The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has been honoured with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award by the Council of Northern Youth Advocates of Nigeria (CNYAN) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national unity, youth empowerment, and advocacy for a malaria-free Nigeria. The award ceremony, held on October 4, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja, highlighted Ilobanafor’s commitment to a united and indivisible Nigeria. He was decorated with the title “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” (Shield of the Northern Youth) and described as an Icon and Cynosure of Nation Building. Speaking at the event, the President of CNYAN, Hon. Mohammed, said the recognition followed a rigorous evaluation of Prince Ilobanafor’s impact on youth development, national integration, and media advocacy. He noted that the North, like the rest of Nigeria, faces serious challenges in education and youth engagement, calling on government at all levels to take urgent action. “We have called for an increase in budget allocation to education in Northern Nigeria,” Hon. Mohammed said. “The growing number of out-of-school children is alarming. The government must act decisively to get these children off the streets, educate and empower them to become productive citizens.” He further described Prince Ilobanafor as a blessing to this generation and the ones yet unborn, commending his consistent efforts in projecting Africa’s image positively and promoting social reawakening among Nigerian youth. “He has been instrumental in telling our stories in a better way,” he added. “We are ready to partner with him to deepen national unity and youth engagement.” The CNYAN President explained that Ilobanafor’s recognition came at a time when national peace and integration are most topical, stressing that building bridges of unity remains essential for Nigeria’s stability and growth. The citation accompanying the award read: “In appreciation of your immense contribution towards a united, one indivisible Nigeria; for being a vanguard of youth emancipation and serving as a bridge of national unity and consensus.” In his acceptance speech, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor expressed deep gratitude to the Council, describing the award as a call to greater service. “I am so honoured to receive this award from the youth of the Northern extraction, the youth who are the future of tomorrow. I accept it wholeheartedly,” he said. He used the occasion to highlight his ongoing commitment to malaria eradication in Africa, noting that CEOAFRICA’s health advocacy is complemented by private sector support, including Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which has donated ₦1 billion towards the Geneith Health Competition. The initiative, he said, is aimed at empowering students in secondary and tertiary institutions to become ambassadors of malaria prevention. Ilobanafor also announced plans to make the CNYAN President an ambassador for the war against malaria, stressing that youth engagement is key to achieving a malaria-free Nigeria. “ Apart from projecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa, one of the things dear to my heart is eliminating malaria,” he said. “We must empower young people to take the lead in this fight.” The media entrepreneur and humanitarian also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize youth development as a cornerstone of national growth. “Nigerian youths are the biggest asset we have. I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invest more in the youths and give them opportunities to serve. Our country is blessed with many wonderful resources, especially our young people. If we empower them, Nigeria will be a better nation,” he said. The event, which attracted youth leaders, civil society advocates, and members of the diplomatic community, ended with a renewed call for collaboration across regions to foster peace, education, and inclusive development. Prince Ilobanafor’s recognition by the CNYAN stands as a testament to his influence in advancing youth participation, health advocacy, and national cohesion. His message of unity and investment in human capital continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians determined to build a prosperous and united country.
Malaria Advocate, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Honoured for Nation-Building, Calls for Youth Investment and Unity
