On this 14th of February every year, while the world observes Valentine’s Day, the global Catholic Church celebrates a significant spiritual milestone, the Memorial of Saint Cyril, the 9th-century priest and philosopher. To the pharmaceutical community in Nigeria, today is a day of double grace, as Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, a " February son " who bears the name of this illustrious saint, shares in the aura of this sacred feast.

Saint Cyril stands as a patron of intellectual zeal and creative evangelization. Born into a prestigious family, he renounced wealth to become the "Philosopher" of the Church, famously inventing the Cyrillic alphabet so that the Gospel could be understood in the native language of the people. He believed that the message of truth must be personal and relatable, a mission that cost him his comfort and, eventually, his life.

Today, our own modern-day titan of science, Professor Usifoh, who has spent his life "translating" complex medicine into a language of care for the Nigerian people.

A colossus in the pharmaceutical field, Professor Usifoh traverses the industry with the same intellectual rigor and humility that defined St. Cyril. He has consistently advocated that professional expertise is a "divine talent" meant for the common good, viewing the laboratory not as a place for personal gain, but as a sanctuary of stewardship where knowledge is used to alleviate human suffering.

The legacy of Professor Usifoh is not merely found in the high offices he has held, but in the lives he has transformed. While many leaders occupy offices, some watch institutions drift and others focus solely on expanding physical structures, only a few truly build people. Professor Usifoh belongs to that rare elite. He embodies the compassion, empathy, humility, and respect of our forefathers. To his many students and colleagues, he is far more than an academic or the 38th President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); he is a father and a mentor.

Throughout his career, Professor Usifoh has recorded several landmark achievements as a man of faith and a man of science. These accomplishments shone brightly during his " El Dorado " presidency, where he " held forte " for the profession with unwavering integrity. He has visited the frontlines of healthcare challenges, stabilized pharmaceutical policy, and promoted excellence in drug production.

CEOAFRICA commends the vision and wisdom of the pharmaceutical community in elevating such a leader to the helm; indeed, only the deep calls to the deep.

In a poignant birthday message to the nation on this special day, the Professor shared a wish that resonates with the true spirit of both St. Valentine and St. Cyril:

" Love is not just an emotion; it is sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to what is right—honesty, compassion, respect, and devotion to the common good."

This paternal spirit guided his presidency, where he moved beyond policy to touch the human heart. His leadership led to the institutionalization of the Pharm D program, ensuring that pharmacists—like the disciples of St. Cyril—are empowered to bring "pharmaceutical care to the doorstep" of every Nigerian. As a two-term Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Benin and a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, he has supervised numerous PhDs and published many scientific works on life-saving medications.

This commitment to the "more precious gift" of knowledge is a family virtue; he is happily married to Pharm. Professor Stella Usifoh, and together they have raised a family dedicated to engineering and pharmacy. On this Valentine’s Day, as we honor the Saint who taught us that the Gospel must be personal, let us embrace a love that strengthens families, communities, and our nation. Professor Usifoh concluded his message by wishing Nigerians well, encouraging everyone to live with the purpose and sacrifice that defines true leadership. His legacy proves that when a leader builds people with the heart of a father, the impact lasts for eternity.

We wish him well as he celebrates his 65th birthday 🎁 on February 20,2026.