The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA and Initiator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has been honoured with the prestigious Peace & Enterprise Ambassadorial Award by the Inter-Religious Youth Affairs for Peace and Unity (IRYAPU).
The award, according to the organisation, recognises Ilobanafor’s contributions to youth empowerment, job creation, public health advocacy, peacebuilding and nation-building.
The conferment ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, attracted business leaders, civil society representatives, youth advocates and members of the Inter-Religious Youth Affairs for Peace and Unity from across the country.
Speaking on the award, the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and Sponsor of the Geneith Health Competition, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, commended Ilobanafor for his visionary leadership and sustained commitment to creating opportunities and building sustainable platforms for young Nigerians and Africans.
Umenwa also urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the Geneith Health Competition and actively participate in the initiative as malaria ambassadors, stressing the need for collective efforts towards achieving a malaria-free Nigeria.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), Pharm. Blessing Ghensel, described Ilobanafor as “a gift to humanity,” commending his creativity and commitment to initiatives that promote peace, understanding, youth development and positive social values.
The National Coordinator, Amb. Muhammad Taofeeq, explained that the Peace & Enterprise Ambassadorial Award is reserved for individuals whose work demonstrates measurable societal impact, independent leadership and alignment with global peace and development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
According to him, Ilobanafor’s selection was based on merit, with consideration given to his societal impact, national relevance and contributions to peacebuilding through youth development, public-health advocacy and enterprise.
He noted that the recognition was not based on mere affiliation or ceremonial participation, but on the substance, scale and sustainability of documented initiatives associated with the awardee.
Taofeeq further said Ilobanafor’s contributions to youth development and his efforts to foster collaboration for humanitarian and economic progress had helped bridge social divides and promote sustainable peace.
He added that the honour reflected Ilobanafor’s commitment to using creative enterprise as a tool for bridging ethnic and religious divides while advancing opportunities for young people.
The Peace & Enterprise Ambassadorial Award is part of IRYAPU’s broader commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerian youths and strengthening unity across religious and social divides.
The organisation focuses on interfaith dialogue, peace education, joint community service, vocational training and the deployment of Youth Peace Ambassadors to discourage hate speech, reduce youth restiveness and promote peaceful coexistence.
In his response, Ilobanafor expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition, describing the award as both an honour and a renewed call to service.
He said the recognition would encourage him to deepen his commitment to promoting peace, cultural advocacy, youth empowerment and social harmony in Nigeria and beyond.
“I will continue to use my voice to impact cultural advocacy, peace, and empower the next generation globally,” he said. “These recognitions encourage me to do more, to tell the right stories, and to spread love through impactful initiatives.”
The CEOAFRICA boss also stressed the importance of peace to economic development, noting that enterprise and sustainable growth cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict and instability.
He commended IRYAPU for its consistent efforts towards promoting peace and development, particularly through initiatives designed to bridge social and religious divides and foster inclusive growth.
Ilobanafor warned against the manipulation of young people through religion and politics, urging Nigerians to embrace cross-faith cooperation and collective action as essential ingredients for national development.
He also called on individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to support initiatives that promote youth empowerment, social cohesion, public health and national stability.
“Despite these difficulties and recurring conflicts, this is also a time of hope and opportunity for humanity, and we believe progress is possible through the efforts of individuals committed to peace and development,” he said.
Turning his attention to public health, Ilobanafor urged Nigerian youths to take a leading role in the fight against malaria through the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), stressing that all hands must be on deck to achieve a malaria-free nation.
He dedicated the award to young Nigerians who are committed to building a prosperous country through innovation, honest enterprise and impactful leadership.
“I dedicate this recognition to every young leader, innovator, and entrepreneur striving for a better tomorrow, especially those getting set to become malaria ambassadors through the Geneith Health Competition,” he said.
He encouraged youths across the country to join the initiative by logging on to wwww.geneithhealthcompetion.com and contribute to the national campaign against malaria.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where peace, good health and opportunity thrive for all,” he added.
Other members of IRYAPU present at the ceremony included Comrade Yahaya Garba, Programme Director; Michael Omoba, Secretary-General; and Jamiu Sunday, South-South Coordinator.
