….Urge students to intensify preparation ahead of October 30 nationally

As the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) draws close, 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, have called on secondary school and tertiary institution students across Nigeria to embrace the responsibility of leading the fight against malaria, describing the disease as one of the country’s most persistent public health threats.

They also urged the students to intensify their preparation as the nation gears up for what is fast becoming one of Africa’s biggest youth-driven health competitions.

Describing the final weeks before the contest as the period when champions are truly made, the organizers urged participants to devote themselves to disciplined study, research, critical thinking, and personal development.

They also appealed to school administrators nationwide to support the initiative by ensuring that every eligible student has the opportunity to register and participate.
Organized by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, GHC is a nationwide initiative aimed at combating 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, reinforcing its role as a strategic platform for raising a new generation of health ambassadors committed to malaria elimination in Nigeria.

Students are encouraged to complete their registration through the official competition portal, as enrollment remains open for qualified participants across the country.

Speaking on the growing impact of the initiative, Iloabanafor said the competition has attracted an overwhelming response from students nationwide, reflecting the readiness of Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to solving one of the country’s biggest public health challenges.

His words: “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.”

He noted that the competition has rapidly evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for nurturing young talents while promoting health education and community engagement.
Iloabanafor encouraged participants to recognize the important role they play in shaping the nation’s future.

“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,” he stated.

Iloabanafor reminded contestants that outstanding performance begins with adequate preparation.

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

Calling on school administrators, he stressed that no qualified student should be left behind.

“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 also directed project activators to wear their official identity cards, branded caps and other approved means of identification during school visits to promote transparency and public confidence throughout the registration exercise.

Iloabanafor further appealed to schools to actively encourage student participation during the final weeks leading to the competition, stating broad participation would strengthen the campaign’s impact and help inspire a generation of informed health advocates.

Umenwa also challenged young Nigerians to embrace the responsibility of leading the fight against malaria, describing the disease as one of the country’s most persistent public health threats.

“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,” he urged.

To encourage excellence, the organizers announced a N1 billion prize package, comprising cash rewards, scholarships, training opportunities, educational materials, and other gift items. Outstanding participants will also receive prizes at different stages of the competition to recognize exceptional performance throughout the contest.

According to the organizers, the GHC goes beyond academic excellence by developing participants into community-based Malaria Ambassadors who will promote healthy practices within their schools, homes and communities, contributing to Nigeria’s long-term malaria elimination efforts.

The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria continues to bear one of the world’s highest malaria burdens. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had previously described the project as a timely intervention, while public health experts continue to emphasize the importance of education, environmental sanitation and community participation in eliminating malaria.

As the countdown to October 30, 2026 continues, anticipation is building across schools and campuses nationwide. The organizers said preparations are in top gear to deliver a world-class competition that will celebrate academic excellence while empowering thousands of young Nigerians to become leaders in the campaign against malaria.