Orhii, Utomi, others applaud Sierra Leonean author

pharmacy

(By Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis)

Eminent pharmacists, entrepreneurs, and Sierra Leonean residents in Nigeria were among the special guests who witnessed the official launch of Dr. Patrick Lukulay’s bestseller,“The Executive In You”, in Nigeria.

The event which held on 27 March at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, also had, in attendance, notable individuals like Chief (Mrs) Stella Okoli, chairman of Emzor Pharmaceuticals; Prof. Pat Utomi, former presidential aspirant; Dr. Paul Orhii, director general, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of  Pharmanews Limited; Pharm. Steve Onyia, managing director of Chi Pharma; and Mr. James Lebbie, secretary, Sierra Leone High Commission in Nigeria.

Others were Pharm. Olakunle Ekundayo, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former managing director of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals; and Mrs Ndidi Nwuneli, founder of LEAP Africa.

“The Executive In You” tells the story of Dr. Lukulay, vice president, Global Health Impact Programmes and programme director for the USAID-funded Promoting the Quality of Medicines programme. It traces his struggles for survival and prominence in life as the last of 25 children in a polygamous and often turbulent home.

His story indeed motivates, inspires and serves as a reminder of the innate ability in every human to fulfil his or her destiny, despite humble and even troubled beginnings. It also offers valuable insight for people who wish to change their lives.

“Many of you might be wondering why I am launching this book here in Nigeria,” Lukulay said in his speech at the event.” First, I must say I have a Nigerian mum in Mrs (Stella) Okoli who has always been there for me. Secondly, as a Sierra Leonean, I stand before you feeling proud for the warm welcome I receive each time I visit Nigeria.”

The author reiterated that every individual has great potentials embedded within them which can spur them to success in life.

“I want to assure that your beginning does not necessarily dictate the end of your journey. A slow start doesn’t depict how far you can go in life. Years ago, Sierra Leone didn’t have agencies like NAFDAC and had to keep transferring drugs to Ghana to test their quality. Today, my country has a superior testing facility,” he said.

Applauding the book, Dr. Paul Orhii described Lukulay as a humble and inspiring man, whose story had strongly touched him as a person.

“Patrick is somebody I cherish…Even at the entrance to this hall, you all saw the warm manner he was welcoming the guests. That is Patrick for you. This is what quality education can do. Get a copy of the book yourself and read to get inspired,” he enthused.

In a show of solidarity, Chief Okoli bought 1,000 copies of the  book to distribute to her members of staff at the Chief Okoli Foundation, as well students of the University of Lagos present at the occasion.

“People need to learn from this motivating literature,” she stressed.