As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, renewed calls have been made for the Federal Government to prioritize youth development, education, and public health as key pillars of nation building.
This was the central message at an event in Abuja where the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEO AFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, was conferred with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award by the Council of Northern Youth Advocates of Nigeria (CNYAN).
The honour, presented on October 4, 2025, recognized his contributions to national unity, youth empowerment, and the promotion of positive African narratives.
In his address, the President of CNYAN, Hon. Muhammed, said the award was a recognition of Ilobanafor’s consistent efforts in fostering social development and promoting national cohesion.
He commended his role as a bridge-builder and advocate for youth inclusion. “Having gone through your track record, we have come to say that your life isn’t a predicament but a blessing to this generation,” Hon. Muhammed said.
“You have used your voice and platform to project Africa and Nigeria in a positive light. We are ready to partner with you for greater national impact.”
He emphasized that the North still grapples with a rising number of out-of-school children and urged governments at all levels to take decisive action.
“We have called for an increase in budgetary allocation to education, especially in Northern Nigeria,” he said. “Perhaps this will help reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country. We must take these children off the streets, educate and empower them to be useful to society.”
The Council noted that Ilobanafor’s recognition came after thorough scrutiny and reflected the importance of building bridges of peace and integration at a time when national unity remains a pressing concern.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Ilobanafor thanked the youth body for the honour and described it as a call to service and responsibility.
He used the platform to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place youth empowerment and inclusion at the center of his administration’s development agenda.
“Nigerian youths are the biggest asset we have,” he said. “I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invest in the youth because investing in our young people is essential for the Nigeria we want. When the youth are empowered, the nation thrives.”
He further highlighted one of his ongoing advocacies — the fight against malaria — as part of a broader push for national development through health awareness and empowerment.
Through the Geneith Health Competition, supported by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which has donated ₦1 billion, Ilobanafor said students across secondary and tertiary institutions will be educated on malaria prevention and encouraged to serve as health ambassadors in their communities.
“Beyond what we do at CEOAFRICA, which is projecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa, one of the things dear to my heart is the elimination of malaria,” he said.
“We would be happy to make the CNYAN President an ambassador in this war against malaria. Our goal is a malaria-free Nigeria.”
Prince Ilobanafor, who was bestowed with the traditional title Garkuwan Matasan Arewa (Protector of Northern Youth), also emphasized that national unity and peace cannot be achieved without economic empowerment and active youth engagement.
“Our country is blessed with wonderful resources, especially our youth,” he said. “All we are asking for is to give them an opportunity to serve. Once that happens, Nigeria will be a better and stronger nation.”
The event, attended by youth leaders, policymakers, and civic advocates, concluded with renewed commitments to strengthening education, expanding youth opportunities, and advancing Nigeria’s public health goals.
Observers described Ilobanafor’s recognition as a reminder that civic leadership, advocacy, and purposeful engagement remain vital tools in the effort to build a more united, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo