Health

Youths vital in malaria eradication campaign—Organisers

Published

1 year ago

June 12, 2025

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.

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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