Geneith Health competition launches official flag-off

Geneith Health competition launches official flag-off

...as NAU, NAPS, and NANCE student leadership encourage students’ active participation.

By Naomi Onome

At the official flag-off event of the Geneith Health competition organized by Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO Africa, proudly sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, NAU, NAPS, and NANCE leadership encourage students’ active participation as registration commences. This initiative is aimed at engaging and empoweringng the youths (students) in the ongoing fight against malaria in Nigeria.

The registration of participating students for the Health Competition began June 1st, 2025, while the competition will be held in December 2025. It is said that the Health Competition serves as the first of its kind in the nation, putting into perspective the plan to co-opt more youths to participate actively in creating awareness against malaria. This initiative is designed to harness the enthusiasm and potential of Junior Secondary School (JSS) students, Senior Secondary School (SSS) students, and tertiary institution students to champion malaria awareness and prevention.

However, the strong representation of the student leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students(NAPS), and the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education (NANCES) exemplifies the commitment and energy of the youths to address critical health issues plaguing the nation, such as malaria, as said by Godwin Emenwa in his remarks.

The chairman and sponsor of the Geneith Health Competition, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, represented by Chief Godwin Emenwa, vice chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd., in his remarks noted that malaria remains a formidable adversary, affecting countless lives and impeding the potential of the young population. Through the Geneith Health Competition, organizers aim to inspire innovative thinking among students, encouraging them to not only raise awareness but also to propose actionable solutions within their communities.

This competition, he says, will empower the youths to be advocates and change-makers, giving them a platform to discuss and drive initiatives around malaria prevention. He urged all participants, educators, and community members to engage fully in the process of awareness in the conviction that the voices of the youth are crucial in the fight against malaria in the society; every idea and action matters.

He added that the commitment to create awareness goes beyond the competition itself; a future where youth advocate for health and well-being, not just during this initiative but throughout their lives, is envisioned. The Geneith Health Competition, he says, serves as a catalyst for collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society, setting a precedent for collective action in health advocacy; he commends partners and supporters for actualizing the initiative.

Comr. Oyewunmi Festus Ayomide, President of the Senate National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), in his speech noted that the initiative is transformational as it underscores a collective approach to the health and holistic development of Nigerian students, which includes the JSS, SSS, and the various tertiary institutions. Moreover, the initiative, he says, seeks to instill health consciousness, encourage research-driven competition, and promote early intervention among the students.

Oyewunmi said the Geneith Health Competition is beneficial as it equips the students with lifesaving health education, promotes a culture of preventive healthcare, creates opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development, and serves as a platform for healthy competition, innovation, and youth-driven solutions. He urged students, especially those from polytechnics, to key into the initiative with full enthusiasm; they should participate, learn, lead, and, most importantly, take charge of their health. This is not just about a competition; it is about empowering a generation that is sound in mind, body, and spirit. “A healthy student today is a stronger leader tomorrow. If we must build the Nigeria of our dreams, we must begin by nurturing the minds and bodies of those who will lead it” he added as he commends the organizers of the Health Competition initiative.

Comrade Josiah Peter Oche Gonus, the National President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), says the Geneith Health Competition on Malaria Awareness is purpose-driven for young, creative, and knowledgeable minds to actively participate in community campaigns that could potentially save lives. He says the vision of the initiative is timely for public health purposes and achievable by the students’ commitment to be empowered; the energy and ideas put together enable ‘malaria awareness’ to be at the forefront for discussions on prevention and eradication.

The National President of the National Association of Nigeria Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), Amb. Comr. Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, mentioned that the scourge of malaria is a subject to be addressed as it affects the lives and productivity of millions of Nigerians. Therefore, the tertiary institutions are inspired by the ongoing nationwide campaign to eradicate malaria and express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment and numerous initiatives to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians and the Federal Ministry of Health.

Oluwaseun further said the Geneith Health Competition (www.geneithhealthcompetition.com) for students of tertiary institutions aims to increase awareness, promote research, and encourage innovation in tackling public health issues, especially malaria. He encouraged students to participate actively and be part of the solution, commended the bold steps being taken, and also called on the government for continued support in funding, policies, implementation, and education to ensure malaria is eradicated in the campuses, schools, communities, and ultimately, our nation.

The Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and CEOAFRICA reiterate their commitment to the long-term success, sustainability, and continued growth of the Geneith Health Competition. This event is said to be a legacy platform, one that is designed to stand the test of time, empower generations, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s fight against malaria.

Extra

Naomisophyblog learned that the official flag-off day of the Geneith Health Competition on June 1st, 2025, also coincides with the birthday of MD CEOAFRICA Mr. Cletus Ilobanafor, the organizer of the health competition. Here’s wishing you more fulfilled years. Happy Birthday!