…As Former ACPN Scribe, Olatunji-Koolchap, Launches Legacy Books
For people to sustain the momentum of growth, improve relevance, bless future generations and leave behind a legacy that outlives them, they must embrace and imbibe a strong writing culture.
This was the submission of Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, vice-president, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), and publisher, Pharmanews, at the launching of Legacy Books, titled ‘History of Pharmacy Development in Nigeria’, and ‘The Essentials in Pharmaceutical Practice’, written by Pharm. Algreen Olatunji-Koolchap, a former national secretary, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), at Hall 36, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos.
Atueyi, an octogenarian publisher who also served as the event’s chairman, commended Olatunji-Koolchap for dedicating his time to writing these books. He noted that authors do not write for themselves but for others, as many future generations will benefit from their works, even after the authors have passed away.
“Through writing, you provide something valuable to others. The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. This is what we experience in writing books. When you write, you add value to people’s lives.” Atueyi said.
He continued, “I am here today because of the books written by others, which I have read and learned from. As Benjamin Franklin once advised: ‘Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.’ It’s a legacy you leave behind. I started writing 20 years ago and have published 23 motivational books. They bring me joy. When someone tells me they enjoyed my work, I say, ‘Thank you very much.’ So, I congratulate Olatunji-Koolchap for joining our league.”
The book reviewer, Moses Akanmu, professor of Pharmacology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and pioneer dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, described the first book, “The Essentials in Pharmaceutical Practice,” as comprehensive. It is divided into several sections, each covering different aspects of pharmacy practice, including industrial pharmacy, public health, herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, and consulting.
He explained that the 537-page book is titled “Essentials in Pharmaceutical Practice” because it encompasses all aspects of pharmacy practice. This includes community, industrial, academic, and hospital pharmacy, as well as drug distribution guidelines and drug information services related to the Federal Ministry of Health. Prof. Akanmu encouraged everyone to obtain a copy, noting that both students and lecturers would greatly benefit from the knowledge contained in the book.
Speaking on the second book, “History of Pharmacy Development in Nigeria,” Akanmu noted that it is not just for pharmacists or pharmacy students; non-pharmacists should also be interested in how the pharmacy profession began in Nigeria. “The pharmacy profession in Nigeria is over 97 years old, established in 1927. I believe you would want to know how it started and what happened in 1922 in relation to pharmacy,” he said. “The book provides information about the pioneer dispensers who started the practice before pharmacists came into the picture. It also contains essential life quotes that enrich the reader.”
Speaking on the topic, “The Power of Purposefulness,” Prof. Udoma Mendie of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, emphasised the importance of writing. As a teacher and author, he shared his extensive experience, noting that he has over 3,000 books in his library and never skips a night without reading.
He advised the audience on living a purposeful life, stating that integrity is the first thing that drives purpose. “Integrity is the ability to do the right thing even when no one is watching,” he added. “It is a fundamental value that promotes trust, respect, and accountability.”
“We are here to launch these enterprising books by Olatunji-Koolchap due to his passion as an author. Although he is a pharmacist, he continues to pursue other skills to broaden his knowledge base and share it with everyone,” Mendie said. “Writing a book in Nigeria is a selfless act of philanthropy. Nonetheless, when you do good to others and impart knowledge, you become richer in your own enterprise.”
The author, Olatunji-Koolchap, who is currently the Pharmacy Director at Biomedical Limited, Ilorin, Kwara State, noted in his remarks that he was able to write the books through God’s grace and resilience, having compiled the manuscripts over 15 years.
He expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the event and explained that he began jotting down scripts from his past publications, articles, and both published and unpublished works over 15 years ago, while the books themselves began to take shape in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was initially supposed to be one book, but the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria then advised me to split it into two. That’s why you have two books today,” he said.
In his brief remarks before launching the books, Hon. Idowu Obasa, chairman and chief executive officer of Biomedical Limited, commended the author for his achievement in publishing the books, attributing it to his tenacity of purpose and passion for adding value to people’s lives.
Obasa also lamented the declining reading and writing culture and the removal of history from students’ curricula, describing it as a great disaster and tragedy. “They robbed our children of a lot when they removed history from the curriculum. Hopefully, sanity will return to our country one day,” he added.
Other notable personalities at the event include, Dr Margaret Ilomuanya, of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, who also doubled as the anchor of the event; Otunba (Dr) Bode Tawak, director at Biomedical Limited, Ilorin, Kwara State; Pastor Adebayo Olatunji Kelvin, MFM Mega Region, Lagos; Pastor (Mrs) Grace Ajibola, MFM, Mowe Branch; among others.
