By: Manoah Kikekon
LAGOS, NIGERIA — As Nigeria marks another milestone on Democracy Day, the leadership of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) has united with citizens nationwide to celebrate the country’s democratic journey. In doing so, they highlighted a parallel triumph: the massive, youth-led public health movement aimed at eliminating malaria across the Federation.
In a joint commemorative 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 Emmanuel Umenwa, revealed that the competition powered by Coatal Forte Softgel is witnessing historic registration numbers from young Nigerians, student leaders, and grassroots community advocates.
The leadership emphasized that true democratic progress extends beyond political structures; it must encompass the fundamental right to health and freedom from preventable endemic diseases.
"Democracy Day symbolizes more than political freedom. True national progress must include freedom from preventable diseases like malaria that continue to burden millions of our citizens. The surging interest in the Geneith Health Competition reflects a profound determination among our youth to take ownership of Nigeria's health future."
The momentum of the GHC campaign aligns with critical legislative milestones, notably the recent passage of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination (NAME) Bill by the Nigerian Senate. The GHC leadership lauded the Senate's proactive stance and expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in prioritizing healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention, and sustainable public health outcomes as bedrock pillars of nation-building.
With secondary and tertiary students registering in droves, the initiative is successfully transforming the energy of the next generation into structured health advocacy.
"Malaria elimination is not just an idealistic goal; it is an absolute necessity and completely achievable. Countries with far fewer resources have wiped out this disease. Nigeria possesses the expertise, the human capacity, and the wealth of resources to do the exact same. Our students and young people are the driving force of this movement—their creativity and energy make them the ultimate agents of change."
The leaders called upon stakeholders across the public and private sectors, educational institutions, and civil society to sustain this awareness. They specifically challenged Nigerian students to formally step into their roles as Anti-Malaria Ambassadors, taking the science of prevention and treatment directly into grassroots communities.
As Democracy Day celebrations draw to a close, the call to action remains urgent. The GHC leadership reminded citizens that defeating malaria requires a unified front where policy seamlessly translates into measurable community impact.
Registration for the nationwide health contest is actively ongoing. Students in secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria are encouraged to join the movement and register online via the official portal at
[www.geneithhealthcompetition.com](https://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com) to help safeguard lives and shape a healthier future for generations to come.