As part of the preparations for the honorific occasion of the 97th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the President, Prof Cyril Usifoh recently paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Igwe (Pharm.) Alexander Uzodinma Onyido, the Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom.
Prof. Usifoh’s visit to the palace of the king was also to appreciate the Igwe, known as the Royal Father of Pharmacy, who prayed that he would be elected as PSN President three years ago, as the 2024 PSN Conference marks the handing-over of his administration to another.
Igwe Alex Onyido studied Pharmacy at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. He worked at the Kano State Ministry of Health where he rose to the position of Assistant Chief Pharmacist, and Member, Health Services Management Board, Kano State. After his voluntary resignation, he established Pal Pharmaceutical Industry Ltd, which became a foremost pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Nigeria and Africa; then, his love for his community prompted him to establish a subsidiary pharmaceutical company in his hometown, Ogidi, Anambra State, known as Alben Healthcare Industry Ltd, where he has over 3000 workers, many of whom are from Ogidi.
Appreciating the King’s support during his tenure in office, Prof. Usifoh announced that he would be handing over the baton to another leader during the forthcoming Annual Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while he extended a special invitation for the Royal Father’s physical presence at the conference.
In his reaction, the Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom, promised the delegation to physically attend the conference, lauding the giant strides of the PSN President since his assumption in office.
During the vote of thanks, the Deputy President South of PSN, Pharm. Egbuna Udeorah appreciated the support of the Royal Father on the training of pharmacists in Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. He also mentioned his contribution to the development and training of students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Anambra State.
The delegation of the PSN President includes the, Deputy President South, Pharm Egbuna Udeorah; National Secretary of PSN, Pharm Gafar Madehin FPSN; the Central Planning Committee Chairman for the 2024 Annual Conference, Pharm. (Dr) Monica Eimunjeze who is also a former Director at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Pharmacist Uchenna Uzoma Apakama FPSN, Managing Director Paxs Pharmaceuticals Ltd,Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care And Development Agency and Pharm (Dr.) Eze Amigbuo, Pharm Emeka Opana , Chiarman PSNAnambra State.
Others are, the Deputy Chairman, Pharm Nfeayi; the Immediate Past President, Pharm Chinedu; and DPS, Dr Osamudiamen Umweni, MAW, Managing Director of CEOAfrica, Prince Cletus Sunday Ilobanafor, among others.
The 97th Annual Conference of PSN is a professional gathering of stakeholders in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Community Pharmacists, Clinical, Academic and other professionals with dignitaries from all walks of life, set to be held from Monday, November 4, 2024, to Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Ibom Hall, Akwa Ibom State.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, will deliver the Keynote Speech; the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, is the Chairman of the historic conference, among other dignitaries.
