A delightful surprise filled with joy and appreciation marked the birthday celebration of Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, the esteemed Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, as student leaders gathered at the Monoliza Sport and Recreation Park in Abuja on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The event saw lively music, cake cutting, and spirited dancing, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration among the attendees.

As the festivities unfolded, the room buzzed with excitement as student leaders from various associations came together to honor Ilobanafor for his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and health advocacy. The atmosphere was electric as attendees prepared to express their gratitude and admiration for his leadership.

During the celebration, Mr. Adeyemi, a member of the CEOAFRICA staff, presented a heartfelt citation for Ilobanafor. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that we celebrate a remarkable leader in African media, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor. Today marks not only his birthday but also the recognition of his extraordinary contributions to promoting African narratives on the global stage,” he announced.

Prince Ilobanafor has transformed CEOAFRICA into a premier platform that informs, inspires, and empowers audiences across the continent. His dedication to social causes is evident through his involvement with initiatives aimed at eradicating malaria and supporting individuals affected by sickle cell disease. His accolades, including the prestigious Arikana Excellence Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Global African Heroes of African-Union Diaspora, reflect his profound impact on both media and society.

Ambassador Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), extended his warm wishes. “For what you have been doing for the entire student body of this country, I can categorically say that we acknowledge it and we are grateful. We wish you a happy birthday. On behalf of Nigerian students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, we say thank you,” he said.

Comr. Innocent, Senate President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), added his sentiments, stating, “We appreciate Prince Cletus for all you have done for us and for all you will still do. We assure you that we would like to collaborate on even bigger projects in the future.”

Comr. Josiah Peter Oche, National President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), expressed heartfelt gratitude as well. “I pray that God protects and safeguards you; may you celebrate many more birthdays in good health. Thank you for always standing by the students of Nigeria. Happy Birthday and congratulations, sir,” he remarked.

Responding to the outpouring of affection and appreciation, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed by the love shown to me, and I want to say thank you very much indeed. God will honor you all. To my brothers, the Nigerian students, today we must take a leadership role, and we must ensure that the Geneith Health Competition becomes a success that the whole world will use as a model.”

He continued, “Achieving this will be the greatest birthday gift I could celebrate. I believe that with the leadership we have, this initiative will be a model for the world to emulate. Thank you all so much.”

As the evening concluded with joyful dancing and camaraderie, the student leaders pledged to continue supporting Ilobanafor’s vision for student empowerment and health advocacy, ensuring the Geneith Health Competition's success becomes a reality.