The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) gathered for its 44th Annual National Scientific Conference tagged "IFEADIGO 2025," which kicked off with an impressive opening ceremony on July 23, 2025, at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Awka, Anambra State.
This year's theme, "Technology Integration and Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice," attracted prominent figures from various sectors, including government officials, healthcare professionals, academia, traditional rulers, and distinguished members of the pharmaceutical industry.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders such as the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN); Pharm. (Sir) Ikechukwu Onyechi, MD/CEO of Alpha Pharmacy & Stores Ltd., represented by Pharm. (Dr.) Ignatius Anukwu, the Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Pharmacy; Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, DG of NAFDAC, represented by Pharm. Loui Madu, the NAFDAC Deputy Director for Anambra State; Pharm. (Sir) Azubuike Okwor, Past President of the PSN; Chief (Dr.) U.N.O. Uwaga, B.O.T Chairman ACPN and Past President PSN; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, Past President PSN; Pharm. Anthony Akhimien, Past President PSN; Pharm. (Prof) Cyril O. Usifoh, Immediate Past President PSN; HRM (Pharm) Alexander Uzo Onyido, Igwe Ezechuamagba I of Ogidi Kingdom; HRM Obi (Dr.) Gibson Nwosu, the Ezeuzu II of Awka Ancient Kingdom, represented by Chief. Ezeagu; Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Anambra; Pharm. (Dr.) Nnadozie Godwin, Special Advisor to the Governor on Medicals and Pharmaceuticals.
Other Captains of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Community Pharmacist present include: Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, BOF-PSN National Chairman; Pharm. Elechi Oyim, AHAPN National Chairman; Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, NAIP National Chairman; Prof. Catherine Stanley, NAPA National Chairman; Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Director of Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA); Pharm. (Pa.) Deji Osinoiki, Past Chairman ACPN; Pharm. (Dr.) Ejiro Foyibo; Pharm. William Etubiebi, Esq., Past Chairman ACPN; Pharm. (Prince) Olufemi Adebayo, Past Chairman ACPN; Pharm. (Dr.) Samuel Oluwaoromipin Adekola, Past Chairman ACPN; Pharm. (Prince) Adewale Oladigbolu, Immediate Past National Chairman of ACPN; and Prof. Chukwuemeka Michael Ubaka, the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Imo State and keynote speaker.
The chairman of the opening ceremony, Pharm. Ike Onyechi, represented by Pharm. (Dr.) Ignatius Anukwu, conveyed a heartfelt message highlighting the enduring dedication of community pharmacists. "ACPN is a renowned association of community pharmacists who are indeed the face of community practice in Nigeria," he stated, acknowledging their commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic and their ongoing efforts to improve health and well-being in their communities. He stressed the importance of digitalization for community pharmacists, urging them to embrace innovative solutions to enhance service delivery in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
In his address, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman of the ACPN emphasized the importance of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) established in 2015 and commended the Anambra State government, led by Prof. Charles Soludo, for its commitment to improving drug distribution through the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs). Ezeh praised the pharmacy-friendly policies of the Soludo administration, which include key appointments of pharmacists to essential government roles, thereby strengthening the healthcare sector in the state.
He also expressed optimism about the development of the Oba CWC and highlighted the need for clear regulatory frameworks to avoid conflicts between NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Ezeh called for NAFDAC to respect established statutory functions and avoid imposing directives that could disrupt the pharmaceutical sector. He concluded by reaffirming the ACPN's commitment to collaborating with the government to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure the well-being of health consumers in Nigeria.
Keynote speaker Prof. Michael Ubaka spoke on "Digital Health, Personalized Care, and the Now of Community Pharmacy Practice," where he further emphasized this transformation, declaring, "The most impactful healthcare provider in the digital age is not a surgeon or physician but the local pharmacist." He underscored the need for community pharmacies to evolve by integrating digital health and personalized care into their practices, facilitating access to universal healthcare.
He quoted the World Health Organization, stating that universal health coverage should enable all individuals to access healthcare without financial constraints. Ubaka linked the roles of community pharmacies to addressing chronic disease management, providing health education, and supporting immunization efforts.
In a spirit of collaboration, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba Ibrahim expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This conference is a testing ground, and we are satisfied with what Anambra has done." He affirmed the state's commitment to maintaining its status as a pharmacy-friendly region and announced plans to host the National PSN Conference in Anambra the following year.
He commended the ACPN for their impact to the community they serve, "ACPN is the first of pharmacy because whoever is sick in the community, the first point of call is the community pharmacist, so it is what they do that reflect on the image of pharmacy, please continue shining the light," Tanko concluded.
Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Babasheu shared his experiences since assuming office as PCN Registrar, lauding efforts for the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) at Oba. He affirmed the PCN's support for the initiatives at the CWC, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration among health professionals to ensure safe and efficient drug distribution.
Governor Soludo welcomed all attendees to Anambra State, expressing his excitement about the conference and reaffirming the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for pharmaceutical industries. He highlighted the vital role pharmacists play in the healthcare system and urged them to uphold professional ethical standards through "self-supervision, self-censorship, and self-regulation," while working towards improving healthcare delivery.
"Pharmacists are the heart of our healthcare delivery system. You keep us safe, healthy, and help us live longer. The role that pharmacists play in keeping us healthy will ever be appreciated. Soludo noted the transformative potential of technology in healthcare sector, stating, "Technology is everything," and acknowledged the role of pharmacists as frontline healthcare providers equipped to leverage advancements in AI and other innovations.
"Our main vision is to make Anambra a preferred place to 'live, learn, invest, work, relax, and enjoy'. Let us work together to improve the lives of the people and give them a sound, solid, reliable, and dependable healthcare eco-system," he concluded.
The conference also featured a presentation of awards and goodwill messages, celebrating the accomplishments and efforts of community pharmacists nationwide. As the event progressed, it became clear that the collective vision among stakeholders is to enhance healthcare delivery through digital integration and personalized approaches, thereby empowering community pharmacists to become key players in the broader healthcare ecosystem.
With a focus on collaboration, education, and innovation, the conference served as a rallying point for pharmacists, professionals, and leaders to work together toward a healthier future, ensuring that the community pharmacy remains a cornerstone of healthcare in Nigeria.
