The 26th Annual Scientific Conference of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), tagged "EDO 2025," wrapped up with a grand closing dinner and banquet on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Benin City, Edo State.

This year's conference, themed "Innovations in Pharmaceutical Care Delivery for Equitable Patient Healthcare," gathered prominent figures, including healthcare professionals, academics, retired pharmacists, policy makers, clinicians, technologists, and distinguished members of the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate past president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), presided over the ceremony as the chairman. The evening featured a captivating cultural dance display, awards presentation, and various gifts and certificates, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to dine, unwind, and network. The gala night offered a unique opportunity for participants to connect and celebrate their contributions to the pharmaceutical field.

In his opening remarks, Pharm. Emmanuel Igechi, the Chairman of AHAPN, Edo State, expressed his pride in hosting the conference, stating, “It is an evening of entertainment. Pharmacists, as we all know, are people of great integrity, and I’m happy to have hosted this conference. This is the first time in the history of the association that Edo State is hosting. I thank the National Chairman and the executive members for bringing it here. I am happy to celebrate AHAPN from past to present, and I welcome you all; this evening is to merry.”

Pharm. (Dr.) Obikoya Oladele Ayodeji, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, echoed Igechi's sentiments, remarking, “This year's conference is one of the best in recent years, and I want to thank all Edo pharmacists for their cooperation and for the successful history of this year's conference.”

The keynote address came from Pharm. Elechi Kenneth Oyim, the National Chairman of AHAPN, who reflected on the journey of the conference and the importance of the gatherings. “Today we have every cause to celebrate because the week-long event has finally come to an end.

I thank God for making this day a reality. I am persuaded that whatever has a beginning must have an end, and an end has come tonight. I sincerely thank the government and people of Edo State for giving us this conference,” he remarked, sharing that they had the privilege of interfacing with the Governor of Edo State to express gratitude for his contributions to advancing pharmacy practice in the state.

Oyim highlighted the impactful employment created by the Edo State government, noting that over 30 pharmacists have been employed in various health services and commended the infrastructure advancements in the region. He extended gratitude to the first lady for gracing their cocktail party, acknowledged major sponsors and the retirees who have laid the groundwork for the younger generation.

“To our retirees who have handed over the baton to us, we say thank you; your labor for pharmacy shall not be in vain. I want to thank the generality of our members and our invited guests, and I wish you all journey mercies to your various destinations," he stated.

Following the speeches, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh addressed the audience, sharing his personal experiences as a pharmacist. He reminisced about his first opportunities to work closely as a pharmacist in a hospital setting and encouraged young pharmacists to consider postgraduate education to further both their careers and the profession.

“If care isn’t taken, we are beginning to see that pharmacy is becoming an endangered species,” Usifoh warned, addressing the ongoing discourse surrounding the profession on social media. He implored attendees to address concerns within their technical groups and urged them to pay their dues to ensure the integrity and strength of the pharmacy community.

Usifoh concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN), identifying them as crucial allies in the profession.

As the conference concluded, the attendees left with renewed inspiration and commitments to advocate for equitable pharmaceutical care in Nigeria. The spirit of collaboration and innovation fostered during EDO 2025 will undoubtedly inspire continued progress in the field, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare.