Managing Director of Pharmanews Limited and Vice-president, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM), Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, has advised the leadership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to remain committed to the task of advancing the interests of the association, noting that there is a divine purpose for their being in position at this time.
The respected pharmacist said this during a courtesy visit by the national executive members of ACPN, led by its chairman, Pharm. (Dr) Albert Kelong Alkali, to the Pharmanews corporate office in Lagos recently.
Atueyi further charged the visitors to always demonstrate the fear of God in the discharge of their duties.
“The reward of your service will come sooner or later; so, do your best today as many will one day remember you and appreciate your service to this association.
“I also want you to know that God is trying us with whatever position we find ourselves today, therefore, faithfulness, truthfulness, perseverance and commitment are needed in whatever position we find ourselves.
“It is also important to note that you are not wasting your time serving in that office or capacity you are serving now, but investing it, because by the time the reward will come, you will be surprised and glorify God,” Atueyi said.
Speaking further, the Pharmanews boss recalled his time as the national treasurer and financial secretary of the erstwhile Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists (NAGPP), before it became the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), urging the leaders to be determined to do their best in rendering exceptional services, regardless of challenges.
“I have come to discover that in this life, God has a way of pushing you to do whatever He wants you to do,” Atueyi said. “I was never a writer, but because God wanted to take me somewhere, He used somebody to push me into it and today, what started like a child’s play has metamorphosed into about 14 books, and still counting.”
Responding to the Pharmanews MD’s remarks, Pharm. (Dr) Albert Kelong Alkali said that the association’s visit was to show appreciation to Pharmanews for its continual support over the years, especially during its annual conferences, and to also seek elderly advice from Pharm. Atueyi, whom he described as one of the living legends of pharmacy profession in the country.
Alkali further noted that the visit was very significant, as it was his first to Pharmanews since his assumption of office as national chairman.
“We in ACPN do not want to be ingrates; so we have come to pay homage to the doyen of pharmacy himself and to let him know that we appreciate what the journal is doing, especially by projecting the image of pharmacy profession and allowing the public to know what ACPN is all about and what we are doing.
“Pharmanews has created a niche for itself and has set a standard that is enviable to others in the country. There is no way the history of pharmacy in Nigeria will be complete without mentioning Pharmanews,” the obviously delighted Alkali said.
The ACPN boss further seized the opportunity to comment on the issue of pharmacy emblem, which he said the association was vigorously working on.
“It is of paramount importance to inform people that in line with the value of the emblem, the ACPN has restructured it and it is more aesthetically packaged. The emblem carries the serial number of PSN and any emblem different from the one from ACPN is regarded as fake, if mounted in any premises,” he said.
While appealing to Sir Atueyi to assist the ACPN in this vigorous campaign through Pharmanews, Alkali said the general public must be aware that registered pharmacies with genuine pharmaceutical products can only be recognised by the presence of the Green Cross emblem.
Speaking in the same vein, ACPN National Vice chairman, Pharm. Samuel Adekola, saluted Sir. Ifeanyi Atueyi for his doggedness in taking Pharmanews to its present enviable level.
Describing him as a go-getter and trailblazer, he said:
“We cannot thank you enough for giving us Pharmanews in pharmacy profession, as the journal was consistent during our days in the university and today, you are still waxing strong.
“As a young face of pharmacy, we see you as a role model and we are hopeful that one day, we will step into your shoes. By venturing into an aspect that is totally different from selling drugs or manufacturing drug, it has been a very big sacrifice, especially leaving at a time that the profession was more rewarding.
Others in attendance at the meeting were Pharm. Adeoye Afuye, national secretary, ACPN; Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator, assistant national secretary; Editor, Pharmanews Limited, Yusuff Moshood and Business Development Manager, Joel Omikunle.
