A dedicated, competent, experienced, respected, knowledgeable, visionary pharmacist, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, was officially inaugurated as the 16th National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) in a prestigious ceremony on Thursday 5th December, 2024. The prestigious event also featured the Investiture and Conferment of Distinguished Community Pharmacist (DCPharm) Award to 173 deserving pharmacists who have made outstanding contribution in the pharmaceutical sector. Themed: “Servant Leadership and Its Impact on Organizational Culture”.
The event, which took place at Marcelina’s Place 36, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos, was chaired by Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, MD/CEO Fidson Healthcare Plc, a respected figure in the pharmaceutical industry, with Pharm. Tanko Ayuba Ibrahim, President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), ACPN past National Chairmen, ACPN executives, distinguished members of the pharmacy community and esteemed guests in attendance.
Dr, Fidelis Ayebae, the chairman of the event; highlighted in his message exciting opportunities for collaboration and growth, representing the pharmaceutical industry. While addressing a gathering of community and hospital pharmacists, as well as leaders of the NDDG, He emphasized the potential for partnership in contract manufacturing. He stressed the importance of supporting locally made products, urging ACPN members to showcase Nigerian pharmaceuticals on their shelves.
“Nobody is going to buy our product anywhere, it is Nigerians that will buy made-in-Nigeria products, and I’ll like us to promote anything made in our country. I will urge all the members of ACPN to make their shelves look brighter with made-in-Nigeria pharmaceutical products”.
In a call to action, Dr. Ayebae challenged attendees to consider establishing a mega-distribution organization, rather than leaving the market solely in the hands of foreign entities. He expressed his confidence in the potential for Nigerian pharmacists to excel in the distribution space and make significant contributions to the industry.
“Why should we fold our hands as pharmacists and allow only the foreign entities to own the space of mega-distribution, it doesn’t speak too well of us, we should look at the distribution space so we can venture into real mega-distribution”.
Congratulations were also extended to Pharm. Ezeh and other officials taking on leadership roles within ACPN. He encouraged them to strive for excellence, emphasizing that their success would not only benefit the association but also showcase the capabilities of Nigerian pharmacy on a larger scale. By working together and embracing opportunities for growth, the pharmacy community has the potential to make both the industry and the country proud. He said: “I want to congratulate Ezeh and all other officials that are going to be carrying the responsibility of the ACPN. I also urge you to excel so your association and pharmacy can move forward and we will not only make pharmacy proud but Nigeria as a whole would be proud of us”.
Pharm. Uzoma Ezeoke delivered a powerful keynote address at the event, focusing on the theme of "Servant leadership and its impact on organizational culture." She highlighted the importance of attributes such as listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, foresight, stewardship, and building community in practicing servant leadership. “The primary evidence for servant leadership is the commitment to the growth of others. Here is the list of attributes that is required to be displayed by a servant leadership: Listening, Empathy, Healing, Awareness, Persuasion, Foresight, Stewardship and Building Community”
Ezeoke emphasized the significance of listening to others, showing empathy, and promoting healing, not only physically but emotionally as well. She also discussed the importance of being aware of the needs of those around you, persuading through influence rather than power, and having the foresight to anticipate future challenges.
“When talking about listening inhuman nature, even when we tend to listen, we find our thoughts drifting to our own needs, interest; we should cultivate listening as a good leader. In empathy, a good leader drive change by meeting needs, responding to gaps, someone who leads with empathy will pause and ask someone in distress what's happening to you today and how can I help. This is a healthcare professional gathering, so I hope we aren't struggling with this, healing is not about restoring physical wellness alone but also emotional wellness, healing requires time, strategy, thought. Awareness on the other hand is in line with listening, because it requires you to set aside what's happening in your body, mind, and concerns and to see and put into consideration what's happening with people around you by pursuing further afar. Persuasion requires the ability to see things from somebody else’s angle, it is practically impossible if you don't have empathy and you can't listen, persuasion isn't about giving orders or power; if you are dictating, you aren’t persuading, it's about influence which takes relationship, proximity and understanding the needs and goal of another. Foresight is the ability to what is coming; it means to anticipate future challenges”.
The message of servant leadership resonated with the audience, as Ezeoke encouraged them to set a clear vision for their organization that the community can identify with. She stressed the importance of building relationships, sharing ideas, and regularly reviewing systems to achieve success in both recognition and financial gains and also encourage the pharmacists to find their vision.
“As ACPN, who is our community, have we set a vision for our organization that our community can identify, because servant leadership is about persuasion, it's not about telling people what to do, it's about transferring the vision that you carry, making it relatable. Is your business structured, vision doesn't happen overnight, if we are in an environment, we are challenged to create boundaries, audit systems, regulate reviews, sharing of ideas because everyone should get a level of understanding who the leader of the business/organization is. We need to align with some vision and put the right pressure on them, profit isn't all about money, you can make profit in recognition, impact and of course financially, all of these follow the right type of servant leadership. So I’ll encourage us, find your vision, document it, share it and attack everything but in opposition to it”.
The attendees were inspired to implement servant leadership practices in their organizations to create a positive impact on their communities.
Professor Ezeh, known for his exemplary leadership and vast experience in the field of pharmacy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the National Chairman of ACPN. , "I am humbled by the trust and confidence that all community pharmacists placed in me to lead our noble association at this critical juncture in its history”.
In his inaugural address, Professor Ezeh outlined the challenges of the organization, he assured the government/stakeholders there will be a changes during his tenure and he showcase his vision for advancing the role of community pharmacists in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of quality healthcare delivery and professional development within the sector. He stated “I am honored to lead the esteemed members of ACPN, as we work towards enhancing the standards of pharmacy practice and advocating for the welfare of community pharmacists across the country, we wish to assure the government and all stakeholders of our firm resolve to collaborate with all without compromising our firm belief in professionalism, equity, fairness and justice to all concerned in the health sector".
He thereby expressed his gratitude to all distinguished guests and esteemed colleagues, acknowledging the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With their unwavering support and active participation, he believes that their practice can be elevated to new heights. Together, they aim to establish a future where community pharmacists are not only recognized as crucial healthcare providers, but also as essential contributors to positive health outcomes in Nigeria. “The road is filled with both opportunities and challenges but with your unwavering support and active participation, we shall elevate our practice to new heights. Let me assure you also that we shall stand on the towering credibility and integrity of our predecessors to deliver our mandate in godliness”.
Pharm. Adewale Oladigbolu, the immediate past National chairman of ACPN, delivered a powerful valedictory speech. He praised his successor, Pharm Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, likening him to a Roman god with eyes both in front and behind, to tackle present challenges and foresee future opportunities. “Today, Ezeh is like that god in Roman with 2 eyes at the front and back, the eyes at the back is to look at what is coming behind and the one at the front is focusing on what is to come”
Oladigbolu expressed gratitude for his 33-month tenure, crediting his success to the support of his team and the Board of Trustees. He warned Ezeh to thread carefully and assured of his full support, urging community pharmacists to rally behind their new leader. He said: “I'll thank God for being able to represent ACPN for 33months, also for giving me support pillars and those who were there through thick and thin, I'll thank the Chairman of Board of Trustee, all the committee members that worked with me to make my tenure beautiful and glorious. Also I want to warn Ezeh, there will be banana peels, there would be stumbling blocks but I know you would overcome through the power of your creativity and resilience. I’m also saying that until Ezeh succeed, I haven't succeed, I am fully ready to support him through thick and thin to make sure he succeed. I want to advise all community pharmacists in Nigeria because there are ways you behave and leaders will be turn off, Ezeh need your full support, your criticism should be the one that would guide him towards the pact of success, so I'm advising all us to come together and work with our new leader”.
In his advice to Ezeh, Oladigbolu emphasized the importance of servant leadership, teamwork, and partnership. He encouraged Ezeh to prioritize the needs of the executive and focus on collaboration for success. He concluded with well wishes for Ezeh's tenure and a prayer for his continued success. The ACPN community is poised to support and work with their new leader as they navigate the challenges ahead.
“Lastly to my successor, Pharm Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, always know that you are a servant leader, some people will not express it but they will work against your goal. Emphasize on the word "we" and not "I". Also, partnership is key and important as a leader, it will take you where your legs can't take you, carry everyone along and prioritize the executive needs when it comes to conferences so you can succeed greatly. I pray you do better than what I have done. I wish you the best”.
Professor Ambrose Ezeh’s inauguration as the new National Chairman of ACPN marks a pivotal moment in the history of the association, signaling a renewed commitment to excellence and professionalism in community pharmacy practice. As he embarks on this new leadership role, Professor Ezeh's vision and expertise are poised to elevate the standards of pharmacy care and drive positive change within the industry.
