By: Manoah Kikekon
The fight against malaria in Nigeria has gained momentum in Plateau State following the endorsement of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) by the Guardian Initiative for Community Development (GICD). The Jos-based, child-focused non-governmental organization has fully backed the campaign and sponsored secondary school students under its care to compete in the nationwide initiative.
The strategic intervention demonstrates how grassroots organizations can bridge education, youth empowerment, and child protection with public health goals, turning young Nigerians into active advocates against malaria. Headquartered on Tafawa Balewa Street in Jos, GICD emphasized that funding the students’ participation extends its ongoing commitment to building socio-economic resilience in underserved communities.
Explaining the rationale behind the sponsorship, a management representative of GICD highlighted the power of guided exposure for vulnerable youth:
"Our work at GICD is driven by the conviction that guided exposure is itself a form of protection, one that broadens perspectives and equips young people to make informed life choices. Sponsoring these students will bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical community engagement, transforming our beneficiaries into active health advocates capable of driving malaria prevention within their households and communities."
The endorsement was formalized following an activation outreach to GICD’s headquarters by Geneith Health Competition activator Amos Sunday, who registered the students for the national contest.
Commending GICD's prompt action, Sunday noted: "The enthusiasm and active participation displayed by the students during the activation session were inspiring. GICD's intervention is an exemplary model of how child-focused organizations can translate their commitment to education into practical opportunities. Sponsoring students for a contest featuring over ₦1 billion in cash, scholarships, and prizes reflects a holistic vision of child protection that expands access to knowledge and development platforms."
The organizers of the competition also released an official statement expressing appreciation to GICD: "We commend GICD's steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, health education, and the fight against malaria. Collaboration among organizations, schools, and communities remains essential to building a healthier Nigeria."
Powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, organized by CEOAFRICA, and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the Geneith Health Competition is a youth-centered initiative targeting secondary and tertiary students across the country. Implemented alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Department of Public Health, the campaign focuses on behavioral change communication and grassroots mobilization to support national disease elimination goals.
Welcoming GICD’s backing, the Managing Director and CEO of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, urged Nigerian youths to act as "Ambassadors of the War Against Malaria"
"If we do not win this war against malaria, malaria will win the war against us. We must fight until we achieve total victory and freedom from this mosquito pandemic. I want a society where mosquitoes do not dictate the lifespan of our citizens. Every single life lost to malaria represents a stolen future and a blow to our nation's progress.
"GICD's intervention demonstrates how civil society organizations can integrate youth empowerment with national disease-control efforts. We designed this competition to harness the intelligence, creativity, and enthusiasm of young people to advance malaria awareness nationwide."
The Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, reinforced the urgency of public health education across homes and institutions.
"We must revive malaria education in schools, communities, and every household as a matter of urgency. Malaria has taken too much from us, but with commitment and shared responsibility, it can be defeated.
"Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed ₦1 billion to this campaign comprising ₦400 million in scholarships and cash rewards, alongside ₦600 million worth of educational materials and outreach items. My company is first to serve humanity, and the little that remains is for my family and me. I will do it over and over again, as this is my purpose for the world."
Chief Umenwa called on political leaders, school administrators, and non-governmental organizations to encourage eligible students to register before entries close.
With GICD’s sponsorship bringing young people from Jos into the national spotlight, the campaign underscores a growing consensus: defeating malaria requires coordinated action among public institutions, private entities, civil society, and empowered youth.