The Council of Northern Youth Advocates of Nigeria (CNYAN) has called for an increase in budget allocation to education in Northern Nigeria.
According to the Council, the increase in budget allocation to education will help reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, as the number of out-of-school children is on the rise in the North.

The President of CNYAN, Hon. Muhammed, made this call at the presentation of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award to the Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor.
The award recognises his immense contributions towards a united and indivisible Nigeria, highlighting his role as the Garkuwan Matasan Arewa and an Icon and Cynosure of nation-building.
“We have urged the government to invest in education and explore ways to take these children off the streets, educate and enlighten them so they can be useful to themselves and society,” he stated.

He further commended Ilobanafor, stating, “Having gone through your track record, we have come to say that your life isn’t a predicament but a blessing to this generation and the ones yet unborn. The sky will not be your limit; we are ready to work and partner with you.”
Muhammed underscored the significance of Prince Ilobanafor’s recognition. He praised his impactful efforts on the lives of the masses and his dedication to projecting Africa’s image positively.
“He has been instrumental in telling our stories in a better way,” Muhammed noted, commending Ilobanafor’s fervent advocacy for the youth and his contributions to fostering national coherence.

CNYAN emphasised that Ilobanafor’s nomination was the result of thorough scrutiny, asserting, “At a time when national peace and integration are most topical, what seems most imperative is building bridges of national unity and cohesion. This accolade affirms his commitment to creating a unified future for Nigeria.”
The award presented to Ilobanafor read: “In appreciation of your immense contribution towards a united, one indivisible Nigeria; being a vanguard of youth emancipation and serving as a bridge of national unity and consensus. This acknowledgement highlights your longstanding commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.”

In his acceptance speech, Prince Ilobanafor expressed his gratitude and honour, stating, “I am so honoured to receive this award from the youth of the Northern extraction – the youth who are the future of tomorrow. So I accept this wholeheartedly.”
He continued: “One of the things that is dear to my heart, apart from what we do at CEOAFRICA, which is projecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa, is the initiative on how to eliminate malaria. We would be happy to also make the CNYAN president an ambassador of this war against malaria.”

He highlighted the Geneith Health Competition, for which Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd has donated ₦1 billion, aimed at empowering secondary and tertiary institution students about the prevention of malaria. By engaging youths in this initiative, they can become ambassadors towards the fight against malaria, helping our country work towards becoming a malaria-free nation.
He passionately emphasised the importance of investing in Nigerian youth, stating, “Nigerian youths are the biggest asset we have.”

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise youth development, asserting that “investing in our youths is essential for the Nigeria we want.”
Ilobanafor’s vision for unity and empowerment was evident in his passionate address. He emphasised the urgent need to give Nigerian youth opportunities to serve, stating, “Our country is blessed with many wonderful resources, including our youth. All we are asking for is to give the youth an opportunity to serve, and Nigeria will be a better country.”