Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, former Minister of Health and Founder/Chairman of Juli Plc, has called on pharmacists across Nigeria to strengthen advocacy efforts and reposition the profession for greater national relevance ahead of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) centenary celebration.

Speaking on behalf of the College of Distinguished Past Presidents of the PSN, Adelusi-Adeluyi said pharmacy remains “under-mentioned” in major national conversations on healthcare despite its critical contributions to public health, pharmaceutical innovation, and national development.

He emphasized that only pharmacists themselves can change the existing narrative by seizing strategic opportunities to showcase the profession’s value.

“Pharmacy is still under-mentioned in major conversations on healthcare. This cannot and should not continue,” he said. “Only we pharmacists can change the narrative at every opportunity.”

With the PSN preparing for its 100th anniversary, Adelusi-Adeluyi urged the Society and its members to roll out a “robust and uncommon advocacy programme” that highlights the profession’s essence, presence, uniqueness, relevance, promise, and future prospects.

According to him, the upcoming centenary provides a historic moment for pharmacists to celebrate achievements, reconnect with the public, and assert the strategic role of pharmacy in Nigeria’s health system.

“We must mount a strong advocacy programme to sell pharmacy to the people—its essence, its presence, its uniqueness, its relevance, its promise, and its prospects. We can do this. Together, we will do this,” he added.

He concluded the passionate call with the traditional profession’s salute, “Viva farmacia, long live pharmacy.”

The College of Past Presidents, regarded as the “gatekeepers and pathfinders” of the PSN, continues to play an advisory and leadership role in shaping policy direction, mentoring emerging leaders, and safeguarding professional standards within the pharmaceutical sector.

As preparations intensify for the PSN’s centenary celebrations, pharmacists nationwide are expected to rally behind renewed advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening public trust and positioning pharmacy at the forefront of Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.