The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) has once again emphasized its dedication to fostering pharmaceutical innovation as a vital driver of the nation’s progress.
This declaration was made during the Academy’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Valedictory Session, and Investiture Ceremony, hosted at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba.
Spanning two days, the event centered on the theme: “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.” It convened leading experts, policymakers, and scholars to discuss how advancements in pharmacy and healthcare can stimulate economic expansion, generate employment, and boost industrial growth.
A poignant moment of the gathering was the Valedictory Session dedicated to the Academy’s founding president and one of Nigeria’s most esteemed pharmacists, the late Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe.
Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of NAPHARM’s Governing Council, paid tribute to Chief Akinkugbe, describing him as “a visionary pharmacist, exemplary leader, and statesman whose life was marked by discipline, grace, and unwavering commitment to humanity.” Fellow members and dignitaries echoed these sentiments, honoring his lasting impact on pharmacy education, leadership, and national health policy.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, who highlighted the transformative potential of pharmaceutical innovation in national development.
He emphasized that “pharmaceutical innovation extends beyond drug discovery; it involves cultivating an environment that nurtures knowledge-sharing, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between public and private sectors.”
Mr. Oyedeji called for increased funding in research, domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, and digital health technologies to reinforce Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain and enhance health security.
A significant highlight was the induction of 14 new Distinguished Fellows and four Honorary Fellows into the Academy, recognizing their exceptional contributions to pharmacy education, research, policy formulation, and entrepreneurial ventures.
The newly inducted Distinguished Fellows are: Pharm. Dr. Samuel Oluwaoromipin Adekola, Pharm. Yedunni Abimbola Adenuga, Pharm. Dr. Adenike Olubisi Adenuga, Pharm. Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Pharm. Prof. Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi, Pharm. Dr. Umoru Barde Ali, Pharm. Prof. Olufunsho Awodele, Pharm. Jaiyeola Adetunji Doherty, Pharm. Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, Pharm. Dr. Thomas Omotayo Ilupeju, Pharm. Dr. Wilson Ishima, Pharm. Steve Azubuike Okoronko, and Pharm. (Mrs.) Olayinka Folashade Oredola.
The Honorary Fellows inducted include Pharm. Elder Ebenezer Adeleke, Pharm. Alfred Oladeji Osinoiki, Chief Varkey Verghese MFR, and Alhaji Sayyid Atana.
Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards were bestowed upon Pharm. Prof. Gabriel Osuide, Pharm. Asiwaju Theophilous Adebowale Omotosho, and Dr. Fidelis Ayebae in recognition of their lifelong dedication to the pharmacy profession.
Prof. Baale extended his congratulations to all honorees, portraying the Academy as “a hub for advancing pharmaceutical excellence, translating knowledge into practice, and pioneering health system innovations across Africa.” He encouraged the new Fellows to embody the principles of integrity, scholarship, and service that are central to NAPHARM’s vision.
The ceremony attracted prominent personalities from academia, government, and industry, including NAPHARM’s Founding President Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Director-General of NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Pharm. Sir Ike Onyechi, Prof. Fola Tayo, Prof. Cecilia Igwilo, among others.
The event was enriched with motivational speeches, award presentations, and cultural displays that celebrated the dynamic spirit and solidarity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical fraternity.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Baale stressed, “The pharmacy sector holds immense potential to shape the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, innovation landscape, and industrial development. Investing in pharmaceutical innovation is an investment in our nation’s health, economic prosperity, and global standing.”
