After an intellectual gathering at the 6th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) held on Wednesday, 26th June 2024 under the theme “Access to Quality Medicines in an Unstable Environment,” the board also held her 2024 Mid-Year Meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Awka, Anambra State.

Having had Mr. Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of Labour Party, as the Guest Speaker the previous day who addressed issues regarding the healthcare system in Nigeria, the Mid-Year Meeting saw Pharmacists discuss pressing issues in the association, the welfare of members as well as incoming election of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

In his opening remarks, the Chairman Planning Committee, Pharm Martins Igbonacho, said “it is with a sense of regard and pleasure that I welcome you all to this illustrious event. Tonight, we gather to celebrate excellence, dedication, and remarkable achievement.”

“Our profession plays a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, and it is only fitting that we come together and honour those who have made significant contributions to the field,” he said.

Speaking about the awardees, he said, “their dedication, leadership, and advanced commitment, has not only advanced our profession but have also made a profound impact in the lives of many. We have come to recognise and celebrate their outstanding achievements tonight.”

The Chairman of the Board, Pharm. Dr. Joel E. B. Adagadzu, in his address, appreciated the Governor of the State for being their host, describing the state as known for industrial development. He also said that the rising cost of medicines informed the choice of the topic of the 2024 Public Lecture, calling on the government to intervene to overcome the challenges facing the industry.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, His Royal Majesty Igwe (Pharm.) Alexander Uzodinma Onyido, the Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom, noted that the purpose of the dinner/award night was to “interact with our fellows and exchange pleasantries” after hardwork, saying that, “I want to assure everyone that Anambra is a very safe state. Stay and enjoy yourselves.”

On his part, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Prof Cyril Usifoh who congratulated the awardees, urged them to do more for the industry. According to him, “we are here, not only to celebrate but to network and discuss how we can move our profession forward. I am confident our presence and determination will see us to the end.”

Encouraging the pharmacists to contribute their quota in moving the industry and association forward, Prof. Usifoh said “Pharmacy is enjoying seamless progression in times of enjoying interaction with the government.”

Addressing the Governor of the state, he said “we are ready to join hands with you to progress what your government is doing to move Anambra forward.” While appreciating the engagement of members of the industry in the administration and governance of the state, he requested that female pharmacists should also be engaged for better performance.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma C. Soludo, at the event, said the state is attractive and ready for investments, urging the pharmacists to approach the state with their businesses and investments.

While he gave a list of public appointees who are pharmacists, the Governor boasted that the state government has been friendly to the pharmaceutical profession, having done well by integrating a good number of them into the governance and administration of the state.

Represented by his deputy Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, he said, “Anambra is a state to be. It is a state that has moved from step to step. We have had focused development in the state. The greatest stride of development is what we are all seeing.”

“Anambra is known for great things which include drugs production, drug marketing etc. We have done great things in the pharmaceutical industry. We want this sector to be structured in a way that the world will come to Anambra. We also express out thanks to industrialists and co-pharmacists who believe in Anambra,” he said.

On the security challenges in the state, the deputy governor assured that Governor Soludo is facing it squarely to ensure adequate results.

Awards of appreciation for significant contributions were presented to, the Founder/CEO of Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka; Managing Director of Juhel Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plc, Dr. Ifeanyi E. Okoye; immediate Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra State, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone; Founder/Chairman, Bond Group of Companies, Sir Chief (Dr) Theophilus Adebowale Omotosho.

Also awarded specially are the Governor of the State, Prof. Chukwuma C. Soludo, and Igwe (Pharm.) Alexander Uzodinma Onyido, the Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom.

Each of the recipients of the awards expressed their profound appreciation for the recognition and awards, noting their commitment to more service.

Top government officials, past presidents of PSN, among other dignitaries were present at the Dinner/Award Night.