The President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Odianose Usifoh, FCPharm, FNAPharm, FPSN, has countered that the pharmaceutical industry is currently changing the narratives against the axiom that says ‘when you don’t sit at the table to make decisions, you will become the lunch that they divide’.

Giving his speech as the Chief Host of the recently held second International Scientific Conference, Eko Akete 2024, of the Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN) in Ikeja, Lagos, Usifoh said the stakeholders of the industry “are no longer going to be part of what is being discussed, we will sit down and discuss with people on what happens to pharmaceutical industry.”

Speaking to the participants, he stated that there is need to earn respect which in turn will make them relevant as pharmacists, adding that he is ready to leave office November 6 upon the expiration of his tenure.

“It is only when you don’t want to serve that you stay longer, but when you want to serve, you will do your part and leave the stage,” he said.

He added that, “I said during my tenure, we will make pharmacists more relevant, and I think the relevance is beginning to be prominent in all our dealings. We can’t be neglected. Wherever you stand, make sure you stand out.”

Speaking on the conference theme “Global Trends In Patient Care: Clinical Pharmacy As A Gateway To Sustainable Healthcare”, Usifoh challenged the attendees to update their knowledge and embrace the lots of online courses for knowledge improvement. He also told the audience, including those in academia to belong to CPAN.

Congratulating the CPAN Chairman, Dr. Joseph Madu, the PSN President said “you have made a difference, but that is just the beginning because more will definitely come.”

He concluded with a charge, “let us continue to work with them, let us continue to bring the best into pharmacy.”