Health
Youths vital in malaria eradication campaign—Organisers
NAN
The organisers of the Geneith Health Competition have reiterated the crucial role of Nigerian youths in the campaign to eradicate malaria across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the initiator of the competition, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafor, stressed the importance of student engagement in shaping public health policy and raising awareness on malaria prevention.
“As the nation strives towards a malaria-free future, student leaders play a significant role in shaping public health policy and awareness,” he said.
“Your energy, creativity, and dedication are paramount to making this campaign successful,” Ilobanafor added, describing the competition not just as a programme but a movement aimed at transforming Nigeria’s health narrative.
Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and sponsor of the competition, commended policymakers, stakeholders, and institutional leaders for recognising the fight against malaria as a collective responsibility.
“Together, we can create a formidable front against this disease. The involvement of students is crucial in this fight, as they represent the vibrant and innovative spirit necessary to enact meaningful change,” he said.
The organisers also praised the enthusiasm of Nigerian students from tertiary institutions who, under various student associations, have embraced the project as a vital vehicle for malaria eradication.
They urged students to act as ambassadors within their institutions, working to ensure malaria’s adverse social and health impacts become a relic of the past.
“We regard your participation in this initiative as a powerful step toward a malaria-free Nigeria. By rallying together, you have the potential to make an indelible impact on public health, raising awareness and inspiring action among your peers and communities,” they said.
Providing further insight into the competition, the statement noted that it is powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, a high-strength antimalarial medication targeting acute and uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
The initiative, with a vision to reach every corner of Nigeria, seeks to dismantle barriers to health education and access while promoting effective malaria treatment nationwide.
“In addition to raising awareness, the GHC promises to empower Nigerian youths to become influential leaders of tomorrow, fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for public health advocacy,” the statement added.
The competition includes activities such as workshops, health walks, and community outreach programmes, all designed to help students understand malaria prevention strategies while nurturing leadership qualities for long-term impact.
“The Geneith Health Competition stands as a testament to what can be achieved when young Nigerians unite for a common cause,” the organisers said.
Registration for the competition is currently ongoing, and students from tertiary institutions across the country are encouraged to take part and become champions in the fight against malaria.
Interested participants can register at www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
Health
Many Nigerian Talents Wasted Due to Mental Health Challenges — Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Boss
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services, Dr. Everest Okpara, has expressed concern over the number of talented Nigerian athletes whose careers are cut short due to poor mental health support and inadequate medical care.
Dr. Okpara spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Associations (AFSA) and Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services.
The event was attended by representatives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, officials of various FCT sports associations, and other stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria continues to lose promising athletes not because of lack of talent, but due to weak healthcare systems, especially in the area of mental health and early diagnosis.
“Our athletes face a lot. Some have underlying health conditions that go undetected. If diagnosed early, many of these challenges could be managed or prevented,” he said.
Dr. Okpara stressed that leading sporting nations invest heavily in preventive healthcare and performance science, a model Nigeria must adopt to remain competitive.
“Across the world, top sporting countries prioritize preventive healthcare. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many gifted athletes fall short of their potential due to poor mental health conditions and lack of access to proper care,” he added.
He explained that the partnership with AFSA is aimed at reversing this trend by providing athletes with access to quality healthcare services, including mental health support, early diagnosis, and continuous medical monitoring.
According to him, the collaboration will create a sustainable pathway for athletes in the FCT and beyond to improve both their physical and psychological wellbeing, ultimately enhancing performance and career longevity.
“This initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s sports development. It is about building a healthier sports ecosystem where athletes can thrive and compete globally,” he said.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Hon. Albert Atsonka commended Everight Diagnostic for its vision and commitment to national development.
Atsonka described the facility as a centre of excellence, noting that investments in such healthcare infrastructure would significantly reduce medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said the MoU represents a strategic step toward improving athlete welfare and advancing sports development in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This partnership goes beyond business; it is a contribution to national growth. Everight’s name will be remembered in the history of sports development in the FCT,” he said, while also appreciating stakeholders like Mr. Clinton Agbor for their dedication to sports development.
In his remarks, the Director General of AFSA, Mr. Clinton Agbor, described the partnership as timely and crucial, especially in addressing issues such as doping, poor medical records, and inadequate athlete preparation.
He noted that AFSA, which oversees 48 sporting associations, is focused on grassroots development and believes early medical screening is essential for nurturing young talents.
“We must start from the grassroots. Athletes with proper medical history and care perform better. Many opportunities are lost due to failed medical tests, especially for players seeking contracts abroad,” he said.
Agbo added that the partnership would also provide subsidized healthcare services for athletes, sports officials, and journalists, while promoting education on health and fitness.
He revealed that the agreement, expected to last for an initial three years, would focus on comprehensive healthcare delivery, anti-doping awareness, and long-term athlete development.
The MoU signals a renewed commitment to integrating healthcare into sports development, with a strong focus on prevention, performance, and longevity—key factors needed to reposition Nigeria as a competitive force in global sports.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
