Women scientists honour Malaria advocate

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan branch, has emphasised the importance of publicly recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific research and health advocacy.

In line with this, OWSD has selected Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAfrica, for special recognition in honour of his exceptional contributions to public health advocacy and his efforts to engage young people in scientific research.

Ilobanafor, the initiator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), has been instrumental in promoting malaria prevention and control among Nigerian youths.

The GHC, targeted at secondary and tertiary students nationwide, is sponsored by Geneith International Pharmaceuticals Ltd, with a prize pool of ₦1 billion—one of the most ambitious health awareness initiatives in the country.

In recognition of his sustained support for OWSD’s research and community-based programmes, Ilobanafor will be conferred with the honorary title of “Friend of OWSD” on Tuesday, 20th May 2025.

The award ceremony, hosted by the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Professor Antonia Simbine, will take place at NISER, Ibadan.

According to the OWSD Ibadan branch, Ilobanafor’s unwavering contributions to research advancement and science communication have made him a role model across genders and academic levels.

In an official letter of invitation, the organisation noted, “Your unforgettable efforts have inspired early, mid, and advanced career researchers, making you a role model for both female and male students in higher education to emulate.”

According to the organisation, his dedication to bridging the gap between scientific research and community health advocacy has not only supported OWSD’s mission but also amplified national conversations around malaria, a disease that remains a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria.

The organisation stated that his recognition underscores the vital role of private-sector advocates in empowering academic and grassroots efforts to address pressing health challenges.

Ilobanafor’s award will be presented during a special session that includes a workshop and recognition of other contributors to scientific development.

OWSD, a programme unit of UNESCO, is a voluntary association of female scientists and allied researchers drawn from top institutions, including the University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), National Agricultural Research and Technology Agencies (NAGGRAB), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), NISER, and the Federal College of Health and Animal Production Technology.

The organisation aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among women in STEM and the social sciences, with a strong focus on research that directly benefits society.

While reaffirming its vision of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for researchers across all disciplines, OWSD noted that it would continue to honour those, like Ilobanafor, who make this vision possible.

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