Malaria Advocate Bags Nation Building Award

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, was awarded the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award at the Council of Northern Youth Advocates of Nigeria (CNYAN) headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

This award recognizes his immense contributions towards a united and indivisible Nigeria, highlighting his role as the Garkuwan Matasan Arewa and an Icon and Cynosure of Nation Building.

In his address, the President of CNYAN, Hon. Muhammed, emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing pressing issues in northern Nigeria.

“We have called for an increase in budget allocation to education in Northern Nigeria,” he said. “Perhaps this will help reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, as the number of out-of-school children is on the rise in the North.

“We have urged the government to invest in education and explore ways to take these children off the streets, educate and enlighten them so they can be useful to themselves and society.”

He commended Ilobanafor, saying, “having gone through your track record, we have come to say that your life isn’t a predicament but a blessing to this generation and the ones yet unborn. The sky will not be your limit; we are ready to work and partner with you.”

Muhammed underscored the significance of Ilobanafor’s recognition emphasizing that his nomination was the result of rigorous examination at a time when national peace and integration are most topical.

In his acceptance speech, Ilobanafor expressed his gratitude stating that the award is a call to deepen investment in Nigeria’s youth population.

“Nigerian youths are the biggest asset we have.” He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize youth development, asserting that “investing in our youths is essential for the Nigeria we want. Our country is blessed with many wonderful resources, including our youth. All we are asking for is to give the youth an opportunity to serve, and Nigeria will be a better country,” he said.