Grassroots Sponsorship for Youth Empowerment

The Guardian Initiative for Community Development (GICD), a child-focused non-governmental organisation based in Jos, Plateau State, has sponsored secondary school students under its care to participate in the nationwide Geneith Health Competition (GHC). The initiative is expected to strengthen grassroots participation in malaria prevention by equipping students with the knowledge and opportunities to promote awareness and preventive practices in their homes, schools, and communities.

The sponsorship followed an outreach visit to GICD's headquarters on Tafawa Balewa Street, Jos, by Geneith Health Competition activator Amos Sunday, who engaged the organisation's management and facilitated the registration of the students. GICD stated that its decision to support the students aligned with its commitment to education, child protection, and socio-economic empowerment, particularly among underserved communities in Plateau State.

A management representative of the organisation explained that providing young people with guided exposure bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical community engagement, enabling beneficiaries to become advocates for malaria prevention.

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.

— Management Representative, Guardian Initiative for Community Development

Commending GICD for sponsoring the students, Sunday noted that the organisation had demonstrated its commitment to youth development by removing financial barriers that could prevent beneficiaries from participating.

The enthusiasm and active participation displayed by the students during the activation session were inspiring.

— Amos Sunday, Activator, Geneith Health Competition

Mobilising Young Nigerians Against Malaria

The Geneith Health Competition, powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, is a nationwide youth-focused initiative designed to engage students in secondary and tertiary institutions in malaria awareness, advocacy, research, and community mobilisation. Organised by CEOAFRICA and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the competition is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The initiative aligns with national malaria control priorities, particularly behavioural change communication and community-level interventions, aimed at encouraging young people to promote preventive practices and support efforts towards malaria elimination. Offering more than ₦1 billion in cash prizes, scholarships, and gifts, the competition provides a platform for students to acquire knowledge and develop skills.

In a statement following the outreach, the organisers of the Geneith Health Competition commended GICD for sponsoring and encouraging the students under its care to participate in the nationwide campaign.

We commend GICD's steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, health education, and the fight against malaria.

— Organisers, Geneith Health Competition

The organisers stressed that collaboration among civil society organisations, schools, and communities remains essential to building a healthier Nigeria.

Stakeholder Endorsements and Campaign Goals

Reacting to GICD's endorsement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, described the development as a boost to the nationwide campaign against malaria. They urged Nigerian youths to embrace the role of "Ambassadors of the War Against Malaria" by acquiring relevant knowledge, challenging harmful misconceptions, and promoting preventive practices in their communities.

Ilobanafor said GICD's intervention demonstrated how civil society organisations could integrate youth empowerment with national disease-control efforts, stressing that sustained public participation was necessary to strengthen malaria prevention.

If we do not win this war against malaria, malaria will win the war against us.

— Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEOAFRICA

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.

— Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEOAFRICA

He explained that the competition was designed to harness the intelligence, creativity, and enthusiasm of young people to build a grassroots movement capable of advancing malaria awareness across the country. The CEOAFRICA chief also urged field activators working across states to intensify mobilisation as the registration deadline approaches.

Private Sector Investment and Call to Action

Chief Emmanuel Umenwa commended GICD for its humanitarian commitment and called for renewed public health awareness across schools, homes, and communities.

We must revive malaria education in schools, communities, and every household as a matter of urgency.

— Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Malaria has taken too much from us, but with commitment and shared responsibility, it can be defeated.

— Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Umenwa disclosed that Geneith Pharmaceuticals had committed ₦1 billion to the competition, comprising ₦400 million in scholarships and cash rewards alongside ₦600 million worth of educational materials and outreach items. According to him, the investment is intended to provide young people with the knowledge, resources, and motivation to become effective advocates for malaria prevention.

Reaffirming his personal commitment to humanitarian service, Umenwa underscored his corporate philosophy.

I will do it over and over again. This is my purpose for the entire world.

— Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd

My company is first to serve humanity, and the little that remains is for my family and I.

— Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd

The Geneith Pharmaceuticals chairman urged political leaders, school administrators, community organisations, and non-governmental organisations to encourage eligible students to register before entries close. GICD's intervention brings more students from Jos into the nationwide campaign, highlighting the role of community-based organisations in expanding the reach of public health initiatives beyond classrooms into local households.