In anticipation of the upcoming Presidential Election of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), slated for the 97th Annual National Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the three presidential candidates, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, Pharm. (Dr) Ejiro Foyibo, and Pharm. (Dr) Joel Adagadzu, have presented their visions and plans for the pharmacy profession at the third edition of the PSN Presidential Debate, organised by Pharmanews Ltd in collaboration with the PSN, PharmaStream TV, and Pharm Alliance Consulting Ltd.
The debate which took place on Tuesday, 29 October 2024, at the Pharmacy House Conference Hall, was streamed live on PharmaStream TV and Pharmanews Facebook Page. The event attracted a selective audience, including supporters of the candidates, PSN President Prof. Cyril Usifoh, and Pharmanews Publisher, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi.
The Debate Moderator, Pharm. Shina Opanubi, project catalyst, PharmaAlliance Consulting Ltd, posed questions to the aspirants on pressing issues, including supply chain inefficiencies, open drug market, local manufacturing, healthcare access, pharmacists welfare, and the emigration of young professionals.
In response to a question on Nigeria’s persistent open drug market, Pharm. Ibrahim, a former deputy PSN president, highlighted the gap between policy and enforcement. Pointing to existing guidelines, he pledged to focus on advocacy and legal efforts to implement these regulations, promising to address chaotic drug distribution and foster a professional environment that supports pharmacists.
Dr Foyibo, also a former deputy PSN president and national chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, revealed her plans to initiate collaborative efforts within the PSN, stressing the importance of pharmacists patronising regulated wholesale centres and educating the public on the benefits of verified sources, aligning her vision with PSN’s ongoing policies to secure quality drug access.
Dr Adagadzu, outgoing chairman of PSN’s Board of Fellows, noted his role in developing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, lamenting the slow government-led progress since their approval. He emphasised the need for government facilities that support regulated distribution environments, citing successful models abroad and his commitment to advocacy if elected PSN president.
Addressing the candidates earlier, PSN President, Prof. Usifoh praised the election’s gender inclusivity and urged aspirants to prioritise policies over personal attacks. He highlighted his administration’s funding efforts to support the next PSN president, framing it as “planting trees” for future growth.
In his final remarks, Dr Adagadzu underscored his Abuja residency as an asset that would enable him to support PSN projects financially, leveraging his governmental experience and connections to engage effectively with officials.
In the same vein, Dr Foyibo, appealed to PSN members for support, reiterated her commitment to justice, gender equity, and experience-based leadership. She pledged to foster inclusivity and proposed a Senior Pharmacists Group to promote unity within PSN, encouraging voters to support a female leader.
Pharm. Ayuba, in his closing statement, highlighted his extensive experience on PSN’s National Executive Council, vowing to consolidate PSN’s progress, implement favourable policies, and promote community pharmacies as healthcare hubs.
Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, publisher of Pharmanews, emphasised the significance of unity, policy-driven campaigns, and visionary leadership in the election. He expressed gratitude to PSN, PharmaStream TV and Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi for their support, noting the value of the debate series launched in 2018.
Commending Prof. Usifoh’s achievements, including the modernisation of the PSN Secretariat, Atueyi stressed the need for a visionary leader capable of navigating the challenges faced by the Pharmacy profession today.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs Temitope Obayendo, Pharmanews online editor, appreciated the aspirants for their cerebral and active participation, as she acknowledged partners including, Pharm. Kabir Raji, PharmaStreamTV founder and Pharm. Opanubi of PharmaAlliance for their contributions. She also thanked Prof. Usifoh and National Secretary, Pharm. Gafar Madehin for facilitating the event with a conducive venue and logistics.
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