– As Ayuba announces 2026 PSN National Conference will hold in Anambra
It was a moment of celebration and validation as Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State was conferred with the ‘Friend of Pharmacists’ title by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) during its 2025 National Conference, themed “Technology Integration and Personalised Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The week-long event, attended by leading figures in Nigeria’s Pharmacy profession, public officials, and private stakeholders, was not only a celebration of pharmaceutical advancement but a public endorsement of Governor Soludo’s visible contributions to healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical infrastructure in the state.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association, held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, Dr UNO Uwaga, chairman of the ACPN Board of Trustees and former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), opened the floor with heartfelt gratitude. “First of all, the ambience here made me wonder whether I was in Europe or still in Nigeria,” he said, drawing laughter and applause.
He commended the Governor’s transformative interventions, including the revival of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba, which had stalled for years. “It was lying in state until you came in. Today, work is ongoing. I was there yesterday, and I saw it with my own eyes,” he affirmed.
A cross-section of dignitaries with the Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo at the 44th Annual ACPN Conference in Awka, Anambra State.
Uwaga also lauded the donation of landed property for a research centre for industrial pharmacists, the proposed pharmaceutical industrial hub, and the establishment of a quality control laboratory — describing it as a potential national benchmark. “For putting up a quality control laboratory that might beat what NAFDAC has, we can be rest assured that the health of Nigerians is enhanced,” he added.
In a significant announcement, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, national president of the PSN, declared that Anambra State will host the 2026 PSN National Conference. “This conference is a testing ground, we sent our first child, ACPN, to host theirs here. And we are satisfied,” he said.
“We are, as Oliver Twist, going to demand more. We will request this hall. We will bring the PSN National Conference here next year.” Ayuba described Governor Soludo as “the Pharmacy-friendly governor,” expressing hope that he would remain in office by the time the conference holds. He also charged community pharmacists to uphold their central role in public health. “You are the face of Pharmacy. Whoever is sick, their first point of call is the community pharmacist. Continue to shine the light,” he urged.
Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), provided regulatory endorsement for the state’s efforts. “Barely 30 days after I assumed office, I had the honour of being at the groundbreaking of the CWC in Oba. And just last night, I briefed the Coordinating Minister of Health on the impressive progress,” he stated.
Ahmed said the PCN receives regular updates from the state’s Special Adviser on Pharmaceutical Development and is pleased with the pace of work. Though not a politician, he added, “I believe I deserve to wish His Excellency success in the upcoming elections.”
In his welcome remarks, National Chairman of the ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, described the event as a “watershed moment” and thanked Governor Soludo for creating the right environment for the conference to thrive.
In his response, Governor Soludo expressed deep appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in Anambra. He described the relationship between medics and pharmacists as complementary, noting that in Anambra, both professions work seamlessly to serve the people.
“Healthcare is teamwork — doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and all health workers have to collaborate for impact. In Anambra, we’re doing that,” he said.
He reiterated his belief in the potential of pharmaceutical services to significantly improve public health outcomes and assured the pharmacy community of his unwavering support. “I want to assure you that we will complete the CWC at Oba before your next PSN National Conference.
We’re not just building structures, we’re institutionalising reforms,” the Governor declared. Welcoming the decision to host the PSN 2026 National Conference in Anambra, he pledged the state’s full support, promising to receive the profession with excellence and warmth.
