CEOAFRICA Boss wins the award for ambassador of peace and business

The CEO and CEO of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has been awarded the prestigious Peace & Enterprise Ambassadorial Award by the Inter-Religious Youth Affairs for Peace and Unity (IRYAPU).

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 unwavering commitment to creating opportunities and building sustainable platforms for Nigerian and African youth.

Chief Umenwa charged young Nigerians to take advantage of the Geneith Health Competition and actively participate in the initiative as malaria ambassadors, stressing the need for collective efforts to achieve a malaria-free Nigeria.

National Coordinator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), Pharm. Blessing Ghensel, in his remarks, described Ilobanafor as “a gift to humanity,” praising his creativity and commitment to initiatives that promote peace, understanding, youth development and positive social values.

The National Coordinator, Amb. Muhammad Taofeeq, speaking, said the Ambassadors for Peace and Enterprise Award is reserved for individuals whose work demonstrates measurable social impact, independent leadership and alignment with global peace and development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ambassador Taofeeq noted that the selection of Ilobanafor was based on merit, taking into account his social impact, national relevance and contributions to peacebuilding through youth development, public health advocacy and enterprise.

The National Coordinator emphasized that recognition is not based on mere affiliation or ceremonial participation, but on the substance, scope and sustainability of the documented initiatives associated with the winner.

He said Ilobanafor’s contribution to youth development and his efforts to promote collaboration for humanitarian and economic progress have helped bridge social divides and promote sustainable peace, and that the award reflects Ilobanafor’s commitment to using creative enterprise as a tool to bridge ethnic and religious divides, while promoting opportunities for youth.

In response, Prince Ilobanafor hailed the organizers of the recognition, describing the award as both an honor and a renewed call to service, saying 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. These awards encourage me to do more, tell the right stories and spread love through impactful initiatives,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of peace for economic development, the head of CEOAFRICA said that businesses and sustainable growth cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict and instability.

Commending IRYAPU for its sustained efforts to promote peace and development, particularly through initiatives designed to bridge social and religious divides and foster inclusive growth, he warned against the manipulation of youths through religion and politics, urging Nigerians to embrace inter-religious cooperation and collective action as essential ingredients for national development.

Prince Iloabanafor called on individuals, organizations and other stakeholders to support initiatives that promote youth empowerment, social cohesion, public health and national stability, saying: “Despite these recurring difficulties and conflicts, this is also a time of hope and opportunity for humanity, and we believe that progress is possible through the efforts of individuals committed to peace and development.”

On public health, he charged Nigerian youths to take a leading role in the fight against malaria through the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), adding that all hands must be on deck to achieve a malaria-free nation.

Dedicating the award to young Nigerians who are committed to building a prosperous country through innovation, honest enterprise and impactful leadership, he said: “I dedicate this award to every young leader, innovator and entrepreneur striving for a better tomorrow, especially those preparing to become malaria ambassadors through the Geneith Health Competition.”

Prince Iloabanafor urged youths across the country to join the initiative by logging in towwww.geneithhealthcompetition.com and contribute to the national campaign against malaria, saying: “Together, we can build a Nigeria where peace, good health and opportunity thrive for all.”

Other IRYAPU members present at the ceremony included Comrade Yahaya Garba, Program Director; Michael Omoba, Secretary General; and Jamiu Sunday, South-South Coordinator.

The award ceremony, held at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja, according to the organisation, recognizes Ilobanafor’s contribution to youth empowerment, job creation, public health advocacy, peace building and nation building.

The Peace & Enterprise Ambassadorial Award is part of IRYAPU’s broader commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among young Nigerians and strengthening unity across religious and social divides.