In appreciation of their individual contribution to growth of pharmacy education in Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) has honoured the trio of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited, Dr Lolu Ojo, former chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) and Pharm. Sesan Kareem, personal assistant to Pharm Ahmed Yakasai with awards of merit.
In attendance at the maiden edition of the much-publicised annual ‘Pharmacoposium’ which held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife on April 11, 2017, were Prof. Anthony Elujoba, OAU’s vice chancellor; Pharm. (Dr) Sam Olawoye, managing director of Sam Ace Pharma; Dr. Siji Olaniyi, managing director of Akol Healthcare Limited; Pharm. Tiamiyu Sumonu, chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun chapter) and representatives of Akire of Ikire Land, Oba Olatunde Falabi.
Others were Prof. Adeleke Adebayo, dean, OAU’s Faculty of Pharmacy; Dr Oluwole Adeyemi, Faculty Students Officer; Pharm Lanrewaju Adebayo, pharmacist-in-charge, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC); Dr Julius Soyinka, vice dean, OAU’s Faculty of Pharmacy and pharmacy students from seven institutions – Niger Delta University (NDU), University of Ibadan, Madonna University, Usman Dan Fodio University, University of Jos and OAU, the hosting school.
Expressing his appreciation, Atueyi told the audience that his romance with PANS which has seen the association dedicated a handful of pharmacy-related activities (including Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi Essay and Debate Competition) in his honour has come a long way.
“In fact, I don’t know how to fully express my appreciation. It shows life indeed has its seasons. But I must specially thank (Setofunmi) Alo, PANS president, whose hardwork and resilience made this programme a reality. I am personally aware of the effort he put into it,” he stressed.
Another recipient, Dr Lolu Ojo, also seemed to concur with him when he emphasised that the reason why Atueyi (in whose honour the Pharmacoposium was held) is highly celebrated today was because of his revolutionary idea.
“If you have an idea, don’t let it go. It has the potential to change the dynamics of the world. As a former PANS president myself, I remember inviting Sir Atueyi as keynote speaker to our event at this same Ile-Ife in 1984.
“Though he seemed not to remember now, that further highlights how great he is. I thank PANS for choosing to honour him with this event and for choosing me as the keynote speaker,” he enthused.
Applauding the recipient, the vice chancellor declared that the award recipients have made an impressionable mark on pharmacy students across the country.
While prophesying that he foresaw Sesan Kareem rising to become a future PSN president, Ëlujoba further shower encomiums on Ojo and Atueyi.
“I know the young ones may not Atueyi beyond the fact that he is the publisher of Pharmanews journal. But we (full-fledged pharmacists) know his impact in the pharmaceutical sector goes beyond that which they will discover later in life,” he noted.
While encouraging students from all the various institutions to endeavour to do the right thing at time, the vice chancellor lamented that it is unfortunate how despicable acts in the pharma sector have been allowed to fester for too long.
“It is sad to note that quackery still exists because many pharmacists don’t see themselves as men of honour. We have played our part. This is your generation where you must ensure that you do it right!
“For instance, I don’t have any DVC (admin) and DVC (academic). Yet, I have sweated for one day. Learn to follow God in all your activities. Once again, do it right!” he charged.
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