Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Malaria advocate Ilobanafor receives award for national youth empowerment

Cletus Ilobanafor

By Bianca Iboma-Emefu

In a significant achievement for Nigeria’s youth advocacy, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, a prominent malaria champion and the CEO of CEOAFRICA, has been honoured with the esteemed Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award.

This award recognizes his relentless dedication to fostering unity across Nigeria and his efforts toward empowering the nation’s young people.

At a prestigious ceremony, Ilobanafor’s contributions to the fight against malaria and his role as a nation builder were celebrated, highlighting both his impact and vision for a brighter future for Nigeria.

The high-profile ceremony was held in Abuja on October 4, 2025, the nation’s brightest youth advocate was celebrated for his relentless drive towards a more cohesive Nigeria. The award recognizes his heroic efforts as a true icon and cynosure of nation-building, championing the cause of a united Nigeria in these challenging times.

‘Leaders praised Prince Ilobanafor’s unwavering dedication to transforming the dreams of Nigeria’s youth into reality. CNYAN President, in his glowing speech, emphasized the importance of increased educational funding to curb rising out-of-school children — a move that Prince Ilobanafor passionately advocates for.

Meanwhile,Hon. Muhammed lauded him as “a blessing to this generation and beyond,” highlighting his impactful work in reshaping Africa’s image and championing youth empowerment. “Prince Ilobanafor is not just a leader; he’s a movement for national cohesion,” he declared.

‘The award, inscribed with gratitude for his tireless efforts, cements Prince Cletus Ilobanafor’s status as a true patriot committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress. His acceptance speech was a rallying cry for hope, unity, and action — especially in the fight against malaria.

He announced a groundbreaking initiative: the Geneith Health Competition, backed by a ₦1 billion donation from Geneith Pharmaceuticals, aimed at educating Nigerian students about malaria prevention. His call to make the CNYAN president an ambassador in this fight underscores his determination to turn young Nigerians into warriors against malaria, striving for a malaria-free Nigeria.

“Africa’s greatest asset is our youth,” Prince Ilobanafor declared passionately. “Investing in them is investing in Nigeria’s future.” He urged President Tinubu to prioritize youth development, emphasizing that giving Nigerian youth opportunities to serve is the key to unlocking the nation’s full potential.

His heartfelt plea resonated deeply: “Let’s empower our youth, harness our resources, and build a Nigeria where everyone has a place to serve and succeed.”

As Nigeria looks ahead, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor’s leadership and visionary call for unity serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more prosperous nation. His unwavering dedication inspires Nigerians to believe in a future where unity, opportunity, and progress reign supreme.