…As 75 Pharmacists Bag ACPN’s DCPharm Award
The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba as well as the Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare PLC, Dr Fidelis Ayebae and many other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry have pledged to support the newly inaugurated National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh to succeed.
They made the pledges on Thursday at the inauguration ceremony of Ezeh as the 16th ACPN National Chairman. The event also witnessed the investiture of 75 new distinguished community pharmacists (DCPharm) Award.
In his remark at the event, Pharm. Ayuba commended ACPN and the roles that members of the association have been playing in the industry. While congratulating Pharm. Ezeh on his emergence as the 16th ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ayuba promised to work with him to succeed and move the pharma industry forward.
“With me as PSN president, you have a partner. Whatever challenges you have, have it in mind that you are not alone, we will face the challenges together, and if it is something that we want, we will work it out and achieve it”, Pharm. Ayuba said.
He also reiterated his commitment to sanitisation of drug distribution in the country. “One of the promises in my manifesto is the sanitisation of the drug distribution space. With your support, we should be able to do that”, the PSN president said.
He noted that there are many good things happening in the pharmaceutical industry. Rather than focusing on things that are not working well in the industry, he urged pharmacists to focus on the good things going on in the industry.
On his part, Ayebae, who was the chairman of the occasion, reiterated his commitment to working towards the advancement of the Pharmacy profession, saying Pharmacy made him whatever he is today. He appreciated the immediate past National Chairman of ACPN, Prince Wale Oladigbolu, for what he has done, and expressed optimism that the incoming chairman will do much more.
He pledged his unwavering support for the new ACPN chairman, even as he charged him to work harder than his predecessor. He also charged community pharmacists in the country to collaborate to form a mega drug distribution conglomerate, even as he challenged Nigerians, especially pharmacists to buy made in Nigeria products.
Also speaking at the event, the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Babashehu Ibrahim Ahmed, who was represented by Dr Taiwo Filusi congratulated ACPN and the incoming National Chairman. He promised that PCN will continue to collaborate with community pharmacists for the betterment of the pharmacy profession, even as he urged Pharm. Ezeh to be accountable.
The PCN registrar described community pharmacists as the most accessible healthcare professionals that provide care that directly impacts life. He charged them to rise up to the technology changing trend in the pharmacy world. He said “Your resilience during public health crises, including the recent global pandemic, demonstrated your unwavering commitment to duty.
“However, we cannot rest on our laurels. The landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, and so must we. New technologies, telemedicine, personalized medicine and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way that care is delivered. As community pharmacists, you have an opportunity to integrate these innovations into your practice, improving patient outcomes and strengthening the bond of trust with those who serve.
“The regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex. As a regulatory body, our mission is to ensure that the highest standards of pharmacy practice are maintained while fostering an environment that supports growth and innovation.
“Collaboration between regulators, practitioners and policy makers is essential to achieving this balance. Today, I pledge our unwavering support for initiatives that empower community pharmacists. This includes continued professional development, support for technology adoption and a robust framework that enables you to expand your roles in preventive care, chronic disease management and health education.
“As we celebrate the past achievement and look toward the future, let us remember that our collective strength lies in unity. The challenges we face, from counterfeit medicine to medication safety and equitable healthcare delivery, require concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Together, we can overcome these obstacles and create a healthcare system that truly serves every member of society”.
In her keynote address, titled “Servant Leadership and its Impact on Organisational Culture”, the keynote speaker at the event, the Executive Director, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Ltd, Dr Uzoma Ezeoke, noted that Africa has many examples of servant leaders. She urged leaders in the pharma industry to lead as a servant leader.
According to her, the primary evidence for a servant leader is commitment to others. Highlighting the attributes of a servant leader, Dr Ezeoke said a genuine servant leader must have listening ear; empathy and healing, which is ultimately to restore system and order.
Other attributes of a servant leader, according to the keynote speaker, are sense of awareness; foresight, which is the ability to predict what will happen and anticipate future challenges. Others are stewardship, building and persuasion. “If you are dictating, you are not persuading”, Dr Ezeoke said.
Speaking in his valedictory remark, the immediate past National Chairman of the association, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu expressed gratitude to every member of the association who supported him for a successful tenure. He urged Pharm. Ezeh to be a savant leader. “The moment you want to lord your policy or idea over people, you will get resistance”, Prince Oladigbolu said. He also urged his successor to prioritise partnership.
The high point of the event was the inauguration of the new ACPN National Chairman which was carried out by the outgoing chairman Oladigbolu, alongside other past National Chairmen of the association and top dignitaries.
In his inaugural speech, New ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh expressed appreciation to members of the association for giving him the mandate to lead the association, even as he anticipates a better future for the association and the entire pharmaceutical industry.
The ACPN National Chairman calls for full accreditation of pharmacies as health facilities in primary healthcare. He also calls for speedy approval of professional stamps and seals for all pharma transactions. Pharm. Ezeh also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Assembly to partner and then enact the drug revolving fund.
He assured the government and all stakeholders in the healthcare sector that the association is ready for collaboration without compromising professionalism, equity, fairness and justice to all concerned in the health sector.
“The road ahead is filled with both opportunities and challenges. With your unwavering support, and active participation, we shall elevate our practice to new heights. together we shall work hard at entrenching a future where community pharmacists are not only recognized as critical healthcare providers but also as key drivers of positive health outcomes in Nigeria”, the new ACPN National Chairman said.
Meanwhile, 75 pharmacists were bestowed with the ACPN Distinguished Community Pharmacists Award, among who are the past chairman of PSN and ACPN, Kwara State, Pharm. Alli Bakau Oyinloye; Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt; Pharm. Abdullahi Sanni Galadima, Pharm Aremu babatunde Samuel, among others.
Prince Oladigbolu said the recipients of the award are pharmacists who have created niche for themselves and contributed immensely to community pharmacy in particular and the pharmacy profession at large and their efforts which have enhanced the wellbeing of the nation’s healthcare sector.
The event was graced by top personalities in the pharmacy industry among who were the past presidents of PSN, Pharm.U.N.O Uwaga; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo: Pharm. Azubike Okwor; NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye (ably represented) and many others.
, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba as well as the Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare PLC, Dr Fide){kind=link}