Members of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) have applauded the exceptional leadership and transformative strides recorded under the National Chairman, Pharm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama, FPSN, describing his one-year stewardship as unprecedented in the history of the fellowship.

The commendation came during the BOF-PSN Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at the 98th Annual PSN Conference (DABO 2025) in Kano State, where members reviewed the progress of the fellowship and assessed the effectiveness of the current leadership structure.

The meeting had in attendance PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, and several past presidents of the Society, including: Alhaji Mohammed Yaro Budah; Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga; Sir Anthony Akhimien; Pharm. Azubike Okwor; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo; Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai; Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa and Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh.

Also present were Hajiya Wosilat O. Giwa, Chairperson, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Governing Council; Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu, Registrar, PCN; Pharm. Kunle Tometi, President, NAPPSA; Dr. Teresa Isichei Pounds, President/Founder, WASPEN; Pharm. Emmanuel Ezirim, Immediate Past NAPPSA President, BOF Executives and Fellows from across the country.

In his opening address, Pharm. Apakama reflected on his first year in office, expressing gratitude to members for entrusting him with leadership since his election at the 2024 AGM in Akwa Ibom.

“I welcome you all to the second largest city in Nigeria and thank you for your commitment and contributions. Your efforts over the past year have been instrumental in steering our fellowship toward success,” Apakama said.

“We have achieved significant milestones, including streamlining our administrative operations, introducing innovative concepts to improve membership engagement, and enhancing flow of information within the Board.”

“We reviewed unresolved operational challenges, especially funding gaps that limited previous committees. In response, the NEC embarked on aggressive fund recovery and revenue drive—and I must commend our State Coordinators for their dedication,” he added.

Apakama highlighted the successful 7th BOF Public Lecture on Mental Health held in July 2025, and a follow-up webinar on drug abuse, describing them as part of BOF’s renewed advocacy and intellectual repositioning.

Fellows praised the stronger visibility, renewed vibrancy, and strategic relevance the BOF has enjoyed under his leadership. Key achievements highlighted include:

· Improved synergy with PSN leadership and regulatory bodies

· Enhanced visibility of BOF at national and international levels

· Unified fellowship participation across regions

· Advocacy initiatives aligned with national healthcare priorities

· Growing recognition of Fellows’ roles in policy and national development

Members encouraged the Chairman to sustain the momentum and expand efforts in strategic areas such as:

· Mentorship for younger pharmacists

· Stronger policy advocacy for improved practice

· Collaboration with government and industry stakeholders

· Increased Fellow participation in national discourse

Speaking at the AGM, PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, described Apakama as a forward-thinking and pragmatic leader. “This has been one of the most active and strategically functional BOF administrations in recent history. Pharm. Apakama is setting a new standard of engagement and visibility for the fellowship,” he said.

Also commending him, Hajiya Wosilat O. Giwa, Chairperson, PCN Governing Council, praised the National Chairman’s dedication to service. “You have proven yourself as a leader committed to impact, not position. Your work has reinforced the Board of Fellows as a critical intellectual arm of the PSN,” she stated.

Pharm. Apakama announced several forward-looking initiatives including: proposal for inductees to pay BOF enrolment fees at the point of induction, to strengthen financial sustainability, plans to reinforce collaboration with sister fellowships within the PSN structure, strategic review of BOF’s value proposition to enhance relevance and innovation

“Our goals are ambitious yet achievable. With continued cooperation, we will reposition this fellowship for even greater impact,” he assured.

The AGM concluded with a renewed resolve among Fellows to support the National Executive Committee in driving strategic, sustainable reforms that will secure the future of pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria.