Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, and Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings, Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi, are set to lead discussions at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit.

The event is scheduled to hold on September 24 and 25 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

This year’s summit has the theme: “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness.”

Ayebae will serve as chairman of the event, while Afolabi, who is also the co-founder of Wellness HMO, will deliver the keynote address.

Ayebae, founder of Fidson Healthcare, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical entrepreneurs. He is a fellow of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and the Institute of Corporate Affairs Management, and has held significant roles in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

Afolabi has more than 20 years’ experience spanning healthcare, finance, technology and marketing. He is also the founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, a Lagos-based technology hub that supports start-ups and young entrepreneurs.

Convener of the summit, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, said the event would focus on practical steps to improve health outcomes through self-care.

She said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Ayebae and Dr. Afolabi as pivotal figures in our quest to enhance health literacy and empower individuals to prioritise self-care. This summit is not just about discussions; it is about actionable insights that can inspire and transform lives.”

The organisers said the two-day summit is open to the public and will feature panel sessions with health and wellness experts, attracting healthcare professionals, advocates and business leaders.

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, has joined the campaign to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.

The initiative followed the unveiling of the Geneith Health Competition on the institution’s campus on Tuesday.

The competition, organised by CEOAfrica in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, targets students of tertiary and secondary schools nationwide to spread knowledge on malaria prevention.

Convener of the project, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafo, said the programme was designed to raise awareness through a structured health contest at the state, regional and national levels.

He said Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed N1 billion to the project, with N400 million earmarked for scholarships and N600 million for gift items to motivate participants. “By promoting education and prevention strategies, this competition underscores the dedication of all stakeholders in combating malaria and improving public health in Nigeria,” Ilobanafo added.

The Provost of the College, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, praised the organisers for selecting the institution as a launch platform for the campaign. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for their commitment to repositioning the livestock sector to boost national growth.

“Our students are ready to key into this initiative. They are articulate, active, and have represented us well in international competitions. We are confident they will excel in this campaign too,” he said.

The Provost urged the students to brace up for the task ahead and uphold the institution’s tradition of excellence.

Some students, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, pledged to support the anti-malaria campaign by intensifying environmental sanitation on campus. They also commended the organisers and sponsors for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the fight against malaria.

They promised to sustain clean surroundings and spread the message beyond the school to ensure malaria is eradicated from the system.

His Royal Highness, AIG Bashir Makama (psc+Rtd), the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa in Plateau State, has thrown his weight behind the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a national campaign against malaria.

The monarch, who is also head of the Ywom Traditional Council, gave the endorsement in a statement personally signed at his palace, describing the initiative as “a decisive step towards a healthier future” for Nigerians.

He urged governments at all levels, private organisations, and community leaders to support the competition, which is targeted at secondary and tertiary students nationwide.

“Malaria is preventable, yet it continues to take a toll on our people. It is our collective duty to prioritise health initiatives and mobilise resources to create a malaria-free future,” the monarch said.

Organised by CEOAFRICA in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, the GHC is designed to raise awareness and build advocacy on malaria prevention and treatment. The programme also provides scholarships, prizes, and incentives worth over ₦1 billion to participating students.

Makama said the entire Garkawa community would ensure that students are enrolled in the competition, stressing that it would empower the youth to become health ambassadors.

“The support for the Geneith Health Competition is growing, and we must capitalise on this momentum,” he added.

According to him, traditional leadership must play an active role in health advocacy to complement the government’s efforts.

With the endorsement, the Garkawa District joins the growing list of communities aligning with the campaign to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

For details, visit www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.