The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) has sent a heartfelt tribute to celebrate Pharm. Mohammed Yaro Budah, mni FPSN, FCPharm, FNAPharm a Member of the Board of Trustees and a respected leader in African pharmacy and a distinguished Pharmaceutical Icon on the occasion of His Birthday.

In a statement released by Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Academy, discribed  Pharm. Budah  as an exceptional leader whose career is a perfect example of professional excellence and national service. An inspiring pharmacist and dedicated professional, his life of service continues to improve the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy and the wider pharmaceutical community.

This is seen clearly through his current leadership as the Chairman of the PSN Foundation and his important time as a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Pharm. Budah was born in Kaduna and educated at the Federal Government College, Warri, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Pharm.

Budah’s rise to the leadership of the PSN was marked by a rare level of preparedness and a very sharp vision of the positive changes he intended to make. Using his wealth of experience as a pharmacologist, he had a strong technical understanding of medicines that allowed him to be effective from his very first day in office.

Throughout his public life, he has shown that people who are truly committed to national service can make a real difference. His contributions are clear to everyone and are defined by a steady strength that operates without fear or favor. By setting aside issues of tribe or religion, and refusing to be influenced by the lure of money, he has done his work with a level of honesty that has earned him the respect of people across the country.

He remains one of the few exceptional leaders who has consistently fought for a “re-branded Nigeria" built on strong values.

A central part of Pharm. Budah’s lasting legacy is his historical role as a leader in the fight against fake medicines. During his presidency in the early 2000s, he gained international recognition for his bravery in exposing the dangers of the fake drug trade.

His important work, recorded in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), showed the massive scale of the crisis and provided the energy needed to fix drug laws in Nigeria. Working closely with the late Dr. Dora Akunyili, Budah was key in convincing global health bodies and foreign governments to stop sending bad drugs to Nigeria. This brave stand saved many lives and restored the world's trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He also became a leading voice in linking drug availability to national security, showing that local drug production is essential for protecting the nation from external threats.

Adding to his impact, Pharm. Budah was the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PSN Foundation. This was a ground-breaking project where the PSN became the first professional group in Nigeria to start its own charity foundation.

Under his leadership, and with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Foundation became a way to help quickly during national emergencies. He helped organize life-saving drug donations to displaced persons in Borno and Yobe States and provided vital help during meningitis outbreaks. As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, and a senior member of the Pharmacy Advisory Board, his work continues to be defined by careful leadership and a focus on high standards.

Prof. Lere Baale futher  noted that Budah leads by example, reminding everyone that true leadership is measured not just by being seen, but by consistency, character, and the good influence a person leaves behind.

On this special day, the Academy celebrates a life of purpose, wishing Pharm. Budah continued good health and strength as he continues to serve as a guide for the profession.