As part of the efforts of Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh toward repositioning Community Pharmacy Practice in Nigeria, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) organized its 2nd Business Summit and World Cancer Day Campaign in collaboration with the Kwara State Chapter on February 18-19, 2025, at De-Peace Hotel, Ilorin. The summit focused on the theme "Optimizing Community Pharmacy Practice," bringing together key stakeholders in the pharmacy sector to explore new strategies and opportunities.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, CEO of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria; Pharm. Abdulmalik Muhammad Baba, PSN Chairman for Kwara State; Pharm. Munirat Kikelomo Bello, ACPN Chairman for Kwara State; and Pharm. Barakat Olanrewaju, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, who represented Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the Commissioner for Health in Kwara State. Past Chairman of Lagos PSN, Pharm. Familusi, and other esteemed stakeholders also participated.
Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh, the ACPN National Chairman, opened the event with a powerful call for the integration of technology in pharmacy practice. He stated, “When we have access to low digit rates, it enables better stocking and business operations. I encourage you to engage with the national community, as this empowerment is vital for business growth. Technology integration in our practice has changed a lot; utilizing software for documentation will optimize your operations. The era of analog practices is behind us, and leveraging technology is essential for growth."
He further elaborated on national advocacy efforts, sharing that, “At the national level, we are working on our advocacy, sharing implementation plans, and utilizing our monitoring and evaluation key to guide our strategic activities and campaign policies. I know that some of our members are part of these strategic groups and are working diligently. We have chosen a day for our conference this year, which will take place in Anambra, Awka, tagged 'IFEADIGO 2025.' The committee has already begun working in earnest, and I believe it will be a successful event.
Additionally, on the Nigeria National Policy front, we have made significant progress since last year and have conducted our third sitting. The document outlining our initiatives will soon be shared with all stakeholders for their input and contributions. This document is currently awaiting validation, and I assure you that it will add considerable value to our efforts."
Pharm. Barakat Olanrewaju echoed this sentiment, praising the summit's timely theme. “The topic 'Optimizing Community Pharmacy Practice' is very apt. Our community pharmacists are the face of pharmacy, and the profession is evolving rapidly. The attainment of Universal Health Coverage cannot be complete without the essential accessibility to drugs and devices provided by community pharmacists. Collaboration and the use of technology are critical to this evolution. I urge all members to engage in new motivations and partnerships as we face increasing demands in primary healthcare services. The integration of cancer awareness into this event underscores our mission toward community welfare, as early detection and education are vital in combatting this silent killer. When we collaborate more, we achieve more,” she concluded.
Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim also emphasized the importance of community pharmacies, highlighting that the summit aimed to enhance their value and urging attendees to take actionable insights from the discussions to elevate their practices. "I urge all community pharmacists to continue doing well, practice ethically, and protect our image so that society will continue to give us the respect we deserve," he added.
In his keynote address, Pharm. Anthony Bola Oyawale addressed the regulatory frameworks and patient safety challenges in community pharmacy, stressing the importance of understanding the roles of regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and NDLEA in safeguarding patient care and urging for increased dialogue to ensure ethical practices.
In a significant initiative, the summit included a cancer awareness campaign where over 100 women were screened and educated on cancer prevention methods, showcasing the commitment of community pharmacists to proactive health measures.
With discussions concluding on a positive note, stakeholders shared a renewed vision of collaboration, ongoing education, and enhanced patient safety—essential elements for advancing pharmacy practice in Nigeria.
The ACPN Kwara State Chapter, bolstered by the successful summit, aims to inspire similar initiatives across other states, reinforcing a united front in community healthcare and pharmacy excellence under the leadership of Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh.
