The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA and Initiator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has been conferred with the prestigious Peace & Enterprise Ambassadorial Award by the Inter-Religious Youth Affairs for Peace and Unity (IRYAPU).
Held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, the high-profile ceremony drew an array of business tycoons, civil society representatives, youth advocates, and national leaders to celebrate individuals championing transformative societal impact. According to the organizing body, the honor directly recognizes Ilobanafor's relentless contributions to youth empowerment, job creation, public health advocacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable nation-building.
Shedding light on the criteria for the selection, IRYAPU National Coordinator Amb. Muhammad Taofeeq explained that the award is strictly reserved for leaders whose work demonstrates measurable societal value, independent vision, and alignment with global development goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Taofeeq emphasized that the recognition was granted based on substantive, documented initiatives rather than ceremonial affiliations.
Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and sponsor of the Geneith Health Competition, lauded Ilobanafor's visionary leadership. Highlighting his dedication to building platforms for young Africans, Umenwa urged Nigerian youths to step forward and maximize opportunities like the GHC by serving as active malaria ambassadors.
Echoing these sentiments, GHC National Coordinator Pharm. Blessing Ghensel described the media executive as “a gift to humanity” for his creativity and commitment to fostering peace, youth development, and positive social values.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Ilobanafor expressed profound gratitude to IRYAPU, viewing the accolade as a renewed call to service. He underlined the critical intersection between economic prosperity and peace, noting that sustainable growth cannot take root in an atmosphere dominated by conflict and instability.
“I will continue to use my voice to impact cultural advocacy, peace, and empower the next generation globally,” Ilobanafor stated. “These recognitions encourage me to do more, to tell the right stories, and to spread love through impactful initiatives.”
Warning against the manipulation of vulnerable youths through ethnic and religious fault lines, he called for cross-faith cooperation and collective action. He also drew attention to urgent public health challenges, urging young Nigerians to spearhead the national campaign against malaria through the Geneith Health Competition platform.
“I dedicate this recognition to every young leader, innovator, and entrepreneur striving for a better tomorrow, especially those getting set to become malaria ambassadors through the Geneith Health Competition. Together, we can build a Nigeria where peace, good health and opportunity thrive for all,” he concluded.