During the 19th Annual Conference & Exposition of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA) held at Rosemont, Chicago on September 27, 2025. Chairman of the Endowment Oversight Board, Anthony Ikeme, provided an encouraging update on the NAPPSA Endowment Fund, highlighting significant achievements over the past five years and outlining the vision for its future.

In a statement released at the conference, Ikeme proudly reported, “Five years ago, there was nothing like an Endowment at NAPPSA. It was just a vision and a dream. Today, we have grown from $0 to over $800,000 and we are on the cusp of achieving that first $1 million milestone.”

He emphasized the potential of collective effort and determination, stating, “This should inspire all of you to believe that there is nothing we can’t achieve if we put our minds and our collective will to it.”

Earlier that same day, NAPPSA organized a “NAPPSA 2025 5K Run/Walk for $1M” event, which saw enthusiastic participants running through the streets of Rosemont, Illinois. This initiative was designed to raise awareness and funds for the Endowment Fund, furthering NAPPSA's commitment to empowering pharmacy professionals and enhancing healthcare delivery. The successful race not only fostered unity among members but also underscored the community's dedication to achieving their funding goals.

The Endowment Fund was initiated in 2020, with the first virtual 3K event dedicated to raising funds for this important initiative. The funds raised are intended to support NAPPSA's numerous programs, including scholarships, educational outreach, and community engagement efforts, which are vital for empowering pharmacy professionals and enhancing healthcare delivery.

As Ikeme prepares to transition from his role, he expressed confidence in the future leadership of the organization, remarking, “I have run my race and finished with over $800,000 raised for the NAPPSA Endowment. NAPPSA is in good hands with the new President, Dr. Adekunle Tometi, FNAPPSA, FPSN, and President-Elect Dr. Gerald Muforo, along with the new Board.”

The significance of this Endowment Fund cannot be understated, as it embodies NAPPSA's commitment to long-term financial stability and the empowerment of its members. The Chairman’s update resonated deeply with conference attendees, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose as they look forward to leveraging this fund to further advance the goals of the organization.

Ikeme's remarks reflected a spirit of optimism and collective responsibility, as NAPPSA continues its journey toward its ambitious funding goals, ultimately aiming to enhance the impact of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists within their communities and beyond.