By: Manoah Kikekon
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The collective fight against malaria has gathered tremendous momentum following crucial new partnerships and endorsements. The Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (APPMED) has officially backed the Geneith Health Competition, while the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has confirmed its official entry into the nationwide public health initiative.
During the announcement in Lagos, APPMED President Comrade Rev. Kubiat Akpan highlighted the vital role grassroots medicine providers play in tracking malaria's daily toll across local communities. He emphasized that the nationwide network will firmly back young advocates to drive proper screening, appropriate treatment, and preventative care.
“As medicine dealers on the frontlines of healthcare delivery across every ward and local government in Nigeria, we see the devastating impact of malaria on families every single day,” Akpan remarked. “When we align community health practitioners with the passion of our youth, malaria will have no hiding place in Nigeria.”
This high-level backing builds on previous endorsements from major industry groups, including the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) led by Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, solidifying a united multi-sector alliance against the illness.
On the academic front, YABATECH formally communicated its readiness to participate, drawing praise from event coordinators for fusing scholarly development with public health advocacy. Representing the registrar, Deputy Registrar S. S. Akadiri pointed out the profound difference the initiative's financial support structure will make for students.
“In today’s economic climate, the financial rewards attached to this competition are transformative for young scholars,” Akadiri stated. “Winning part of this grand fund goes far beyond immediate cash; it can clear tuition fees, fund critical research, support accommodation, and provide the seed capital these students need to scale their health advocacy projects.”
Spearheaded by CEOAFRICA and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited alongside Coatal Forte Softgel, the program enjoys full backing from the Department of Public Health under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The campaign incorporates a massive ₦1 billion empowerment package featuring cash prizes, scholarships, and educational materials for students in both secondary and tertiary institutions.
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, the Initiator and CEO of CEOAFRICA, pointed out that the program breaks away from traditional frameworks by putting young Nigerians at the forefront of community action. Reinforcing this message, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, made an impassioned plea to school authorities, parents, and community leaders.
“This is not just a student contest; it is a national rescue mission,” Umenwa urged. “I charge parents to guide their children to register, I urge political leaders to sponsor youth in their constituencies, and I call on all institutions to open their doors to this movement today.”
With the registration portal officially set to shut down on **October 30, 2026**, interested secondary and tertiary students are encouraged to review guidelines and submit entries via [the official Geneith Health Competition portal](https://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com?utm_source=gemini) before the deadline expires.