It was a joyous moment for the President, West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy (WAPCP), Distinguished Professor Cecilia Igwilo, who turned 70 on Monday, 23 January, 2023, as notable stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her in grand style.
Distinguished Professor Igwilo became professor on 1st October, 1994, making her the first female professor of Pharmacy in Nigeria and the entire West African region. She was Dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Lagos from 2001 to 2003.
The 70th birthday celebration of the distinguished professor was also used to mark her retirement from the active service of the University of Lagos.
While speaking at the event, the special guest of honour at the occasion, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi noted that the distinguished professor is a talented personality who has done everything she did with distinction.
The President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Prof. Cyril Usifoh, in his remarks at the event described Prof. Igwilo as a humble person and always willing to help everybody.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Olu Awosika, described Prof. Igwilo as a devoted wife, humble and committed personality, pointing that she has known her for about 30 years and she hasn’t changed till date. He said “what she has achieved in life has not changed her. I know her as a devoted wife. She’s a committed personality. I am not surprised she’s humble because she’s a wonderful child of God. Her strength is in God”.
Also speaking, the Co-chairman of the occasion, Dr (Mrs) Dere Awosika, described her as a trustworthy, truthful and ethical person. She said “70 years is remarkable which also coincidence with her retirement from the University of Lagos. Prof. Igwilo is trustworthy. Her word is her honour. She’s truthful. She’s conscientious in her work and in God. She’s extremely ethical in her work and can’t be bent. Above all, she’s an epitome of humility”, Dr (Mrs) Awosika said.
In her remarks, a former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Rahmon Bello, applauded Prof. Igwilo for her meritorious service at the university, saying she was dedicated and has the university at heart all the time. “When the story of the university is fully written, her name will be written in gold”, Prof. Bello said.
The event was also used to unveil two books titled “Our Lives”- a 98 pages book co-authored by Distinguished Professor Cecilia Ihuoma and her husband Engr (Dr) Humphrey Osita Igwilo and “Living Memoirs” -a compilation of retirement memoirs in honour of the Distinguished Professor Cecilia Ihuoma and her husband Engr (Dr) Humphrey Osita Igwilo.
According to the reviewer of the books, Prof. Lere Baale, the books tell the story of a detribalized, just, fair, kind, intelligent, brilliant, and beautiful first female professor of Pharmacy in West Africa, Distinguished Prof. Igwilo.
“If anybody is describing her without putting humility, it is not complete”, Prof. Baale said.
The occasion was also graced by the General Overseer, Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Rev. (Dr) Mercy Ezekiel, who took time to pray fervently for the celebrant and her family.
Also in attendance at the event were notable stakeholders in the pharma sector among whom were the former PSN President, Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Akhimien; Publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm. (Sir) ifeanyi Atueyi; Pharm. Jimi Agbaje: Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of PSN, Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola; Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) Babashehu Ahmed represented by the Head of Lagos office, Pharm. (Dr) Ukamaka Okafor; former PCN Registrar, N. A.E Muhammed; Managing Director/CEO of Pharmaceutical Companies and many other personalities.
