adams, Iloabanafor was celebrated as an accomplished media entrepreneur, language advocate, development communicator, and public health champion. The team described him as one of Nigeria's finest journalists and media professionals, whose achievements in journalism, information technology, public communication, and social development have earned him widespread recognition.
According to the statement, Iloabanafor's dedication to professional excellence, innovation, and national development has positioned him as a dependable leader. His consistency, humility, and passion for service continue to inspire colleagues, associates, and young Nigerians. The team noted that his birthday represents more than a personal milestone, describing it as a celebration of a visionary leader whose ideas and initiatives continue to ignite hope and strengthen the prospects of a better Nigeria.
“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.
Paying a personal tribute, Adams described Iloabanafor as an intelligent, courageous, and forward-thinking leader whose contributions to nation-building continue to make a significant difference. “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.
Visionary Healthcare Leadership
The GHC Activation Team commended Iloabanafor's visionary leadership and his unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria's healthcare landscape 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 team stated.
The group also applauded his efforts in promoting responsible public engagement, strengthening democratic discourse, and amplifying issues of national importance, noting that his work continues to encourage active citizen participation in the quest for a better society.
Support from Geneith Health Team
Members of the Geneith Health Team (GHT) wished Iloabanafor many more years of good health, fulfilment, and continued service to humanity. They described his longevity and sustained impact as evidence of his unwavering belief in justice, equity, and social progress. According to the team, his advocacy efforts and courageous interventions on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians have consistently positioned him as a respected voice for positive change and societal advancement.
Recognitions and Achievements
The statement highlighted numerous local and international recognitions received by Iloabanafor for his contributions to socio-economic development, media excellence, and humanitarian service. Among these is the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by the Global African Shores of African Union Diaspora during a Roundtable Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022. In 2023, he received the prestigious Arikana Excellence Award from the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) in Washington, D.C., United States, for his contributions to African development.
Locally, he has received honours from institutions such as the Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF), Arewa Youth groups, educational institutions, student bodies, and numerous professional organizations for his contributions to public service, healthcare advocacy, education, and national development.
As a respected expert in Digital Media and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Iloabanafor has represented Africa on several international platforms, including African Union programmes focused on African languages, digital transformation, and sustainable development. As a member of the African Union African Language Week Coordinating Committee, he remains passionate about advancing the continent's development agenda and promoting the realization of the African Union Agenda 2063.
CEOAFRICA Milestone
The birthday celebration coincides with a major milestone for CEOAFRICA, which recently marked eleven years of media excellence and continental impact. The media organization has grown into a leading African communication platform, providing objective journalism, documentary production, digital advertising, corporate communication solutions, and strategic media partnerships across the continent. It currently serves as a media partner to several prominent institutions and development organizations, further advancing its mission of projecting Africa's stories, opportunities, and achievements to the global community.
Birthday Wish: Malaria-Free Nigeria
Reacting to the numerous tributes, Iloabanafor stated that his greatest birthday wish remains the realization of a malaria-free Nigeria. According to him, the true celebration of his life and work lies in the success of health interventions capable of saving lives and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Geneith Health Competition Rollout
As preparations intensify for the rollout of the Geneith Health Competition, members of the activation team expressed optimism that the initiative will serve as a transformative platform for healthcare innovation, public awareness, and malaria prevention. They noted that the greatest birthday gift they could offer the initiator would be the successful implementation of the competition and the realization of its ultimate goal of reducing malaria prevalence and improving health outcomes across Nigeria.
The team reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the project successfully and called on government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to support the initiative. According to the team, collective action and sustained partnerships will be critical to achieving the vision of a malaria-free Nigeria and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
