It is our delight to inform our distinguished readers and friends that Pharmanews has been nominated again for the Nigerian Healthcare Media Excellence Award-Print. We are grateful for your participation in the nomination exercise.
Here’s to hint you that voting has commenced for the NHEA 2025, and it will close by midnight of Sunday, 15 June 2025. You are free to cast your vote now for Nigeria’s top healthcare stars, as we seek your vote for the Healthcare Excellence Media Award –Print.
Now in its 11th edition, NHEA continues to recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.
With the 2025 celebration themed, “Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening Health Systems through the SWAP Approach”, the event is slated for 27 June, 2025, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, VI, Lagos.
For easy identification of Pharmanews on the voting platform, you will find the category tagged: Special Awards – Healthcare Media Excellence Award-Print.
We hereby solicit your VOTE, within the very limited time to win. Kindly note that for your vote to count, you need to follow the steps listed below. Click the link below to vote.
A cross-section of participants at the clean-up exercise
Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through a nationwide clean-up and community sensitisation campaign.
The annual event, in its sixth edition was executed in collaboration with the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and local authorities, mobilised a total of 516 Nestlé Cares volunteers from the Nestlé head office, branch offices, and factories.
The clean-up efforts spanned 11 cities, focusing on high-footfall market hubs such as Oke-Arin Market in Lagos, Utako Market in Abuja, Abubakar Rimi Market in Kano, Satellite Market in Jos, Sabo Market in Sagamu, Bodija Market in Ibadan, Okoko Market in Agbara, Abaji Market in Abaji, Holyghost Market in Enugu, Aguawka Market in Awka and Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt.
Participants cleaning-up market environment during the exercise
In a press statement signed by Victoria Uwadoka, corporate affairs manager, Nestlé Nigeria, she explained the selection modalities of the markets, noting that they were strategically selected based on their waste burden and community impact, resulting in the collective removal of 5,601 kilograms of solid and 379.2 kilograms of recyclable waste.
Speaking at the Lagos centre of the sanitation exercise, Mrs Uwadoka, emphasised the alignment of the initiative with the World Environment Day theme, “Curbing Plastic Pollution.” She said, “At Nestlé, our commitment to fighting plastic waste is integral to our vision of a waste-free future. This vision encompasses internal accountability and proactive stakeholder engagement.Through strategic partnerships with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and plastic waste recyclers such as Alef recycling, Wecyclers, Chanja Datti and Maladase Ecopreneurs Management Ltd. (MECOM), we are supporting the advancement of circularity within the plastics value chain.
“In addition, our Employee Plastics Collection Scheme (EPCS), launched in 2022, empowers our employees to take responsibility for their environmental impact by recycling their plastic waste. Through the EPCS, we have achieved diversion of 5,922 kg of plastic waste from landfills. Collectively, our initiatives have successfully retrieved over 61,000 metric tons of plastic from the environment since 2019”.
Dr Alex Akhigbe, founder of the African Clean-Up Initiative, articulated the broader vision driving this partnership “This initiative transcends a mere clean-up, it represents a sustainability movement grounded in the principles of collective responsibility, collaboration and the circular economy. The fight against plastic pollution requires deliberate action. Every bottle collected, every conversation initiated, contributes to shaping a culture of environmental consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a generation that values and protects our planet.”
Uwadoka further highlights the essence of the initiative, saying it demonstrates Nestlé Nigeria’s integrated approach to sustainability, merging operational accountability with grassroots engagement.
As the company progresses in its broader sustainability agenda, she averred that initiatives such as this serve as a model for how corporate actions can stimulate community-driven impact, reinforcing the shared responsibility to protect environmental resources today, and for future generations.
The organisers of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) are pleased to announce a landmark three-year partnership with DCL Laboratory Products Ltd as Title Sponsor of two prestigious laboratory award categories, reaffirming DCL’s dedication to advancing diagnostic excellence and laboratory professionalism in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The sponsored categories for NHEA 2025 are, DCL NHEA Laboratory Innovation and Quality Improvement Award and DCL NHEA Laboratory Professional of the Year Award.
In a press statement signed by Moses Braimah, NHEA director of marketing, communication, and strategy, he highlighted nominees for 2025 DCL NHEA Laboratory Innovation and Quality Improvement Award as follows; El-Lab Medical Diagnostics; Mecure Healthcare Limited; Cerba Lancet Nigeria and Everight Diagnostic & Laboratory Services. This award recognises outstanding commitment to innovation and quality enhancement in laboratory practices, driving diagnostic excellence and strengthening the Nigerian healthcare system.
While those for the DCL NHEA Laboratory Professional of the Year Award are; MLS Obiageli Ifeanyi-Ibezi – International Organization for Migration (IOM), MLS Sylvia Ifeoma – Federal Medical Centre Asaba, and MLS Samuel Aigbogun – NNPC Medicals, Mosimi. This category honors laboratory professionals whose expertise, leadership, and dedication have significantly advanced healthcare through diagnostics and laboratory science.
Braimah noted that nominees were carefully selected based on stringent criteria, including measurable innovation, regulatory compliance, demonstrated impact, and commitment to professional ethics.
Dr Okechukwu C. Anyanwu, CEO/managing director of DCL, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “Diagnostics is the heart of modern healthcare. By supporting these awards, we are not only celebrating achievements but encouraging a culture of innovation and quality that will benefit patients nationwide.”
Mr Andrew C. Alaefule, country general manager of DCL, added, “We believe strongly that recognising and rewarding excellence will drive better practices across the entire diagnostics value chain in Nigeria. This partnership aligns with DCL’s mission to deliver world-class laboratory solutions to the healthcare sector.”
Also commenting, Dr Wale Alabi, project director of NHEA, remarked, “DCL’s involvement underscores the critical role of laboratory science in Nigeria’s healthcare transformation. These awards highlight the best of innovation, commitment, and professionalism—attributes that are essential for Nigeria’s healthcare advancement.”
The public and healthcare stakeholders are encouraged to participate by casting votes for their preferred nominees which closes at Midnight on Sunday, 15 June , 2025.
According Braimah, the grand finale of the NHEA 2025 Awards Night—will be held on Friday, 27 June, 2025 at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The concept of wellness must be clearly understood. According to Google, it is defined as “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.” An article on PubMed.gov describes it as “a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being—fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit.”
I propose the following definition: Wellness is a perspective on health that honours the Source of our being. It is God’s divine gift to us—His children. It is the understanding that both the Earth and the human body have been designed by God for wellness. A perfect system, functioning with ease, to maintain our health and wholeness.
God has made things remarkably simple for us. While we sleep, the heart keeps beating. The kidneys continue filtering the blood and producing urine. The brain transfers information from short-term to long-term memory. Our immune system and body enter a reparative state: old cells are broken down, and new ones are formed. In other words, there is already a perfect wellness system built into the body.
This divine design keeps us in a state of wellness. If dust enters the nose or mouth, the body reacts with a cough—a protective reflex. The body wants to stay in wellness. Wellness is our birthright. It is God’s gift to each one of us. He has embedded it in His children and in the Earth.
The Bible affirms this: He created us in His image and likeness—whole, perfect, and complete. Think about that for a moment.
The Earth knows what to do. The body knows what to do. They operate on autopilot. The Earth knows when to bring forth the sun and the moon. Trees know when to sprout roots and germinate. The Earth grows the grass, nurtures the trees, and sustains the forests. God has created a flawless, self-sustaining system.
The heart beats whether we are awake or asleep. A pregnant woman’s body knows when to initiate labour. God spent six days preparing the Earth with everything necessary before placing His children in it.
With all this perfection, where then does sickness come from? It comes when man interferes with God’s design—when we convert wellness into illness.
This brings us to the five pillars of wellness, which, if neglected, can become five roots of illness:
Spirituality
Mindset
Nutrition
Lifestyle
Environment
Spirituality
A key feature here is forgiveness. Science increasingly affirms that individuals who harbour unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, and hatred are more prone to illness. Their baseline stress hormones—like cortisol—are significantly elevated. Prolonged high cortisol levels weaken the immune system, increase acidity in the body, deplete bone density, and reduce muscle mass. They also disrupt blood sugar and lipid balance. Studies show that unforgiveness can hinder healing and reduce the effectiveness of medical treatment. On the other hand, forgiving individuals tend to experience better health outcomes and respond more positively to treatment.
Mindset
How do we programme our minds? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Science suggests that optimists enjoy better health and longer life spans. Their bodies are flooded with beneficial, mood-enhancing hormones such as serotonin, melatonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins.
God desires that His children live well and see the brighter side of life. Internally, our hormones respond to our outlook. Pessimists, who dwell on negativity, tend to experience higher stress levels.
Do you have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset? Ask yourself: Do you enjoy engaging in new discussions? Are you open to differing opinions? Do you travel to unfamiliar places? Challenge yourself with books beyond your profession? Have you tried learning a new language or musical instrument?
Regardless of age, engaging in new learning stimulates brain and nerve cell growth. The body can generate new brain cells or reassign existing neurons for new purposes. These processes are known as neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.
The mind is the foreman of the factory. As Scripture says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
For health and wellness, we must recognise that God has already created perfection. Wellness is built into us. The Earth and the human body are perfect—designed for wellness. Too often, however, mankind interferes and turns God’s gift of ease into dis-ease.
Dr Patrick Ijewere is the medical director, Carib Health Ltd.
L–R: Olufemi Olapegba, managing director, Digital Health Platforms, Interswitch; Mohammed Al-Ubaydli, CEO/founder, Patients Know Best (PKB); Wallace Ogufere, EVP, government relations & regulatory affairs, Interswitch; and Serena De Morgan, head of communications, PKB, during Interswitch’s team visit to the Patients Know Best (PKB) office in London.
As part of efforts to boost the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) initiative, Interswitch’s Digital Health Platform (DHP) has partnered with Patients Know Best (PKB), a leading provider of personal health record (PHR) solutions, to further enhance digital healthcare infrastructure in Lagos State.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing digital healthcare infrastructure in Lagos State. Through this partnership, PKB’s cutting-edge PHR system will integrate with Interswitch’s DHP to establish a robust Health Information Exchange (HIE) system that drives digital transformation in healthcare while adhering to global Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards.
This integration will also create a secure, patient-focused digital health record system that enables healthcare providers across Lagos State to seamlessly access and share patient information. This advancement will improve care coordination, enhance health outcomes, and drive greater efficiency in healthcare delivery across the state.
Olufemi Olapegba, managing director for Digital Health Platforms at Interswitch, remarked on the partnership, saying: “Interswitch’s collaboration with PKB underlines our broader commitment to driving digital transformation across critical sectors in Nigeria, including healthcare. By leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline healthcare information exchange, we are building an integrated platform that enhances service delivery, improves patient outcomes, and redefines healthcare access in Nigeria and beyond.”
Mohammad Al-Ubaydli, CEO of PKB, added: “We are excited to partner with Interswitch to introduce a transformative health information system in Lagos. Our secure, patient-centric platform empowers individuals with greater control over their health data while ensuring healthcare providers have real-time access to critical patient information. This partnership paves the way for a more efficient, connected, and responsive healthcare ecosystem.”
By facilitating secure and efficient data exchange, the platform will provide healthcare providers with real-time access to comprehensive patient records, leading to more informed decision-making and better-coordinated care. Patients, in turn, will have unprecedented control over their personal health information, allowing them to actively participate in their healthcare journey and make well-informed decisions about their well-being.
Additionally, healthcare providers will benefit from streamlined clinical workflows, reducing the administrative burden and allowing more time for patient care. The integration of services across Lagos State’s healthcare network will create a more cohesive and efficient healthcare ecosystem, breaking down traditional silos between different healthcare facilities and specialists. Furthermore, the platform’s compliance with international healthcare data standards ensures that the system meets global best practices for data security and healthcare information management.
As digital healthcare continues to evolve, this collaboration between Interswitch and PKB represents a significant step toward a more technology-driven healthcare system in Lagos. By leveraging innovation to enhance health information exchange, the partnership is paving the way for a connected, data-driven healthcare ecosystem that prioritises efficiency, security, and improved patient outcomes. Together, Interswitch and PKB are setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
Pharmanewsonline reports that Lagos SHIP is a digital healthcare platform designed to boost healthcare services by leveraging Interswitch’s robust technology infrastructure. The platform aims to create a comprehensive health information system that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering a seamless and efficient way to access a wide range of healthcare services. With this development, Lagos State residents can book appointments, pay for consultations, access medical records, and purchase medications with ease using the platform.
Diagram a brain with tumour, Image Source: Cleveland Clinic
Medical experts and health advocates have renewed calls for a national policy on brain health. They are calling on the Federal Government to prioritise brain tumour care through increased funding, public education, and improved access to treatment.
The call was made during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Brain Tumour Day, organised by the Brain and Spine Foundation Africa in partnership with the National Hospital.
Speaking, Dr Mansur Idris, the head of consultant Neurosurgeon, National Hospital, said brain tumours accounted for up to 25 per cent of all neurosurgical cases in the country.
Idris, who was represented by Dr Uthman Uthman, a neurosurgeon, delivered a keynote address titled “Hope amid Tumour: Advances in Care and Survivorship”.
He said that many Nigerians remained unaware of the early signs of brain tumours due to cultural misconceptions and a lack of awareness.
“Seizures or behavioural changes are often mistaken for spiritual attacks. Some cases are only discovered incidentally during scans for unrelated conditions,” he said.
The doctor said that while not all brain tumours were malignant, untreated benign tumours could also lead to life-threatening complications.
He said that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other diagnostic tools were either unavailable or unaffordable for most Nigerians.
Although he commended new facilities like the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, he noted that advanced services such as Tesla MRI and PET scans remained financially out of reach for many.
“Treatment involves a multi-disciplinary approach, neurosurgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, and often lifelong follow-up.
“Without financial support, patients and their families are left overwhelmed,” Idris said.
He called on the government to replicate cancer care financing models for brain tumour patients and urged the inclusion of brain health in the national health agenda.
Ms Chika Okwuolisa, executive director of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, described brain tumour as a “silent national crisis” and called for urgent intervention through policy, education, and funding.
“Brain health has long been relegated to the background. It is time to bring it to the centre of health discourse in Nigeria. Without information, patients are disempowered, and caregivers are helpless,” she said.
Recounting personal experience supporting a sibling diagnosed with a brain tumour, she said her family had to solicit funds publicly to commence treatment.
“I have lived through the nightmare. That is why I say brain health should not be a private struggle. It is a public health issue,” she said.
Okwuolisa also said that the upcoming African Neurological Health Summit was part of continued advocacy efforts to mainstream brain health in Africa’s health policy.
Retired Gen. Maurice Ezeoke, former President of the International College of Surgeons, also said that the cost of treatment was a key barrier for most patients.
Ezeoke advocated for subsidies and the inclusion of brain tumour care in national health insurance coverage.
Also speaking, Mrs Ekeinyi Adedayo, a senior oncology nurse at the National Hospital, urged Nigerians to pay attention to persistent symptoms such as chronic headaches, changes in vision, and seizures, saying early diagnosis improves survival chances.
“Regular check-ups and early medical attention can make all the difference. Brain health must be prioritised,” Adebayo said.
The event featured emotional testimonies from survivors and caregivers including Ms Stephanie Acka, whose sister was diagnosed in 2021.
Acka described how her family raised over N10 million through donations for surgery in India, yet she said the financial burden continued with monthly drug costs as high as N1.2 million.
“I have had to beg just to keep my sister alive. We need government support to reduce this suffering,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Brain Tumour Day, observed every June 8, is more than just a commemorative day.
It is a global call to action to address one of the most under-recognised, but devastating health conditions affecting populations worldwide.
With the theme for World Brain Tumour Day 2025, ‘Fighting Brain Cancer Together’, advocates across the globe are rallying for equity in brain care, research and survivorship.
“If the doctors of today do not become the nutritionists of tomorrow, then the nutritionists of today will become the doctors of tomorrow.” — Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research
“Let your medicine be your food and let your food be your medicine.” — Hippocrates (460–375 BC)
The earth (dust) is composed of minerals, of which 103 have been identified. Among these, 20 have long been established as absolutely essential for human life. Eight of them are considered macro minerals, required in quantities exceeding 100 milligrams per day: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphur, and silicon. The remaining twelve are trace minerals, needed in amounts less than 100 milligrams daily, and include zinc, copper, cobalt, iodine, manganese, chromium, vanadium, selenium, molybdenum, boron, tin, and iron.
Modern nutritional science, however, has expanded this list significantly. Experts, including Dr Joel D. Wallach, now identify 90 essential nutrients required by the human body. These consist of 60 essential minerals, 16 essential vitamins, 12 essential amino acids, and 3 essential fatty acids.
Our bodies require these nutrients in optimal amounts each day, not only to ward off degenerative diseases but also to reach our full life potential. These elements are necessary for the body’s ongoing processes of maintenance and repair. Without them, life itself cannot continue. While the human body can manufacture several vitamins, it cannot produce minerals. These must be absorbed from the soil through plants and then consumed as part of our diet.
Unfortunately, many farmlands today are severely depleted of minerals due to overuse, erosion, and poor farming practices. As a result, crops grown in such soils are nutritionally deficient. Commercial fertilisers typically replace only three elements—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—leaving out other essential minerals.
Our longevity, therefore, depends heavily on how consistently we consume adequate amounts of essential nutrients—the basic building blocks of health and vitality. Relying solely on the traditional four food groups is no longer sufficient for a long and healthy life. Food supplementation is often necessary to maintain nutritional balance.
Although vitamins are required only in small amounts, their functions are critical. The key vitamins include B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), Biotin, B6 (Pyridoxine), B12 (Cobalamin), Folate, A, D, E, K, and various carotenoids. These are primarily sourced from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to serious health problems. For example, a lack of vitamin C results in scurvy, a condition marked by symptoms such as anaemia, fatigue, severe joint pain, gum disease, and weight loss.
It is vital to incorporate antioxidant-rich foods into the daily diet. These include fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, bananas, and grapefruit; vegetables like carrots, spinach, and bitter leaf; and nuts including walnuts, groundnuts, and bitter kola. Certain spices—cinnamon, thyme, ginger, clove, and turmeric—also offer powerful antioxidant properties. Beverages such as green tea, red wine (which contains resveratrol), and coffee are known for their antioxidant content as well. Vitamins C, A, and E, as well as selenium and beta-carotene, all help to fight oxidative stress. Additionally, glutathione plays a crucial role in repairing damaged cells, detoxifying the body, and boosting the immune system.
Eating living foods is essential. Living foods retain active enzymes, while dead foods do not. Enzymes are indispensable for the digestion of food. They help break down carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and oils into absorbable forms. For instance, cellulase breaks down the fibre found in plant-based foods. Without enzymes, digestion is impaired, and vitamins and minerals cannot function effectively.
The primary sources of enzymes are raw fruits and vegetables. Increasing the consumption of raw produce enhances enzyme intake. Unfortunately, cooking, canning, and processing destroy most of the enzymes present in food. At temperatures between 116 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, enzymes and other nutritional values are largely lost. To maintain optimal health, at least half of one’s diet should consist of raw, unprocessed foods.
Many people remain unaware that sugar is, in essence, a sweet poison. It is both toxic and addictive. Its short- and long-term effects include impaired vision, arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, fatigue, obesity, a weakened immune system, and hormonal and digestive imbalances.
Excess sugar consumption is not limited to obvious sources. It also comes from soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, cakes, ice cream, biscuits, ketchup, sweets, and even some breakfast cereals.
A low-carbohydrate diet is beneficial for health. The ketogenic diet, which consists of minimal carbohydrates and higher amounts of healthy fats, leads to increased levels of ketones in the bloodstream. This diet has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in children with epilepsy and is also used in the management of certain cancers.
Excess sugar in the body combines with amino acids to form Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). Elevated levels of AGEs can lead to a range of health issues including wrinkles, sagging skin, kidney and nervous system damage, clogged arteries, diabetes, cataracts, and other age-related conditions. Foods that are high in AGEs include sugary snacks, processed items, and fried or fatty foods. In contrast, fruits and vegetables are naturally low in AGEs and should form a substantial part of a healthy diet.
The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), a technical arm of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), is set to host its 28th Annual National Conference from June 23rd to 27th, 2025, at The Citadel, Ikeja, Lagos State.
With the theme “Scale, Innovation and Transformation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry (SIT 2025),” the conference aims to explore strategies for expanding and modernising the country’s pharmaceutical sector amid evolving global and local challenges.
According to the organisers, the conference will bring together key stakeholders, including industrial pharmacists, regulators, academics, and business leaders, to share insights and chart a transformative path for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution landscape.
Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, managing director/CEO of Juhel Nigeria Ltd., will chair the opening ceremony.
Dr Margaret Ilomuanya, of the Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), will be the chief host.
Pharm. Ken Onuegbu, national chairman of NAIP, will host the event.
The event is expected to feature plenary sessions, technical discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), has commended the management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja for taking decisive action against staff alleged to have neglected an accident victim.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed said this in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the victim had been rescued from a crash scene within the nation’s capital by a good Samaritan and was taken to FMC Abuja for proper treatment.
Mohammed emphasised the imperatives of timely and adequate medical attention in reducing mortality rates and improving outcomes for crash victims.
He called on all healthcare providers to adopt a more proactive approach in responding to emergencies and saving lives of rescued crash victims.
He also condemned the several rejection of crash victims from FRSC operatives by hospitals.
He revealed that the National Road Traffic Regulations (2024) specifically frowns at hospitals that reject crash victims.
This, he said was with detailed provision of adequate punishment for negligence, or any form of misconduct that compromised established regulations on handling of crash victims.
“We urge healthcare providers to prioritise welfare of crash victims and uphold the highest standards of professionalism to save their lives,” he maintained.
The FRSC boss reiterated the Corps’ commitment to collaborate with healthcare providers and other stakeholders to enhance road safety and save lives.
“By working together, we can reduce incidences of crashes fatalities to the barest minimum, and improve response to emergencies,” he added.
The corps marshal commended the good Nigerian who single handedly carried out the rescue of the victim.
Mohammed called on citizens to emulate the sense of patriotism by promoting a culture of safety, discipline, and professionalism to make a difference and save more lives.
NAN reports that the FMC management said eight of its staff members—including four doctors, two nurses, and two attendants—are currently under investigation for alleged professional negligence.
The hospital management told newsmen that any staff member found guilty of dereliction of duty would be held accountable.
The hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Bioku Muftau, confirmed that the accident victims allegedly abandoned by hospital personnel—featured in a viral video circulating on social media—have been treated and discharged.
Muftau said the patient with a head injury, who appeared in the video and drew widespread public concern, was stabilised and discharged the same day he arrived at the facility. (NAN)
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued an alert, warning Nigerians of a batch of substandard Healmoxy 500mg Capsules, circulating in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Healmoxy 500mg capsules is a widely used antibiotics for the treatment of different bacterial infections such as the ear, skin and dental infections. It is produced by Maxheal Pharmaceuticals (India), registered and imported by Nkoyo Chemist, Surulere, Lagos.
In a statement issued at the weekend, NAFDAC informed the public of the false batches of the Healmoxy 500mg capsules.
The falsified batches of the capsules are said to have lacked the active ingredient, with discrepancies in the manufacturing and expiry dates.
However, the distribution outlet claims that the batches were never imported into Nigeria.
NAFDAC has also urged Importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain.
As part of activities to curb the menace of fake drugs and counterfeit medicines in the country, Pharm. Oladipupo MacJob, founder of Macdiptoy Consulting Limited, has launched a music advocacy. Illicit products pose a significant threat to public health as well as put lives at risk, undermining trust in the healthcare system.
In a press release sent to Pharmanewsonline, Macjob revealed the rationale behind the campaign, saying it is to join forces with NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies. “Our decision has been informed as an organisation to join our voice with NAFDAC and other well meaning citizens of this country, home and abroad in the fight against fake and counterfeit medicines”.
Impact of music advocacy
Macjob noted that music has long been a powerful tool for social change and culture, shaping and in this case, it can play a crucial role in raising awareness, promoting vigilance and amplifying the message against fake drugs and counterfeit medicines alongside other methods currently in use.
No doubt, he said the current administration under the leadership of the Director General of NAFDAC has taken giant strikes in taking this fight to the camp of perpetrators with the recent courageous shut down of some open drug markets in the country. However, its imperative to state that the more the buy in of the citizenry, the stronger the efficacy of the advocacy.
“On account of this, our decision has been informed to produce an advocacy song against fake drugs titled “Say No To Fake Drugs” which we believe would go a long way in fostering the message of the campaign against fake drugs within and outside the shores of the country”, he stated.
He maintains that the fight against fake and counterfeit medicines requires a collective effort. “By harnessing the power of music advocacy, we can educate, inspire and mobilise the public to join the campaign against this menace. Together, we can work towards a safer, healthier Nigeria”.
What is the average time period for phase II clinical trials study ___________
a) 4 years
b) Few months
c) Two years
d) Several years
2. ___________ drug can cause lactic acidosis.
a) Metformin
b) Pioglitazone
c) Repaglinide
d) Glibenclamide
3. Type I ADR reactions is___________
a) Caused when T-cells bind to a specific antigen
b) Caused by tissue injury
c) IgE mediated
d) Caused by cytotoxic antibodies
In this engaging interview with Adebayo Oladejo, Pharm. (Mrs) Munirat Kikelomo Bello, the Kwara State chairperson of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), discusses the evolving landscape of pharmacy practice in the state. From her professional journey to the challenges of leadership, government neglect, and ongoing reforms in the community pharmacy sector, she offers a candid look at the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. Excerpts:
Tell us a bit about your professional background and how you ventured into community pharmacy.
My journey into community pharmacy began in 2010 in Lagos. I had developed a strong interest in the field during my SIWES internship at Nana Pharmacy in Kaduna. What attracted me most was the autonomy and flexibility the practice offers. After completing my internship at Eko Hospital, Ikeja, and my National Youth Service at Military Hospital, Lagos, I set up Wamok Pharmacy in the Ijegun area of Lagos.
During my time in Lagos, I was actively involved in ACPN activities, particularly in Ikotun Zone, where I served as treasurer between 2010 and 2012. I hold a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Jos, which I earned in 2007.
What inspired your decision to lead ACPN in Kwara State, and how has the journey been?
I’ve always been passionate about giving back and making a difference in my community. With my background in Kaduna and Lagos, I felt I could contribute meaningfully to the growth of community pharmacy practice in Kwara State when I relocated in 2015 due to family reasons. Though I’m originally from Ilorin, it felt like a homecoming. Assuming this role has been fulfilling and has allowed me to champion better healthcare delivery.
As the first female ACPN chairperson in Kwara, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped your leadership?
There were initial doubts about my candidacy, mainly due to cultural and gender biases. Some people believed a woman could not lead in a setting like Kwara, but I also received a lot of encouragement. I was reminded that leadership should be about competence, not gender. Despite the resistance, I stayed the course and received enough support to succeed. These experiences strengthened my resolve and made me a more inclusive and resilient leader.
How would you describe the state of community pharmacy in Kwara?
When I moved here in 2015, I noticed a significant gap compared to what I had experienced in Kaduna and Lagos. Kwara is industrially strong, with four to five pharmaceutical companies, one of the highest concentrations in the North Central zone, but community pharmacy practice was more product-focused than patient-oriented. Over time, with collaboration from PCN, the Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee, and regulatory bodies, we’ve started to shift towards a patient-focused model. Community pharmacies are increasingly being seen as primary healthcare providers, not just drug outlets.
Is community pharmacy practice in Kwara profitable?
There’s a perception that it’s not lucrative, but I disagree. The market is competitive due to the presence of big players, but there are gaps that community pharmacists can fill. By offering value-added, patient-centered services, pharmacists can attract more patronage. The land is still fertile, we just need to shift our model from mere dispensing to genuine healthcare delivery.
How has government support impacted community pharmacy in Kwara?
Unfortunately, community pharmacies are grossly neglected. During COVID-19, while manufacturers accessed single-digit loans and incentives, community pharmacists were left out. Despite being crucial to the pharmaceutical value chain, we have not received adequate financial support. We’re currently burdened with high-interest loans, making it hard for small businesses to thrive. We need government-backed interventions and long-term, low-interest loans to grow sustainably.
What about government presence at your activities and programmes?
We are still working on strengthening our relationship with the government at the ACPN level. While PSN Kwara has enjoyed notable support, ACPN as a technical arm is still pushing for more collaboration and visibility.
How is ACPN Kwara tackling the issue of unregulated drug outlets?
ACPN works closely with PCN and the state’s Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee to combat this challenge. However, we face an overwhelming number of patent medicine vendors—over 17,000 in Ilorin metropolis alone. Many of them operate beyond their legal scope, stocking and selling controlled drugs illegally, which contributes to drug abuse.
Our stance is clear: new patent medicine vendors should no longer be registered in areas where there are already enough pharmacies. We must protect our professional space, otherwise the professionals won’t be able to survive and the society will suffer.
What are some of your notable achievements since taking office?
We’ve strengthened collaboration with regulators to reduce the “register-and-go” syndrome, ensuring more pharmacists are physically present in their premises. We’ve also increased public engagement through radio programmes and rural outreach initiatives. During last year’s World Malaria Day, for example, we conducted free testing and health education in Bode Sadu.
Additionally, we’ve organised capacity-building programmes, including a business summit. We’re also launching a drug loan scheme, an interest-free, six-month revolving fund to help members procure medicines without relying on high-interest loans.
What legacy do you hope to leave as ACPN chairperson and as its first female leader?
I want to see more young pharmacists owning and running community pharmacies. Reducing the “japa” syndrome by supporting them with mentorship, financial help, and knowledge is a top priority. Our future lies in empowering the next generation to stay, grow, and thrive in Nigeria.
What peculiar challenge do you think is unique to Kwara in comparison to other states?
The lack of wholesale-retail separation is a major issue. In Kwara, every wholesaler is also a retailer, which is unlike the situation in places like Lagos or Edo where the dichotomy is clear. This blurs professional lines and invites non-pharmacists into the practice space, limiting opportunities for trained pharmacists. It’s a longstanding problem, but we’re committed to advocating for regulatory reform.
Kwara is strategically positioned, with growing infrastructure, proximity to Lagos, and an expanding economy. With the right enforcement and support, we can elevate the practice of pharmacy to its full potential
Creativity is the process of generating something worth having. Like the craft of writing, creativity has no set formula, and despite the various definitions, it can be considered a function of intelligence. Creative thinking begins when some stimulus or suggestion impels reflection and elicits an idea. Ideas, in turn, lead to new ways of thinking and doing, which often result in new and innovative products, improved efficiencies or inventiveness, and out-of-the-ordinary approaches to problem-solving.
However, when trying to encourage creativity, the worst approach, seen repeatedly in organisations, is to reprimand the person with the idea, make them or their group feel irresponsible and at fault in some way, or censor the idea. If you survive the executive criticism gauntlet, the next hurdle is the resistance from subordinates, peers, the corporate culture, and even customers. The “execution” begins before the creation is formed.
There are several techniques and practices that a company or its leadership can use to encourage creativity. These means have been used with success by others. We will therefore explore the skill of creative thinking to understand its importance to successful leadership, the value it brings to a corporate environment, and the implications for your competitiveness.
Creativity is essential to human ingenuity and a catalyst for progress and innovation. It goes beyond mere problem-solving; it involves the ability to think outside the box, challenge conventional norms, and generate novel ideas that have the potential to transform industries and societies. In today’s rapidly changing world, disruptive technologies and fierce competition are the norm, and fostering creativity has become crucial for organisations seeking long-term success.
Creating an environment that nurtures and celebrates it is essential to harness the power of creativity. This starts with recognising that creativity is not limited to a select few individuals deemed “creative.” Instead, everyone has the capacity for creative thinking, and it is the responsibility of leaders to unlock and cultivate this potential across their teams.
One effective technique for stimulating creativity is to provide employees with the freedom and autonomy to explore new ideas and take risks. This means eliminating excessive control and micromanagement, fostering a culture encouraging experimentation, and embracing failure as a valuable learning opportunity. Organisations can unlock a treasure trove of innovative solutions and breakthroughs by empowering individuals to think independently and pursue unorthodox approaches.
Moreover, leaders must establish a safe and psychologically supportive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, regardless of how unconventional or outlandish they may seem. This requires actively listening to and valuing every suggestion, avoiding judgment and negativity, and providing constructive feedback and encouragement. By creating a culture of psychological safety, organisations can inspire individuals to think creatively without fear of ridicule or repercussion, thereby maximising their potential to generate ground-breaking ideas.
In addition to fostering a conducive environment, organisations can leverage various techniques and tools to stimulate creative thinking. Brainstorming sessions, for instance, provide a platform for collaborative idea generation, enabling individuals to bounce ideas off each other and build upon each other’s insights. On the other hand, design thinking methodologies offer a structured approach to problem-solving that emphasises empathy, iteration, and prototyping, ensuring that solutions are user-centric and innovative.
Furthermore, organisations can encourage cross-pollination of ideas by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and exposing employees to diverse perspectives and experiences. Organisations can create a rich tapestry of viewpoints and knowledge by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, disciplines, and cultures, sparking unconventional connections and ideas to drive breakthrough innovation.
Ultimately, embracing creativity as a core value and empowering individuals to think differently can have profound implications for organisations. It can unlock untapped potential, drive continuous improvement, and fuel a culture of innovation that sets them apart from competitors. Moreover, it can enhance employee satisfaction and engagement, attracting top talent and fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
As a leader, it is crucial to recognise the transformative power of creativity and prioritise its cultivation within your organisation. By embracing creative thinking and creating an environment that encourages and celebrates it, you can unleash the full potential of your team, drive meaningful change, and position your organisation for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape.
Leadership in a global context
Few leadership challenges are more complex than those that have grown out of the globalisation of business activities. A business enterprise based in Australia has interests in Africa, India, Russia, and California. In addition, the Australian-based company is increasingly likely to employ managers from various countries.
Any significant business centre’s promotional activity will target client employees from “other” cultures. The personal needs and value systems of its employees will be based on attitudes and experiences quite different from the attitudes and experiences of employees working in the enterprise’s base country. The global ethos of the organisation forms the unifying base out of which differences need to be managed. Part of the paradoxical challenge the company faces is to find a way to develop an organisational culture that can integrate culturally diverse elements based on universal human values. In this article, global leadership is viewed as one of the exercises in the strategic planning of such diverse enterprises.
In designing their corporations relative to other corporations, global leaders are actors on the corporate stage of the international marketplace. They are also part of the benefit package that can attract critical performers. The global difference dimension redefines geographical values to include various value assumptions that shape as they reflect historical and geographical contexts.
Wisdom requires varied perspectives, and a skilful global leader who has learned from experience on the street or on the job has encountered many of those perspectives. The issue within the different context is whether the global leader develops the ongoing feedback loop required to accurately process those perspectives and investments. This article aims to give readers greater insight into global leadership competencies, depth perspectives, the challenges faced by global leaders, and what could be called the “inner quest” relevant to being global. It delves into the strategies and techniques employed by successful global leaders, shedding light on the intricacies of managing culturally diverse teams and navigating the complexities of international business. The article explores the critical role that effective global leadership plays in driving organisational success, examining various case studies and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts and principles.
Furthermore, it provides practical guidance on developing the necessary skills and competencies to thrive in a global business environment. With thought-provoking insights and actionable advice, this article is a valuable resource for anyone aspiring to become a global leader or enhance their leadership capabilities in a multinational context. By honing their understanding of global leadership’s unique challenges and opportunities, readers can cultivate the mindset and skillset required to lead with impact and drive sustainable growth in a constantly evolving global economy.
Understanding the complexities of global leadership is vital in today’s interconnected world. As businesses expand beyond borders, leaders are faced with a multitude of challenges. For example, a business enterprise based in Australia may now have interests in Africa, India, Russia, and California. The diverse nature of these locations requires managers from various countries to work together harmoniously. Furthermore, promotional activities must consider the cultural backgrounds of client employees, necessitating a deep understanding of global cultures.
Each employee within this multinational enterprise brings unique needs and values shaped by their experiences and attitudes. Managing these diverse perspectives can be considered a paradoxical challenge but must be faced head-on. The organisation must develop an inclusive culture that integrates these culturally diverse elements while staying true to universal human values.
Christian Harrison is a professor of Leadership and Enterprise and director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment at the University of Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. A native of Abia State and a devoted family man, he was formerly a Reader in Leadership and chair of the Staff Forum for Research at the University of the West of Scotland. Over the years, he has led modules and delivered lectures on leadership at undergraduate, postgraduate, and DBA levels. An old boy of King’s College Lagos, he earned a First-Class degree in Pharmacy from the University of Lagos, followed by a PhD in Leadership from the University of Aberdeen. His early career was in Pharmacy, where he practised professionally and held several roles.
He has supervised doctoral students researching themes such as authentic, ethical, transformational, and servant leadership. He is the founder of The Leadership Mould Initiative International, an NGO that supports students and nurtures future leaders.
In this insightful chat with Temitope Obayendo, Prof. Harrison examines Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system through a leadership lens. He highlights critical gaps in leadership styles and the absence of a coherent and accountable leadership framework at all levels—federal, state, and institutional. He emphasises the need for strategic policy implementation frameworks, inclusive governance, and empathetic leadership as vital to driving sustainable improvements in patient outcomes. He also underlines the importance of investing in the capacity building of the healthcare workforce. Read excerpts from the interview below:
What inspired the shift in your career from Pharmacy to leadership?
Although I loved Pharmacy and the impact it had on individual lives, I always felt a strong conviction to influence systems and empower people on a broader scale. This desire led to a significant career shift. I pursued an MBA at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with Distinction and as valedictorian, and later completed a PhD in Leadership. That marked the beginning of my academic journey in management and leadership studies—a field in which I have found deep purpose and fulfilment.
People often ask why I left Pharmacy, a respected and well-paying profession. I jokingly say I got tired of earning more money, but the truth is, I wanted to expand my impact. Pharmacy allowed me to help individuals; leadership allows me to influence communities, systems, and future generations. Academia offered a platform to teach, mentor, research, and shape future leaders across sectors and nations.
My journey began in Pharmacy but continues in leadership—with the same core goal: to serve, empower, and make a meaningful difference.
I’ve authored several research papers and books, with over 100 published journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. Some of my books include Leadership Theory and Research: A Critical Approach to New and Existing Paradigms, Leadership and Leadership Development: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Approaches, Qualitative Research Methods for Business Students: A Global Approach, Leadership During a Crisis: A Focus on Leadership Development, Contextualising African Studies: Challenges and the Way Forward, and The African Context of Business and Society.
My research maintains strong ties with the health sector. For example, I developed the first entrepreneurial leadership skills framework tailored for pharmacists—bridging my two professional worlds. This framework serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and policymakers interested in advancing leadership within pharmacy and beyond.
I’m also actively involved in leadership development practice. I’ve delivered CPD and leadership programmes for various organisations, including the Scottish Government, the NHS, SMEs, and higher education institutions. I serve as chair of the Leadership and Leadership Development Special Interest Group at the British Academy of Management and the Academy for African Studies, where I promote scholarship in leadership and African studies. I also contribute regularly to media outlets such as STV, Scotland Tonight, Arise News, The Herald, and The Conversation, offering expert insights on leadership and current affairs.
From a leadership perspective, what are the most critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system that must be addressed to drive meaningful reform?
One of the most critical gaps is the absence of a coherent and accountable leadership framework across all levels—federal, state, and institutional. Leadership in healthcare goes beyond policy formulation; it involves implementation, coordination, and sustainability. Nigeria’s system suffers from fragmented governance, with limited synergy between the various tiers of government and institutions responsible for healthcare delivery.
Another major gap is the lack of visionary and transformational leadership committed to long-term health system strengthening. Too often, decision-making is politicised rather than evidence-based. This results in underinvestment in primary healthcare, inadequate preventive care, and poor resource allocation.
Additionally, there is limited investment in leadership development for healthcare professionals. Clinical competence does not always equate to managerial or strategic capability, yet many facilities are led by individuals without formal leadership training. Developing the leadership capacity of healthcare workers—especially in entrepreneurial, ethical, and adaptive leadership—would equip them to navigate complex challenges and innovate within the Nigerian context. This area is particularly close to my heart, and I have been engaged in it for many years.
There’s also a leadership gap in patient advocacy and community engagement. Meaningful reform requires closing the divide between providers and the communities they serve. As I often say, leadership is not about “me” but “us.” Engaging patients, civil society, and local leaders in the design and accountability of health systems is essential for building trust and ensuring responsiveness.
Lastly, the persistent brain drain—especially of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—underscores a failure of leadership to create an enabling environment for professional retention, development, and recognition. This exodus, now dubbed the “japa” syndrome”, will persist unless leadership at all levels prioritises staff welfare, career progression, and a culture of ethics and excellence.
How can Nigerian healthcare leaders better balance short-term service delivery with long-term structural reforms?
Balancing immediate service needs with long-term reform is among the most demanding but essential leadership tasks in Nigeria. Leaders must adopt a dual-focus approach—delivering short-term impact while building systems for sustained change.
First, they must practise strategic prioritisation. Urgent issues like medical supply shortages or understaffing must be addressed, but within a broader vision. For instance, while temporary medical outreaches are helpful, they should be linked to strengthening supply chains, improving data systems, and building workforce resilience.
Second, leaders must adopt systems thinking. Challenges like hospital overcrowding or poor referrals are often symptoms of systemic weaknesses—such as an underdeveloped primary care system. Solutions must address root causes and support integration, data use, and coordinated care.
Inclusive leadership is also key. Engaging a broad coalition—including healthcare workers, policymakers, community leaders, and patients—ensures relevance, shared ownership, and sustainability. Aligning incentives and accountability mechanisms to both immediate outcomes and long-term goals is vital.
Continuity is another crucial factor. Reforms are often derailed by political transitions. Leaders must institutionalise change through legislation, strong governance, and capacity building, empowering state and local health systems with autonomy and resources.
Finally, leaders must adopt a learning mindset. Monitoring and evaluation should serve not only reporting purposes but also enable real-time improvements. Effective leadership in Nigeria’s health sector requires vision, discipline, empathy, and the ability to lead through complexity—delivering today while building for tomorrow.
In your view, what leadership qualities are most lacking—or most urgently needed—among healthcare administrators and policymakers today?
Several critical leadership qualities are lacking in Nigeria’s healthcare system. First is the absence of long-term strategic vision. Leaders are often caught in a cycle of crisis management—responding to strikes, shortages, or outbreaks—without planning for systemic resilience. Despite recurring diseases like Lassa fever, Nigeria still lacks a robust surveillance and early warning system.
Second, there is a deficiency in human-centred leadership. Patients suffer poor communication and substandard care, while healthcare workers face burnout. Leaders who prioritise empathy and actively listen to both groups can bridge this trust gap. We need to transition from bureaucracy-driven to people-driven leadership. We need servant leaders.
Third, integrity is sorely lacking. Mismanagement and corruption have long plagued the sector, with funds often diverted or misused. Transparent, ethical stewardship is vital for rebuilding public trust and ensuring resources reach those in need.
Fourth, siloed thinking persists. Healthcare is affected by sanitation, education, and food systems, yet inter-ministerial collaboration is rare. Successful examples—like the polio eradication campaign—demonstrated the power of cross-sector partnerships.
Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed how fragile the system is. Leaders must be trained to act decisively under uncertainty, adapt to evolving situations, and motivate teams through crisis. Static policy implementation is no longer enough—what’s needed now is agile leadership and continuous innovation.
Ultimately, healthcare leaders must embody strategic foresight, empathy, integrity, collaboration, and resilience. With these qualities embedded at all levels—from local councils to federal ministries—true and lasting reform is not just possible but inevitable.
What role should public-private partnerships play in reshaping healthcare delivery, and how can leaders ensure these partnerships are both ethical and effective?
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have immense potential to reshape healthcare delivery in Nigeria, and their role should be seen as complementary rather than supplementary to government efforts. Given the persistent resource constraints and infrastructure gaps in the public health sector, PPPs offer a pathway to leverage private sector innovation, capital, and efficiency to improve access and quality of care.
In a country like Nigeria, where public hospitals are often overstretched and under-resourced, well-structured PPPs can help modernise hospital infrastructure, introduce better management systems, expand telemedicine services, and deliver essential drugs and diagnostics more reliably. However, for these partnerships to succeed, they must be driven by more than just commercial interest—they must be shaped by a shared vision for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare.
To ensure that PPPs are both ethical and effective, leadership is key. First, transparency must be the foundation. Leaders must set clear guidelines for how partners are selected, how contracts are awarded, and how services are evaluated. This reduces the risk of corruption and builds public trust. Without transparency, PPPs quickly become vehicles for rent-seeking rather than reform.
Second, healthcare leaders must ensure that the public interest is never compromised in the pursuit of private efficiency. This means designing agreements where profit does not trump patient outcomes. Effective regulation, built-in accountability mechanisms, and regular monitoring are essential. Leaders must also negotiate terms that include performance indicators aligned with national health priorities—such as maternal mortality, or the spread of non-communicable diseases.
Third, equity must remain a non-negotiable principle. Leaders must guard against creating a two-tier health system where only the wealthy can access high-quality care through private providers while the majority are left behind. PPPs should aim to reduce the healthcare divide, not widen it. Incentive structures can be designed so that private providers are rewarded for reaching underserved areas or delivering care to vulnerable populations.
Moreover, capacity building should be embedded in every partnership. PPPs should not just be about service delivery—they should also contribute to strengthening the skills of local health workers, upgrading systems, and transferring knowledge and technology to public institutions. In this way, they build long-term resilience rather than short-term dependency.
Finally, successful PPPs require collaborative, visionary leadership that can bring together stakeholders across government, business, and civil society. Leaders must build coalitions, manage competing interests, and foster a culture of mutual accountability. Importantly, these partnerships must be grounded in a long-term national health strategy, not driven by ad hoc needs or donor interests.
There is this perennial battle for healthcare leadership in the Nigerian healthcare system, where the medics lay claim to headship of the team, leading to inter-professional rivalry. With your experience outside the shores of the country, what do you see as a lasting solution to this prolonged war?
The persistent inter-professional rivalry in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly the long-standing contention over leadership between medical doctors and other healthcare professionals, is a critical impediment to the sector’s growth, efficiency, and cohesion. From an international leadership perspective, this kind of rivalry is counterproductive, and resolving it requires a fundamental shift from profession-centric leadership to system-centric, collaborative leadership.
In countries with more integrated and efficient healthcare systems, leadership is often based not solely on professional background but on competence, emotional intelligence, administrative capacity, and the ability to inspire inter-professional collaboration. The focus is on patient outcomes and health system performance—not on professional hierarchies. In such systems, pharmacists, nurses, public health experts, and allied health professionals often take on key leadership roles based on merit and expertise, without destabilising the broader team dynamic.
A lasting solution in Nigeria lies in rethinking the leadership model from a hierarchical structure to a team-based, collaborative framework. Leadership in healthcare should be multi-disciplinary and inclusive, recognising that every professional brings unique and valuable perspectives to the table. Doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals must be seen not as rivals but as interdependent actors within a system whose success depends on mutual respect and cooperation.
The government, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions must play a key role in leading this change. Firstly, there should be a national health leadership framework that defines competencies for leadership roles across the sector—focusing on vision, strategic thinking, management expertise, and the ability to lead across boundaries, rather than defaulting leadership to any one profession. These roles should be earned through transparent, merit-based processes.
Secondly, leadership development programmes in Nigeria must be designed to build the collective capacity of the healthcare workforce. These programmes should focus on relational leadership, systems thinking, conflict resolution, and inclusive decision-making. There should also be platforms for continuous dialogue between professional groups, where issues of leadership and collaboration can be addressed constructively, not combatively.
Importantly, policy reform is also essential. The Federal Ministry of Health and other governing bodies need to review outdated regulations and policies that entrench the dominance of one profession in leadership. Leadership should be based on strategic capability and institutional knowledge—not professional identity. Other countries have done this successfully, and Nigeria can too, with the right political will and visionary leadership.
Finally, culture change must be led by example. Leaders across the health sector must model inclusive leadership, reward team achievements rather than individual dominance, and celebrate inter-professional collaboration. Only by doing so can we begin to heal the divides and focus on what truly matters: improving the health and lives of the Nigerian people. The solution is not to elevate one profession above another but to build a leadership culture that values competence, collaboration, and shared accountability. That’s what drives high-performing healthcare systems globally, and it’s what Nigeria urgently needs to embrace.
How can leadership at the local government level be empowered to improve access to primary healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities?
Empowering leadership at the local government level is absolutely vital to improving access to primary healthcare in Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Local governments are the closest administrative bodies to the people and are best positioned to understand the unique health challenges of their communities. However, their potential is often constrained by structural, financial, and capacity-related limitations.
To begin with, we need to rethink the leadership and governance structure at the local level to give leaders the authority, resources, and capacity to make impactful decisions. This includes devolving more health-related powers from federal and state governments to local governments, particularly in the planning and implementation of primary healthcare services. Autonomy, when coupled with accountability, can be a game-changer.
Leadership capacity-building is another critical factor. Many local government officials are appointed or elected without the necessary training in public health, healthcare management, or systems leadership. A comprehensive leadership development programme tailored to local government health officials should be institutionalised—one that focuses on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making. When local leaders are equipped with these competencies, they are better positioned to lead community-driven healthcare initiatives.
Financing is also central. Local governments must be provided with predictable and adequate funding to run primary healthcare centres effectively. However, they should also be empowered to generate and manage some of their own revenue through transparent local taxes or public-private partnerships. Financial autonomy, combined with strong monitoring systems, encourages innovation and responsiveness to local health needs.
Community engagement is a key lever. Effective local leadership is not just about top-down planning—it’s about engaging local stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community-based organisations, religious institutions, and women’s groups. These actors can be instrumental in mobilising support for immunisation campaigns, maternal health services, and health education. A good leader at the local level must be visible, accessible, and accountable to their communities.
Inter-governmental collaboration must also be enhanced. Leadership at the local level can only thrive if there is synergy between the tiers of government. States should support local councils with technical expertise, supply chain management, and specialist outreach. The federal government, in turn, must provide the policy frameworks and financial incentives that reward innovation and performance at the local level.
Finally, leadership models that focus on shared accountability and collective impact must be adopted. We need to move away from personality-driven leadership to institutionalised, sustainable models of local governance that can survive political transitions. That’s where mentorship, succession planning, and the development of leadership pipelines come in—ensuring continuity and resilience in the local health system.
Local government leadership can be the linchpin in Nigeria’s quest to improve access to primary healthcare. By strengthening autonomy, investing in leadership development, ensuring adequate financing, and encouraging community participation, we can transform local health systems into engines of equity and progress—especially for those most often left behind.
Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. With growing awareness and expanding tick habitats, Lyme disease has become a pressing public health concern across North America and parts of Europe and Asia. Understanding its history, prevention strategies, and treatment options is essential to combating this disease and reducing its impact.
A brief history
Lyme disease is named after the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where a cluster of arthritis-like symptoms was reported among children in the mid-1970s. At the time, doctors were puzzled by the unusual symptoms, which included joint pain, rashes, and fatigue. By 1981, scientist Dr Willy Burgdorfer identified the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi as the culprit, carried and transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks.
Although it was formally recognised in the 20th century, Lyme disease is not new. Evidence suggests that Borrelia bacteria have been infecting humans for thousands of years. A 5,300-year-old mummy found in the Alps, known as Ötzi the Iceman, showed signs of infection with the Lyme-causing bacteria.
Since its discovery, Lyme disease has steadily increased in prevalence. Warmer climates and changing ecosystems have expanded tick habitats, pushing cases into regions once considered low-risk. The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually, though many cases go unreported or misdiagnosed.
Transmission and symptoms
The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. These ticks are most active during the warmer months, from spring through fall. For transmission to occur, the tick generally must be attached for at least 36–48 hours.
Early symptoms often appear within 3 to 30 days after the bite and may include:
A red, expanding skin rash called erythema migrans, often in a bull’s-eye pattern
Fever and chills
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, causing more serious symptoms such as facial palsy, arthritis (particularly in the knees), meningitis, and short-term memory loss.
Prevention strategies
Preventing Lyme disease is largely about avoiding tick bites and being vigilant in tick-prone environments. Here are several effective prevention methods:
Protective clothing: When hiking or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily.
Use tick repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, a tick-killing chemical.
Check for ticks: After outdoor activities, inspect your entire body, especially hidden areas like underarms, behind ears, and around the groin. Check pets and gear, too.
Prompt tick removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the area with alcohol or soap and water.
Landscape management: Around homes, keep grass short, clear leaf litter, and place a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to reduce tick migration.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be challenging because its symptoms mimic those of other illnesses. Physicians typically consider physical symptoms, history of possible exposure to ticks, and laboratory tests. The most common diagnostic tool is the two-tiered antibody blood test recommended by the CDC, which includes an ELISA test followed by a Western blot.
Treatment is most effective when started early. The standard therapy involves a course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime, typically taken for 10 to 21 days. Most patients recover completely with prompt treatment, though some may experience lingering symptoms like fatigue or joint pain — a condition sometimes called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
For those with more severe or late-stage symptoms, longer courses of antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics may be required. However, extended antibiotic treatment beyond recommended guidelines has not been shown to improve outcomes and may cause adverse effects.
The future of Lyme disease control
Efforts to combat Lyme disease are ongoing, including vaccine development, tick population management, and public awareness campaigns. A Lyme disease vaccine for humans once existed but was withdrawn in 2002 due to low demand and controversy. However, new vaccines are developing and undergoing clinical trials, with the hope of renewed availability in the coming years.
Additionally, public health experts are exploring innovative methods such as genetic modification of ticks, releasing tick predators, and even leveraging wearable tech to detect tick bites early.
Your perception of your job shapes your future. In this eye-opening message, we explore how your mindset toward your work can either unlock opportunities or trap you in mediocrity. From the story of three bricklayers to real workplace experiences, this teaching reveals the power of purpose, vision, and the God-given dignity of labor. Whether you’re a business leader, employee, or entrepreneur, this video will help you renew your mindset and embrace your job as a calling—not just a paycheck.
Drawing from Proverbs 23:7 and other biblical truths, this message challenges you to bring passion, integrity, and purpose to everything you do. You’ll learn how your attitude at work not only determines your success but also influences your team, your company’s culture, and your personal growth. It’s not just about what you do—it’s about how you do it, and why. Success begins with respect for your current role and excellence in your daily responsibilities.
This video is a wake-up call for anyone struggling with workplace dissatisfaction, laziness, or lack of motivation. It exposes the consequences of negative attitudes and unethical behavior and shows how humility, ownership, and vision can lead to promotion, influence, and fulfillment. If you want to stand out in your field and glorify God through your work, this message is for you!
On 18 March 2025, the halls of the Georgia State Capitol reverberated with applause as Dr Olufunso Ayodeji Ojo, a native of Ijero-Ekiti in southwestern Nigeria, was honoured with the distinguished title of Outstanding Georgia Citizen. The award, which is the highest honour given on the state level to any citizen, is in recognition of Ojo’s decades of exceptional contributions to Medicine, compassionate patient care and philanthropy.
The official proclamation of the award, as signed by Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, read in part: “Dr Ojo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of medicine, providing exceptional medical care to countless individuals in the State of Georgia and beyond, and serving as a beacon of hope and healing for his patients.
“His expertise in internal medicine, coupled with his empathetic approach to patient care, has set a standard of excellence in the medical community, inspiring both his colleagues and future generations of healthcare professionals.”
The document added: “Dr Ojo’s contributions extend beyond the walls of his practice, as he actively engages in community outreach and health education, striving to improve the overall health and quality of life for all Georgians. He is not only a renowned physician but also a philanthropist of international repute, whose generous contributions and humanitarian efforts have uplifted communities locally, nationally, and globally, addressing critical needs in healthcare, education, and social development.”
Foundations of excellence
Dr Ojo’s journey from a small town in Ekiti State to the top ranks of Georgia’s medical community reads like a modern-day odyssey. Born in the early 70s, he received his medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife (College of Health Sciences) Nigeria, graduating in 1995. Following his housemanship at General Hospital, Akure, and his National Youth Service in 1997, he ventured to the United States. There, he served as a clinical research assistant at Columbia University in 1999.
His pursuit of medical excellence led him to Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta for his Internal Medicine residency from 2000 to 2003, followed by a subspecialty in Geriatric Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. That not only proved to be a pivotal chapter in the formation of his approach to patient-centred care but also deepened his sensitivity to the layered needs of ageing patients
Today, with over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr Ojo has become a cornerstone in Georgia’s healthcare landscape. This is not just about his formidable résumé but the conscientiousness with which he carries it. While his walls may boast of degrees, certifications, and accolades—including a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine—his patients speak of a different kind of credential: empathy. Patients consistently praise his attentive listening, thorough explanations, and personalised treatment plans.
“He listens, he cares, he explains and does customised diagnosis with the patient’s best interest in mind,” wrote one reviewer. Another captured the essence more succinctly: “He reminds me of doctors from the old school, where you are not just a number or name on a piece of paper. You are truly his patient.”
The reviews—spontaneous, heartfelt, and glowing—form a chorus of gratitude from lives he has touched. “He’s so good he can diagnose you over the phone and hit the mark every time!” said one. Another described him as “a child of God” whose personable nature and diligence often go “above and beyond” the standard of care.
Monument of mercy
Dr Ojo has worked with various hospital systems in Georgia and currently serves as the chief executive officer of Mercy Internal Medicine Associates PC. Ojo established the health centre in 2006 with the mission to deliver personalised, preventive, and holistic healthcare. Named with spiritual significance, “Mercy” reflects both the Christian ethos of compassion and the healing mission at the heart of the medical profession. Over the years, what began as a modest clinic has transformed into a powerhouse of medical excellence, trusted throughout Georgia and beyond.
Interestingly, as the practice has grown, so too has its ability to serve, continually expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of patients. Today, the practice offers a comprehensive range of services—from wellness exams and chronic disease management to telemedicine and immigration physicals. But at its heart lies a philosophy rooted in human dignity. Moreover, to stay at the forefront of internal medicine, Ojo has prioritised cutting-edge medical technology and ongoing education, ensuring that Mercy Internal Medicine remains a titan of the medical world.
Ojo’s holistic and practical approach blends evidence-based medicine with a deep understanding of his patients’ lives, families, and struggles. It is not uncommon for a patient consultation at Mercy Internal Medicine to evolve into a dialogue about mental well-being, family stress, or lifestyle challenges—all handled with professionalism.
The practice has also earned respect for its cultural sensitivity. As an African physician in the American South, Ojo has leveraged his background to create a welcoming space for patients of diverse ethnicities and faiths. His staff reflects the same values, delivering professional, courteous care in a warm environment that encourages trust and follow-through—especially important in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Mentorship and community engagement
A member of the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association, Dr Ojo’s dedication extends far beyond his patient roster. He is deeply invested in training the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring that medical students and young doctors receive not only technical guidance but also a model of compassionate practice. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including Chairman of the Medical Evaluation Committee, where he oversaw peer review for fellow physicians—holding others to the same exacting standards he exemplifies.
His philanthropic reach is equally notable. From community health outreaches to contributions in education and social development, Ojo’s influence crosses borders. He has been instrumental in organising health fairs, providing free medical consultations, and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities. His commitment to service is a reflection of his belief that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Legacy of compassion
In an era where healthcare can often feel transactional and detached, Dr Olufunso Ojo remains a rare find, a physician whose integrity is as sound as his clinical judgement, and whose concern for humanity transcends the stethoscope. Indeed, as healthcare systems evolve and technology redefines patient interactions, professionals like Dr Ojo stand as anchors of the timeless medical principle that healing begins with listening. His 4.5-star rating is the cumulative voice of hundreds of patients whose lives have been bettered by his care.
As further captured in his award proclamation, “Dr Ojo’s outstanding achievements and dedication to his profession and philanthropic endeavours have brought great pride to the State of Georgia, and his work serves as a testament to the power of compassion, skill, and perseverance in the field of medicine and beyond.”
To nominate him for an award for great doctors would be stating the obvious. He already is one. In him, we find not just a doctor, but a model of diligence, humility, compassion, and cultural pride. He is a true hero of healthcare whose life and work illuminate what it means to serve both medicine and mankind
Have you ever seen people riding bicycles—whether for fun on the streets, on their way to work, or competitively at the Olympic Games? Of course, your answer is likely to be yes. But the next time you see someone cycling, remember that they are not just getting from one place to another—they’re also reducing their risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Cycling, also known as bicycling or biking, involves riding a bicycle or other types of pedal-driven, human-powered vehicles. While it is a popular Olympic sport with significant prize rewards, it is much more than a competitive activity. Bicycles, which first gained popularity in the 19th century as a means of transport, allow people to travel faster and farther than walking. However, beyond its role as transportation, cycling has immense health benefits.
The health case for cycling
Given the numerous benefits of cycling, the President of the Nigerian Cardiac Society, Professor Augustine Nonso Odili, has advocated for its increased adoption. He remarked, “If you look around in our country, there are very few bicycles—and none in some places. So we should think of how best to introduce bicycles. It is more pocket-friendly, more environmentally friendly, and, above all, better for your health.” Similarly, the Nigerian Hypertension Society has encouraged the use of bicycles for short-distance travel and recommended that vehicle parking spaces be located at reasonable distances from buildings to promote walking or cycling.
Many scientific studies, including systematic reviews and large-scale prospective observational studies, have empirically established the health benefits of cycling—particularly in relation to cardiovascular health, mortality, and cancer risk. Regular cycling has been linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, decreased mortality, and reduced prevalence of physiological risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
One notable example is a 20-year Danish study which found that regular cycling reduced the risk of heart attacks by 11 to 18 per cent. Another comprehensive study conducted by the University of Glasgow found that commuting by bicycle could nearly halve the risk of developing heart disease and cancer. Published in the British Medical Journal, this study followed 264,337 UK Biobank participants over a five-year period. It concluded that individuals who cycled to work had a 41 per cent lower risk of premature death compared to those who commuted by car. Cyclists also had a 46 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 45 per cent lower risk of developing cancer.
According to Dr Jason Gill of the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, “Cycling all or part of the way to work was associated with substantially lower risk of adverse health outcomes. Those who cycled the full length of their commute had over a 40 per cent lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and overall mortality during the five years of follow-up.”
Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, added, “Commuting to work by cycling is a great way to integrate physical activity into your daily routine. It is paramount to make physical activity easier and more accessible if we are to reduce the burden of ill health caused by inactivity.”
Cycling and cancer prevention
Another major study, published in The Lancet in May 2020, reinforced the link between cycling and reduced cancer risk. Titled “Associations between commute mode and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality, and cancer incidence, using linked Census data over 25 years in England and Wales: a cohort study”, the research was conducted by Richard Patterson, PhD, Jenna Panter, PhD, and colleagues. The study used Census data from over 300,000 commuters in England and Wales to assess the impact of different commuting methods on long-term health outcomes.
Participants were followed for up to 25 years. The findings were significant: people who cycled to work had a 20 per cent lower overall risk of death compared with those who drove. Specifically, they had a 24 per cent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 16 per cent lower risk of dying from cancer, and were 11 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with cancer. These results held true even after adjusting for other factors such as age, sex, car ownership, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Mental health and other benefits
Beyond the physical health benefits, cycling also positively impacts mental wellbeing. A survey conducted by Cycleplan found that 75 per cent of respondents reported an improvement in their mental health after cycling. This was further supported by Cycling UK’s Rides of Way report, which revealed that 91 per cent of cyclists considered cycling to be fairly or very important for their mental wellbeing.
Scientific research backs this up. A study titled “The relationship between bicycle commuting and perceived stress: a cross-sectional study”, published in BMJ Open, analysed data from 788 adult commuters in Barcelona, Spain. The study found that bicycle commuters had a lower risk of experiencing stress compared to those who used other modes of transport. Moreover, those who cycled four or more days a week were even less likely to be stressed than those who cycled less frequently.
Other studies have highlighted additional benefits of cycling, including improved balance and coordination, enhanced lung function, better joint mobility, and increased muscle strength. Experts also note that cycling supports weight management. It helps burn calories and boosts metabolic rate, making it an effective way to maintain or lose weight. According to health researcher Peterson Andrew, “Depending on intensity and body weight, a person can burn between 400 and 1,000 calories per hour of cycling. Regular cycling helps reduce body fat levels while promoting healthy weight loss and muscle tone.”
Start pedalling towards better health
The evidence is overwhelming: cycling is a versatile, accessible, and enjoyable way to boost overall health. Whether you’re cycling to work, around your neighbourhood, or even using a stationary bike at home, you are investing in a healthier body and mind.
In fact, researchers suggest that just 30 minutes of cycling a day can lead to significant long-term health benefits. So, from today, start pedalling your way to better health—your heart, mind, and entire body will thank you for it.
The pharmaceutical industry, historically a titan of innovation in drug discovery, has often been critiqued for its transactional relationship with the very individuals it serves: patients. Long queues, complex medication regimens, daunting side effects, and a persistent information asymmetry have shaped a patient experience often characterised by anxiety and disempowerment. But what if this narrative could fundamentally shift? What if every patient, from Lagos to London, could feel genuinely supported, informed, and truly central to their healthcare journey?
The answer, I believe, lies in the imminent arrival of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Unlike the “narrow AI” we’ve seen dominate headlines – excelling at specific tasks like drug discovery or image analysis – AGI aims for human-level cognitive ability: the capacity to learn, reason, understand, and apply knowledge across diverse domains. When this paradigm-shifting technology fully integrates into the pharmaceutical landscape, it won’t just optimise operations; it will fundamentally reshape and elevate the patient experience, transforming it from a series of disjointed transactions into a continuum of personalised, empathetic care.
A holistic AGI-powered patient journey
Imagine a world where your fight against a complex illness, like Mr Felix’s battle with prostate cancer, is met with an intelligent, ever-present companion. This isn’t just a chatbot; it’s an AGI.
Personalised medication management and adherence: The challenge of medication non-adherence, particularly for complex regimens, is immense. For someone like Mr Felix, whose side effects can make consistent dosing a battle, an AGI companion could be a game-changer.
Intelligent reminders: Beyond simple alerts, an AGI understands context. It knows Mr. Felix’s typical routine, the side effects he experiences, and can tailor reminders or suggest coping mechanisms based on his real-time physiological data (from wearables) and expressed mood. If a common side effect is nausea, it might suggest a specific time to take the pill with a particular food, or even integrate with a smart kitchen to recommend a simple meal.
Side effect management: An AGI could learn Mr Felix’s individual side effect profile, cross-referencing it with millions of patient experiences and clinical data. It could then offer personalised, evidence-based strategies to mitigate discomfort, suggest non-pharmacological interventions, or even prompt Mr Felix to consult his doctor if symptoms warrant it. This moves beyond generic advice to truly personalized, actionable support.
Drug interaction and contraindication alerts: While current systems do this, an AGI would offer nuanced, real-time alerts considering an individual’s complete health profile, lifestyle, and even genetic predispositions, providing explanations in plain language that Mr Felix can easily understand.
Unlocking access to genuine medications and information: In regions like Nigeria, where the prevalence of fake drugs is a critical concern, AGI could be a powerful deterrent and enabler of trust.
Advanced verification (Beyond QR Codes): An AGI-powered system like HubPharm’s DrugVerify could analyse not just simple codes, but also packaging nuances, molecular signatures (via specialised sensors), and supply chain data in real-time, providing an unassailable verification of authenticity. It could learn new counterfeiting patterns on the fly and adapt its detection methods.
Intelligent sourcing: For specialty medications that are hard to find, an AGI could dynamically identify the nearest verified pharmacies with genuine stock, factoring in the patient’s location (like Mr. Felix in Lagos), affordability options, and delivery logistics, truly ensuring “convenient access.”
Empathetic information delivery: Beyond just providing drug facts, an AGI could explain complex medical information about prostate cancer treatment in a way that resonates with Mr Felix’s educational background, using analogies and examples tailored to his understanding, reducing anxiety and fostering informed decision-making.
Holistic lifestyle and mental health support: Patient experience extends far beyond medication; it encompasses mental, emotional, and lifestyle well-being.
Personalised lifestyle coaching: An AGI could act as a dynamic lifestyle coach, integrating data from wearables, dietary logs, and even mood journals. It could offer personalised recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and sleep that are specifically tailored to Mr. Felix’s cancer journey, factoring in his side effects and energy levels. It wouldn’t just give generic advice but adapt its recommendations daily, fostering healthier habits.
Proactive mental health check-ins: The psychological toll of chronic illness is immense. An AGI could monitor subtle shifts in a patient’s language or activity patterns and proactively engage them in empathetic conversations, offering coping strategies, suggesting mindfulness exercises, or, crucially, flagging situations where professional psychological intervention is needed. It could act as a first line of subtle, non-judgmental support.
Connecting to support networks: An AGI could intelligently connect patients to relevant support groups, specialists, or community resources, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing isolation.
Sesan Kareem is the founder of HubPharm Africa (www.hubpharmafrica.com), a pioneering digital pharmacy platform that enhances access to genuine, affordable medicines and promotes a healthy lifestyle to help Africans thrive wherever they are in the world.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerian pharmaceutical importers, distributors, and retailers to exercise caution in conducting business with foreign pharmaceutical companies—particularly those based in India—in order to prevent the influx of substandard medicines into the country.
The agency’s alert follows the declaration of more than 100 medications produced in India as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the advisory in a statement received by Pharmanews, explaining that the affected drug samples were collected by officers of the CDSCO and State FDAs from various sales outlets and tested in drug control laboratories, where they were confirmed to be NSQ.
Providing details of the affected products and manufacturers Adeyeye noted that some of the companies reportedly have subsidiaries, partners, and products in Nigeria.
The 17 affected companies include Abaris Healthcare Pvt Ltd; Alencure Biotech Pvt Ltd; Eurolife Healthcare Pvt Ltd; Health Biotech Ltd; HIGGS Healthcare; Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KAPL); Laborate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd; Legend Industries; and Martins & Brown Biosciences Pvt Ltd.
Others are Mascot Health Series Pvt Ltd; Micron Pharmaceutical; Orison Pharma International; Rivpra Formulation Pvt Ltd; Sai Parenterals Ltd; Symbiosis Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd; Syncom Formulations (India) Ltd; and Zee Laboratories Ltd.
The NAFDAC DG stated that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and remove any affected products from the affected companies within their respective regions. She also reiterated that all medical products and devices must be obtained from authorised and licensed suppliers.
According to her, “The agency hereby advises importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to exercise caution and vigilance in any transaction involving the affected companies, to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard products.”
Adeyeye further highlighted the serious risks posed by substandard medicines to patients and public health, including poisoning, treatment failure, drug resistance, and even death. She added that such medicines may contain toxic substances, incorrect ingredients, or inappropriate dosages, leading to severe adverse effects.
India’s pharmaceutical industry is a global leader, particularly in the production of generic drugs, and plays a significant role in international healthcare. It is the third-largest producer of pharmaceutical drugs by volume and the 13th largest by value.
Renowned for producing affordable generic medicines and vaccines, India remains a vital supplier to many countries, including the US and the UK. The country accounts for 20 per cent of global exports, 40 per cent of US generic drug demand, and 25 per cent of all medicines used in the UK.
The NAFDAC DG urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicions regarding the sale of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the agency. She also reminded importers to go through NAFDAC-accredited Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) agents in the country of manufacture to ensure the quality of imported products.
Health stakeholders have renewed calls for increased budgetary allocation and improved financing for maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call at a workshop in Abuja organised by Development Governance International (DGI) Consult, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Dr Gafar Alawode, the Chief Executive Officer of DGI Consult, stressed the need for urgent reforms in health financing to address long-standing deficiencies in maternal and child healthcare across the country.
He emphasised the need for sub-national governments to embrace data-driven strategies and translate financial commitments into measurable outcomes.
He said “the objectives of the workshop include disseminating key findings from public health expenditure analysis and advocating increased investment in priority areas.
“We also seek to share policy recommendations and secure stakeholders’ commitment to improved resource allocation.
“Stakeholders will chart a course of action for implementation of the policy recommendations and identify strategies to optimise public health financing, particularly Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) at the state and local government levels.”
Dr Bukola Shittu-Muideen of DGI Consult presented findings from a recent expenditure review, where she identified systemic bottlenecks and proposed targeted interventions to enhance budget execution.
She urged state governments to adopt evidence-based approaches to resource planning and health strategy formulation.
UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr Sachin Bhokare, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders at the workshop, saying “this is about aligning our priorities to ensure no woman or child is left behind.
“It is also about linking sustained investments to tangible health outcomes and reduced maternal and child mortality rates.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that state ministries of health, state primary healthcare development agencies and local government ministries contributed to discussions, reflecting shared concern over persistent funding gaps in the health sector.
The delegates acknowledged the challenge of poor budget implementation and reaffirmed readiness to drive reforms, especially at local government levels where service delivery is most critical.
Fuji music, a vibrant genre blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with Islamic chants, jazz, and highlife, plays a vital role in Nigeria’s socio-cultural landscape. Urban life in Lagos, punctuated by its cosmopolitan tendencies, is one of the reasons this genre has gained notorious momentum among motor park workers, popularly called agberos. These individuals and fuji music are like five and six — inseparable — and the reason is not far-fetched. For many, fuji music serves as a powerful tool for coping with the emotional and psychological toll of their environment. It offers a culturally grounded means of trauma management, providing release from the daily grind, stress, and violence they often face.
Agberos operate in Lagos’s informal transport sector, performing fare collection and bus stop coordination duties. Their work environment is loud, competitive, and often violent, marked by frequent clashes with drivers, police officers, and passengers. They endure constant stress resulting from economic instability, social stigmatisation, and regular altercations. Exposure to aggression and instability can result in accumulated trauma and emotional fatigue.
With limited access to mental healthcare, many agberos turn to fuji music for succour, emotional reprieve, psychological release, and healing. The genre’s energetic beats and emotive lyrics allow for both individual and collective emotional expression. For many listeners — especially among the agbero class — fuji music becomes a mirror of their lives and a source of emotional catharsis.
Fuji music originated in the 1960s and gained traction through artistes like Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 de Ultimate). It fuses Islamic spiritual chants with Yoruba talking drums and often explores themes of hardship, survival, love, betrayal, and praise. Performed in Yoruba, Fuji lyrics speak directly to the everyday realities of its audience.
Fuji music helps agberos process emotions by reflecting their lived experiences. The genre mirrors their frustrations and hardships, transforming suffering into art. When lyrics express pain or resilience, agberos find their own struggles validated. The music’s raw emotionality provides a safe, culturally acceptable outlet for feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken.
The genre has brought to light the inner yearnings and success stories of formerly downtrodden local artistes who overcame life’s vicissitudes to attain stardom. The story of Wasiu Alabi, also known as Pasuma Wonder, resonates with this narrative. Growing up in the violence-ridden Mushin area of Lagos, Pasuma battled poverty, pain, and gangsterism to emerge as one of the most celebrated fuji musicians of his generation.
In albums such as Computer, Napoli Like Lagos, Importer and Exporter, and Talo Pa Jesu, Pasuma recounts his past and humble beginnings, narrating how he rose to prominence through sheer hard work and dedication to his chosen path. Such lyrical excursions into his formative years are therapeutic in themselves; they inspire hope in the average Lagos agbero, who readily identifies with his life story and worldview.
The rugged texture of fuji music — its pulsating beats and auditory appeal — encourages bodily expressions that relieve stress. Dancing and moving to music releases endorphins and helps regulate the nervous system. After long hours of labour, this embodied form of stress relief proves especially therapeutic. Group listening sessions, whether at motor parks or local bars, also build camaraderie and collective resilience.
Expressing aspects of Islamic tradition, fuji music includes spiritual elements such as chants and references to divinity. For many agberos, who navigate daily uncertainties, these elements provide emotional grounding and a sense of divine connection. The spiritual tone of some songs can offer comfort and renew hope, reinforcing faith even in hostile environments. Pasuma is known to refer to God as Sati Ramoni (meaning “the Merciful God”) in many of his songs.
Fuji music fosters community and reinforces group identity among agberos, helping them feel part of something greater than themselves. For many of them, if former street boys like Pasuma, Taiye Currency, Suleiman Atawewe, and Malaika could rise to international fame, then there is hope for their scattered lives. In a society where they are often seen as accessories to crime and irresponsibility, agberos use Fuji music to assert and affirm their cultural and social belonging. By aligning themselves with the genre — whether as listeners, performers, or fans — agberos find a platform to express their identities and connect with others who share similar struggles.
In conclusion, the role Fuji music plays in shaping the mental well-being of Lagos agberos cannot be overstated. In a context where formal mental health resources are scarce, it serves as a readily available tonic for mental health management. By offering emotional release, physical stress relief, spiritual reassurance, and community bonding, Fuji music enables agberos to navigate the demands of their environment with greater resilience and a sense of self-worth.
The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) has unveiled nominees for the PharmAccess Foundation SafeCare Award categories, marking a decade of strategic collaboration aimed at driving quality improvement in the nation’s health sector.
In a statement signed by Moses Braimah, media spokesperson for NHEA, the organisation emphasised its longstanding partnership with the PharmAccess Foundation, which has consistently spotlighted healthcare facilities demonstrating outstanding performance on the internationally recognised SafeCare Quality Platform.
The 2025 edition will honour two distinct categories: the PharmAccess Most Active Public Facility and the PharmAccess Most Active Private Facility on the SafeCare platform.
Nominated public facilities include: Orile Agege General Hospital; Ikorodu General Hospital; Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital; and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.
In the private category, nominees are:South Shore Women’s and Children’s Hospital; R-Jolad Hospital; Lifeline Children Hospital; and Lakeshore Cancer Centre.
The selection of nominees followed a rigorous, data-driven evaluation that considered performance metrics, quality improvement efforts, and ongoing engagement with the SafeCare digital tool, which benchmarks healthcare facilities against globally accepted standards.
Njide Ndili, country director of PharmAccess Foundation Nigeria, described the awards as a vital recognition of facilities that have embraced structured quality improvement. “These nominees have shown a strong commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence,” she said. “We are proud to continue this partnership with NHEA to celebrate innovation and data-driven health improvements.”
Dr Wale Alabi, NHEA project director, echoed this sentiment, noting that the award category has been instrumental in promoting accountability and progress in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery. “Our decade-long partnership with PharmAccess has significantly shaped the quality conversation within the sector,” he said.
The SafeCare methodology, developed in partnership with the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA), is designed to support healthcare providers in resource-constrained environments to implement measurable quality improvements.
Winners will be announced at the prestigious NHEA 2025 Awards Night scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
On 17 May 2025, the world observed World Hypertension Day, with the World Health Organisation spearheading global activities. This year’s theme — “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”—is as urgent as it is universal, considering that hypertension has quietly become one of the deadliest diseases in the world. According to the WHO, the disease is responsible for approximately 7.5 million deaths annually.
In Nigeria, where the burden of non-communicable diseases is growing amid dwindling economic capacity and strained health infrastructure, the warning signs are flashing in red. The silent nature of hypertension and its deadly complications—heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure—make it a particularly dangerous foe. Yet, it is largely preventable and manageable with the right mix of awareness, access to care, and sustained behavioural change.
Despite pockets of commendable action across the country, the challenge remains staggering. Many Nigerians, especially in underserved rural areas, still live unaware of their blood pressure status. Cultural myths, healthcare illiteracy, and poor health-seeking behaviour continue to impede early detection and treatment.
It is not unusual to hear of individuals who only visit the hospital when their condition is already critical—by which time hypertension may have laid irreversible damage. Dr Folashade Daniel, consultant cardiologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, rightly warned that even young people are now increasingly affected due to sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. That should set alarm bells ringing in a country with one of the world’s youngest populations.
Encouragingly, we are seeing efforts that deserve amplification. Pharmaceutical companies like May & Baker have begun to shine a spotlight on the urgency of public education. Their recent “Walk for Life” campaign brought hypertension prevention to the streets, quite literally, making exercise, prayer, and advocacy part of the same journey.
In Lagos, public-private collaboration between LASUTH and New Heights Pharmaceuticals Omron Business shows what is possible when intention meets coordination. Up north, the Hypertension Society of Nigeria, under the leadership of Professor Simeon Isezuo, reached grassroots populations in Sokoto with free blood pressure checks and health education for traders. These are seeds of transformation that must be replicated nationwide.
But education alone will not solve the problem. A deeper issue is affordability and access to treatment. In a country grappling with inflation, volatile exchange rates, and low insurance coverage, many cannot afford the routine medications required to control hypertension. As Pharm. Patrick Ajah of May & Baker pointed out, the foreign exchange crisis has made essential medicines even more elusive. This is where policy must rise to the occasion. The Nigerian government must explore the possibility of contract manufacturing agreements with local pharmaceutical firms to produce antihypertensive drugs at scale and subsidised rates. State-owned hospitals and primary health centres can become distribution hubs, ensuring these life-saving drugs reach the poorest citizens.
Moreover, the media—particularly radio and television—must play a sustained role in promoting lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of hypertension. Campaigns in local languages should educate communities on the dangers of excessive salt, tobacco, alcohol, and stress. The goal is not just to treat hypertension but to prevent it altogether. In an era where our young people are being lured into sedentary digital lives and fast food culture, there is urgent need for a return to the basics: balanced nutrition, exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness. These are not luxuries but necessities for national survival.
There is no health system without healthy people, and no healthy nation without prevention at its core. Nigeria must wake up to the reality that a population weakened by untreated hypertension is a population unfit for development. The disease may be silent, but our response must not be. The time for action is now.
Senator (Dr) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, chairman of the 10th Senate Committee on Health (middle) flanked by other dignitaries, cutting the tape to declare the conference open.
The Landmark Centre in Lagos became a focal point for international health discourse on Monday, 2 June, 2025, as WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos 2025 officially opened their doors, setting in motion what promises to be a landmark event in West Africa’s healthcare evolution.
Formerly known as Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa, the now unified and rebranded WHX platform has transformed into more than just an exhibition. It has become a dynamic and immersive forum that brings together key stakeholders across healthcare delivery, diagnostics, digital innovation, public policy, and investment.
Senator Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the 10th Senate Committee on Health and Vice Chair of the Women Affairs Committee, formally declared the event open. In her keynote address, she emphasized the critical role of public-private integration in building a sustainable and accessible healthcare system for all Nigerians. Commending the organizers, she remarked, “WHX provides a much-needed platform that catalyzes action, investment, and policy reform in the healthcare space.”
The opening day launched with powerful conference tracks, featuring the Healthcare Leadership Conference hosted by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) forum. The HFN sessions, themed “Accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Health Sovereignty: Scaling Up Best Practices through Public-Private Integration,” tackled the strategic alignment of stakeholders towards achieving UHC.
Dr Njide Ndili, president of HFN, highlighted the role of WHX in driving this agenda. “Informa Markets has consistently provided a platform that is accelerating the healthcare system in Africa through impactful discourse, meaningful connections, and innovative equipment showcases. For this 10th edition of the HFN Leadership conference, we hope to further support policy development efforts that ensure universal health coverage,” she said.
In parallel, PSHAN’s conference titled “The Creative Catalyst: Driving Sustainable Healthcare Solutions in West Africa” convened an elite group of industry experts, policymakers, and private sector leaders. The discussions focused on how creativity and innovation can serve as catalysts for more agile, sustainable, and people-centered healthcare models.
Running alongside WHX Lagos, WHX Labs Lagos zeroed in on diagnostics and laboratory systems, critical pillars in disease surveillance and health system resilience. The inaugural day featured deep-dive sessions and interactive panels that addressed themes like the future of infectious disease tracking, strengthening public health laboratories, and the transformative power of diagnostics in UHC.
In its 12th edition, WHX Lagos 2025 has made a bold leap forward. From the first steps onto the bustling exhibition floor, it was clear that this is not just a trade show; it is a convergence of visionaries and change makers. Over 500 exhibitors from Africa and around the globe are showcasing next-generation healthcare technologies and services. Global leaders like Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Roche, Uni-Medical, Crown Healthcare and Dedalus are exhibiting a wide range of innovations, including AI-powered diagnostics, cutting-edge medical imaging, and smart hospital information systems.
Among the thought leaders were Prof. Christian Happi, renowned professor of molecular biology and genomics at Redeemer’s University, and Dr Donald Ofili, director and deputy registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). In his remarks, Dr Ofili stressed the significance of continuous learning: “This gathering is not just about innovation; it is about professional growth. With five CPD credits approved, we are reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning in advancing medical laboratory science in Nigeria.”
Perhaps the most striking aspect of WHX Lagos 2025 is its ability to break down silos. By housing WHX Lagos and WHX Labs under one roof, the event fostered seamless knowledge exchange across disciplines. Clinicians, scientists, policymakers, and investors engaged directly, turning the venue into a living, breathing ecosystem of ideas and solutions.
The event also featured a vibrant exhibition hall, where the latest medical technologies, pharmaceutical solutions, and healthcare services were on full display. Attendees explored transformative innovations and forged valuable connections through a series of structured networking events, creating fertile ground for future collaborations and impactful partnerships.
As WHX Lagos and WHX Labs 2025 continue over the next two days, the focus remains clear: empowering West Africa’s healthcare ecosystem through bold innovation, inclusive dialogue, and strategic investment. The momentum has been set, and the future of healthcare in the region looks brighter than ever.
A cross-section of dignitaries at event unveiling the product.
In a bold move to improve outcomes for patients living with cardio-metabolic diseases, leading multinational pharmaceutical company Getz Pharma has launched Empiget LT, an innovative fixed-dose combination therapy designed to reduce glycemic levels in millions of Nigerians managing type 2 diabetes—especially those with comorbidities or a diminished quality of life.
The unveiling of Empiget LT held during a Cardio-Metabolic Forum at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, was attended by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists. Distinguished experts such as Prof. Anam Mbakwem, consultant cardiologist at LUTH; Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, consultant nephrologist at LASUTH; and Dr Ifedayo Odeniyi, consultant endocrinologist at LUTH, served as keynote speakers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines cardio-metabolic diseases as a cluster of interrelated conditions—including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes—linked by shared risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions remain a major global health burden, accounting for a significant percentage of deaths worldwide.
Dr Folorunso Oloruntoba, general manager, sales at Getz Pharma, emphasized the rationale behind the launch of Empiget LT. He pointed out the urgency in managing glycemic levels among Nigerians with type 2 diabetes, particularly those unable to meet their target HbA1c levels.
“A substantial proportion of these patients are unable to achieve their target HbA1c levels—a critical concern that signals progressive end-organ damage, which raises the need for such products like Empiget LT,” he said.
A cross-section of participants at the unveiling
“Empiget LT is designed to address this challenge by combining the therapeutic benefits of an SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor in a single, convenient tablet. This dual-action formulation not only enhances glycemic control but also delivers significant renal and cardiovascular protection. It offers a comprehensive and effective treatment option for adults managing type 2 diabetes mellitus and related conditions such as renal and heart failure. The synergistic action of its two active ingredients—Empagliflozin and Linagliptin—ensures a multifaceted approach to diabetes care, aligning with global best practices in chronic disease management,” he stated.
Oloruntoba noted that the product is affordably priced, costing under ₦15,000 per month.
“Both SKUs offer exceptional value for money, especially when compared to the cost of monotherapies from other brands using the same molecules. This competitive pricing positions Empiget LT as a high-quality yet cost-effective solution—almost at a giveaway price point.”
He added that Empiget LT is already available nationwide through accredited pharmacy outlets and major distribution channels. It comes in two dosage strengths: 25 mg of Empagliflozin with 5 mg of Linagliptin, and 10 mg of Empagliflozin with 5 mg of Linagliptin, both in packs of 30 tablets.
Speaking on the management of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure, Prof. Mbakwem identified untreated hypertension as the primary cause of heart failure in Nigeria. She emphasized the urgency of upgrading clinical care.
“About 50 per cent of patients with heart failure will die five years after diagnosis, without improved care and medication,” she said, urging healthcare professionals to seek continuous learning and improve service delivery to reduce morbidity and mortality.
The consultant cardiologist decried the substandard care in some facilities, warning that poor clinical practices contribute significantly to rising death rates from cardiovascular disease.
“Are we doing enough for these patients?” she asked rhetorically. “But my answer to that is that there are many needs in heart failure and that we don’t manipulate. And I believe we can do more. You and I can do more for this patient.
“For us in Nigeria, the biggest driver of heart failure is heart disease. So if we can control hypertension, we reduce the risk of death of heart failure.
“If we can diagnose these patients early—because we know that the earlier you start the treatment, the more benefits you get out of it,” Mbakwem emphasised.
Building on her remarks, Dr Odeniyi discussed the complex interplay between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He listed insulin resistance, chronic hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and cardiomyopathy as major contributors.
“Insulin resistance contributes to chronic hyperglycemia. Chronic dyslipidemia also contributes to chronic hyperglycemia. All leading to endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammatory states. It can also degenerate to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and if we don’t take care of these patients very well, we are going to have events of mortality.
“So what drives cardiovascular disease in diabetes? Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia. And linked to that is inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and the cardiomyopathy. But the heart muscle will get damaged at a point, making the pumping function to get worse,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of proper risk profiling for diabetes patients to improve treatment outcomes.
“We must do a risk assessment for our patients. And this is where the majority of us are failing. Probably because we don’t have the knowledge, or we are so overwhelmed with the patient that we manage.”
Dr Odeniyi endorsed Empiget LT as a valuable medication for improving glycemic control and managing associated complications.
In his contribution, Prof. Adekoya addressed diabetes-related complications that lead to kidney failure, stating that four in ten kidney failure cases result from undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes.
“Diabetes is a very high-risk factor for kidney failure,” he said, urging healthcare professionals to optimize care for diabetic patients to prevent renal deterioration.
He underscored the link between diabetes and kidney disease:
“Two out of ten people aged above 65 with diabetes will develop kidney disease and die of stroke. The indication is that up to 40 per cent of those who have diabetes type 2 will eventually have kidney disease.”
Recognising the clinical utility of Empiget LT, Prof. Adekoya praised the formulation as the first fixed-dose combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor introduced in the Nigerian market. He also noted its small tablet size as a key feature that enhances ease of swallowing and patient adherence.
Mr Gbolahan Ogunleye, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the weekend urged traditional medicine practitioners to enhance research on herbal drugs and treatments.
Ogunleye, who represents Ikorodu Constituency I under the APC, gave the advice during the presentation of tables and chairs to the Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria (TMPN), Ikorodu Branch.
The event took place at the TMPN Secretariat in Ikorodu.
Ogunleye said traditional medicine should be refined to gain wider acceptance, especially given global recognition of the practice.
“Traditional medicine practitioners are no longer seen as mere herbalists, unlike in the past. They must keep improving the practice to match Western standards,” he said.
He added that legislative backing would help boost public trust in traditional medicine and provide a proper framework for its development and regulation.
Ogunleye, who chairs the House Committee on Overseas Investment and Sustainable Development Goals, urged the association to review and amend relevant laws for better outcomes.
He assured the practitioners that the House would support any good proposals and enact laws that protect public interest, particularly in Ikorodu.
The lawmaker promised that Lagos State’s allocations would continue to reflect its diversity, with Ikorodu receiving its fair share of development.
“I’ll support laws to elevate traditional medicine as a credible aspect of the healthcare system. This includes encouraging research and cultivation of local herbs,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to deliver more impactful projects in Ikorodu and across the state.
TMPN Secretary, Ms Oluwabunmi Ajibola, thanked the lawmaker for his consistent support, noting that the donation would enhance the association’s operations.
She said the gesture would help the group improve traditional medicine practices and strengthen its role as a viable complement to orthodox healthcare.
“We’re doing all we can to improve, gain wider acceptance, and fill critical gaps in healthcare delivery,” Ajibola added.
In what may be considered a bold crackdown on the illegal importation of pharmaceutical products, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recently intercepted six containers laden with unregistered and falsely declared drugs, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦3.2 billion.
According to the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, Comptroller B.O. Olomu, the seizures were the result of meticulous intelligence work, international collaboration, and active partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The intercepted containers were presented on 22 May at the customs command in Apapa, Lagos State.
The first discovery involved two 40-foot containers, with identification numbers SUDU 8685733 and MRSU 4846204, which contained a total of 3,388 cartons of RTPL CSC cough syrup with codeine. Olomu disclosed that the contraband was cleverly concealed within packages labelled as water closets and toilet seats.
“These two containers alone have a street value of over ₦2.71 billion,” he said. “Their interception underscores the deadly intent of criminal networks determined to profit at the expense of public health.”
The command also showcased other seized containers packed with falsely declared pharmaceutical products. One such container, with identification number MRSU 3258823, contained unregistered medicines, including Rabeprazole injections, Zahifranil tablets, 1000mg Vancomycin Hydrochloride, and Cyproheptadine with Vitamin B Complex. None of the items bore registration numbers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to Olomu, the consignment was falsely declared as kitchen wares and tables.
Another container, with identification number ONEU 1153150, was found to contain Globatin Anti-Marks Cream and 30g Clobetasol Cream—both misrepresented as truck tyres in the import documentation.
Comptroller Olomu condemned the deceptive conduct of the importers, stating that such practices are contrary to the Customs Act. “These deceptive practices are clear violations not just of Nigerian law, but also of global conventions,” he said. “Specifically, they breach the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the World Customs Organization’s Operation STOP IV, which targets counterfeit and unauthorised medical supplies.”
He explained that the seizures were not only about enforcing trade laws but also about safeguarding Nigerian lives from harmful and unregulated pharmaceuticals. He stressed that the command would not relent in preventing fake and illegal drugs from entering the country.
“As officers stationed at Nigeria’s largest and busiest port, we are resolute in our commitment to prevent the entry of unapproved medical products,” Comptroller Olomu warned. “These substances could have devastating consequences if allowed to circulate within the healthcare system.”
Meanwhile, the Comptroller stated that three suspects connected with the seizures are currently under investigation and will face prosecution. However, he did not disclose their names.
In a bold move to safeguard Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain, key stakeholders in the pharmacy profession have reiterated the urgent need to dismantle open drug markets (ODMs) across the country.
This consensus was reached during the April 2025 edition of the Point Blank Dialogue, organised by the Pharmacists Affairs Group and held virtually on 26 April via Zoom.
Themed “Circumventing the Impact of Open Drug Markets on Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain,” the event attracted a high-level audience of pharmacists, policymakers, regulators, academics, and healthcare professionals. Discussions centred on how unregulated drug markets continue to threaten public health, undermine pharmaceutical standards, and erode the country’s economic potential.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the programme by Pharm. Taoheed Arogundade and endorsed by the Board of Administrators, Pharmacists Affairs Group, participants highlighted the historical origins of ODMs in the unintended consequences of the Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMV) scheme.
Originally established to provide pharmaceutical access in underserved communities, the PPMV model, in the absence of effective regulatory oversight, evolved into a system that now fuels widespread medicine counterfeiting and distribution of substandard products.
Stakeholders lamented the longstanding regulatory gaps, which date back to 1936, and noted that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) only received clear statutory authority over PPMVs with the passage of the Pharmacy Act 2022, saying despite federal efforts to reform the distribution system through the creation of Central Wholesale Centres (CWCs), only Kano State has successfully implemented its CWC, while other regions lag behind.
The dialogue featured prominent industry voices including Pharm. Anthony Bola Oyawole, former chairman of PSN Lagos State; Pharm Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, chairman of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) and CEO of New Heights Pharmaceuticals Limited; as well as Pharm Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, registrar of the PCN, who served as special guest of honour.
Drawing from data cited during the session, the communiqué revealed that open drug markets have cost the nation’s pharmaceutical industry over ₦200 billion annually through revenue losses and illicit sales. It also referenced World Health Organisation statistics indicating a 49.6 percent prevalence of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria as far back as 1998, with nearly 13 percent of mortality rates linked to consumption of unregulated medicines.
While commending PCN and NAFDAC for the successful shutdown of the Sabon-Gari open drug market in Kano and its relocation to the Kanawa Pharmaceutical Wholesale Centre, participants called for the replication of this model across other major drug distribution hubs, including Onitsha and Lagos. They further expressed concern about the lack of synergy among regulatory agencies, weak enforcement, and the unchecked activities of pharmaceutical representatives whose sales practices often contravene ethical standards.
The stakeholders issued a series of resolutions to curb the menace. These include the immediate fast-tracking of CWCs in all approved states, formation of a task force under “Operation Close ODMs,” enforcement of sanctions against violators, and deployment of blockchain technology to enhance traceability in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Also recommended were expanded partnerships with professional wholesaler networks like PWDAN and APDA, prioritisation of local manufacturing with the support of intervention funds, and public education through a national #DrugSafetyNG campaign.
The communiqué called on the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to declare ODMs a public health emergency and urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill 2025.
Participants also stressed the importance of stronger regulatory control over donor agencies, review of licensing and premises requirements, and the classification of non-pharmacist wholesalers as PPMVs. In addition, the Pharmacy Council was tasked with increasing surveillance on unregistered outlets, supermarkets, and beauty stores selling medicines or supplements without regulatory approval.
In a strong show of professional unity, participants resolved to reconvene in October 2025 for a follow-up edition of the Point Blank Dialogue to assess progress made on the outlined action plans. A six-month scorecard report is also expected to be published, detailing updates on CWC establishment, closure of illegal drug markets, and overall improvements in the pharmaceutical distribution framework.
The April 2025 Point Blank Dialogue, according to the communique, reaffirmed the Pharmacists Affairs Group’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical governance, promoting ethical distribution practices, and safeguarding the health of Nigerians through collaborative reform.
According to Elbert Hubbard, “Self-discipline is the ability to do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.” Brian Tracy adds, “Self-discipline is the key to personal greatness. It is the magic quality that opens all doors for you and makes everything else possible. With self-discipline, the average person can rise as far and as fast as his talents and intelligence can take him. But without self-discipline, a person with every blessing of background, education, and opportunity will seldom rise above mediocrity.”
A lack of self-discipline is a major cause of failure, frustration, underachievement, and unhappiness in life. It leads us to make excuses and sell ourselves short.
Some people take the easy way out in almost every situation. They seek shortcuts to everything—quick money, fast results. They develop the habit of always looking for an easier and faster way to get what they want, rather than doing what is hard but necessary to achieve real success. Many pursue the fastest and easiest route to gratification, with little or no concern for long-term consequences. In other words, most people choose what is expedient—what is easy—rather than what is necessary for lasting success.
Self-discipline can also be defined as self-control: the ability to govern your words, actions, and habits so that your behaviour aligns with your long-term goals and objectives. This is the hallmark of a truly successful person.
Self-discipline has been described as self-denial. It requires saying no to easy pleasures and resisting temptations that derail others. Instead, it calls for choosing what is right in the long term and appropriate for the present moment. Self-discipline demands delayed gratification—the ability to postpone immediate comfort in order to enjoy greater rewards later.
Sometimes, people ask me how we have managed to publish Pharmanews every month without interruption for the past 46 years. My usual response is that it is the grace of God that has enabled us to overcome the various challenges we have encountered over the years. There were months when we were tempted to skip an edition, but with persistence and determination, we overcame those difficulties and succeeded. I have maintained my column every month because I want to protect my self-image. I do not want anyone to ask why I missed a month. Therefore, with the help of God, I make sure not to give excuses for failure. I want to succeed, not fail.
To become someone you have never been before, you must do something you have never done before. This means that to develop superior character, you must practise higher levels of self-discipline and self-mastery. You must be willing to do what average people are unwilling to do. To achieve something you have never achieved before, you must learn and develop qualities and skills you have never had before.
Self-control is the ability to govern oneself—especially one’s emotions and desires—in challenging situations. James Allen, in his book Mind Is The Master, writes: “Self-control is the Door of Heaven; it leads to light and peace. Without it, a man is already in hell; he is lost in darkness and unrest. Men inflict on themselves far-reaching sufferings and pass through indescribable torments, both of body and soul, through lack of self-control; and not until they resort to its practice can their sufferings and torments pass away. For it has no substitute, nothing can take its place, and there is no power in the universe that can do for a man that which he, sooner or later, must do for himself—by entering upon the practice of self-control.”
Through self-control, a man manifests divine power and ascends towards divine wisdom and perfection. Every man can practise it. Even the weakest can begin today—and unless he does, his weakness will persist, or even worsen.
Self-control is widely recognised as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not merely a natural ability. It involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation, particularly in our thoughts, words, and actions. Galatians 5:22–23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
L-R: Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, registrar, PCN; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, president, PSN; Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, chairman, PWDAN; Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, national chairman, ACPN; and Pharm. Adebayo Afon, chairman, Conference Planning Committee, at the 4th annual conference of PWDAN.
The 2025 National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN), held in Lagos, has ignited a fresh wave of conversations around pharmaceutical supply chain reform in Nigeria.
Speaking recently at the 4th Annual National Conference of PWDAN, with the theme “Bridging Gaps: Integrating Pharma Wholesalers and Distributors for Medicine Security in Nigeria,” held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. (Mrs) Mojisola Adeyeye, described the theme as both timely and strategic, saying it touches on a critical challenge and opportunity — ensuring that the nation’s medicine supply chain is resilient, secure, transparent, and accessible to all Nigerians.
The DG, who was represented by Dr Regina Garba, deputy director, Post-Marketing Surveillance (Northwest), said the agency recognises the pivotal role that pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors play within the healthcare delivery value chain. She stressed that without a safe, professional, and well-regulated distribution system, even the best quality medicines — whether locally manufactured or imported — cannot reach patients effectively or safely.
“Medicine security, in this regard, goes beyond availability. It also encompasses quality, authenticity, and integrity. This is a strategic national imperative, and NAFDAC remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard public health through the effective regulation and control of medicines and allied products.
The President of PSN, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, flanked by Dr Fidelis Ayebae, chairman of the occasion (left) and Pharm. Ogeneochuko Omaruaye, chairman, PWDAN, (right), and other participants at the 4th annual conference of PWDAN, in Lagos.
“ To this end, NAFDAC has taken several important steps, including strengthening Good Distribution Practice (GDP) inspection guidelines, enhancing post-marketing surveillance and routine inspections, digitalising regulatory processes to improve efficiency, leveraging technology for real-time supply chain traceability, and promoting collaborative regulatory practices through stakeholder engagement,” she stated.
In his speech, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, declared PWDAN a trusted partner in the council’s reform agenda. “PWDAN is now our baby,” he said, drawing applause from participants.
The PCN Registrar, who was the guest of honour, said Nigeria is undoubtedly making concerted efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, but persistent gaps still threaten these strides. “The foreign exchange crisis, insecurity, fragmented last-mile delivery, and the alarming prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines continue to undermine our collective progress.”
“In light of these challenges, the recent Executive Order granting zero tariff on pharmaceutical raw materials, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and initiated by the Coordinating Minister of Health, deserves commendation. It represents a significant step toward improving local production capacity and, ultimately, medicine security,” he added.
“Medicine is not just another commodity — it is a life-saving product. When it’s handled carelessly or traded recklessly, we jeopardize not only individual lives but the credibility of our entire health system. That is why integration, transparency, and strict regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical supply chain are non-negotiable,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba , said all players — manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer — must understand and respect their specific roles, adding that only then can Nigeria achieve an organized, efficient, and secure medicine distribution system.
The PSN boss, who admitted he was unaware of PWDAN before assuming office, said he became one of its strongest advocates after engaging with the leadership, pledging to involve the association in all future advocacy visits to government agencies.
The chairman of the occasion, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, who recently retired as Managing Director of Fidson Healthcare Plc, said he accepted the invitation to chair the conference because of his deep concern about the chaotic, fragmented, and often unregulated nature of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain. He expressed confidence in PWDAN’s strategic positioning to be part of the solution.
“Let me also commend every member of PWDAN for flying the banner of professionalism high since your emergence into public consciousness just four years ago. Many of us watched cautiously from the sidelines, wary of whether this would become yet another fragmented or politically-driven group. But today, I can proudly say that you’ve remained focused, business-oriented, and united in your objectives,” he said.
“In that spirit, I challenge you all: embrace collaboration, pursue pooled procurement strategies, and leverage your numbers to negotiate better terms in the market. If you cannot buy a container alone, why not team up with four or five of your colleagues? This is how you grow influence and efficiency in business,” he advised.
Earlier in his opening speech, the National Chairman of PWDAN, Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, stated that the conference is an annual event aimed at bringing stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain together to discuss ways to resolve challenges in the sector.
The PWDAN boss emphasised the urgent need for collaboration across the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s medicine distribution system.
Omaruaye stressed that PWDAN is not just another stakeholder, but the backbone of the pharmaceutical supply chain. “We are the ones invested in doing things the right way — through legitimate channels, with integrity, and with the health of Nigerians in our hearts. We are not just here for business. We are here to serve,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Keynote Speaker, Pharm. Dennis Aizobu, managing director of SFH Access, said pharmacists need to make more noise to be heard and recognised. He lamented that pharmacists in the country are not playing at the top level and said it is time to change the narrative and push for more favourable policies that will improve pharmacy practice in Nigeria.
The President of PSN, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, flanked by Dr Fidelis Ayebae, chairman of the occasion (left) and Pharm. Ogeneochuko Omaruaye, chairman, PWDAN, (right), and other participants at the 4th annual conference of PWDAN, in Lagos.
L-R, Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, registrar, PCN; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, president, PSN; Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, chairman, PWDAN; Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, national chairman, ACPN; and Pharm. Adebayo Afon, chairman, Conference Planning Committee, at the 4th annual conference of PWDAN
In what came as a stunning but heartfelt announcement, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, the founder and longtime managing director of Fidson Healthcare Plc, declared his retirement during the 4th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN), held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
The revelation was made during his keynote speech as Chairman of the Conference themed “Bridging Gaps: Integrating Pharma Wholesalers and Distributors for Medicine Security in Nigeria,”
“As of May 1st, 2025, I have officially retired from Fidson Healthcare Plc, the company I nurtured for decades,” Ayebae revealed, drawing a mix of applause and surprise from participants.
Although he no longer leads the company, Ayebae noted that a new managing director is in charge. “I am pleased to introduce Pharm. Biola Adebayo as the new managing director of Fidson—a capable man who shares the values that built our company,” he said.
Ayebae, who chaired the occasion, explained that he accepted the invitation to the event despite nearing retirement because of his strong belief in PWDAN’s mission. “Even knowing I was approaching retirement, I still accepted this invitation—because I believe in what PWDAN stands for,” he stated.
Known for his candour and humour, he joked, “Please, don’t hesitate to invite me to any of your events—even if it’s to name your dog’s puppies or honour your great-grandfather’s memory—I’m happily available,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Dr Ayebae led Fidson for nearly three decades, overseeing its growth into one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. He also once served as chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), advocating for increased local production and medicine security.
As he bowed out of corporate leadership, Ayebae reaffirmed his continued support for the pharmaceutical industry, urging stakeholders to keep pushing for reforms and collaboration.
Published every month since its inception in 1979, Pharmanews is the largest circulating health periodical, covering all the 36 states of Nigeria and beyond. Pharmanews continues to break new grounds in health reportage and has established an enviable reputation in the healthcare sector and in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular.
Our website (www.pharmanewsonline.com) has become West Africa’s biggest online health news portal, attracting thousands of global visitors, especially healthcare professionals, on daily basis.
To appreciate readers and subscribers for their continuous patronage all these years, Pharmanews limited is offering free copies of Pharmanews (PDF format).
Attached to this post are copies of Pharmanews Journal PDF Edition from January 2020 to date.
The recent release by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) against other health professions particularly Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Optometry, raises serious concerns on whether the NARD is truly in touch with reality or simply chooses to be mischievous. There is thus the need for clarifications to be made.
The prefix Dr Is not the personal property of any profession. Tracing history, the Dr title is from the Latin word _docere_ which is reserved for scholars. Specifically, it is linked more to PhD holders and not 1st degree holders like MBBS, who now imagine they have exclusive preserve to the Dr title. Thus, the title Dr can be used by anyone who earns it whether by an academic degree, a professional degree or by honorary basis, or even as a courtesy title (as seen with physicians with only MBBS degree which is not a doctorate but a Bachelor’s degree).Hence, the genuine quest for the Dr Title cannot be seen as competing with physicians as claimed by NARD. The title can be earned by the above mentioned health professionals just as physicians earn theirs too.
It is also not out of place to seek better remuneration or better working conditions. Health workers on the CONHESS have a right to demand reward for labour. The clamour for adjustment of CONHESS as was done for CONMESS is based on a 2009 MoU signed between the JOHESU and FMOH which unambiguously says once you adjust any of the 2 salary scales in the health sector, the other must be adjusted by a commensurate percentage.
The thought of physicians thinking the goal is to match the CONMESS salary structure is rather an illusion and deceptive. Pharmacists and physicians used to enjoy same entry levels which was GL 08 during internship and 09 after youth service.
The difference was two steps advantage in favour of physicians up to 1991 when the discriminatory MSS was introduced by the then Olikoye Ransome Kuti led FMOH. Today, physicians start their full time job on GL 13 after their youth service with 100% call duty allowance using higher COMESS scale while other health professionals (including pharmacists who, hitherto enjoyed same entry points as physicians) start their full time job on GL 10 with 50% call duty allowance using relatively lower CONHESS salary scale. Pharmacists with Pharm. D and optometrists ( Opt. D) now have enabling circulars to start full time job on GL 12 after completing their NYSC using still the CONHESS salary scale that is relatively lower. This still gives the physicians the relatively higher GL advantage as they still enjoy the higher entry point with higher pay scale of CONMESS .
This implies that adjusting CONHESS does not translate into earning same salaries with the physicians who are already on a higher pay scale of CONMESS and higher Grade Level but just to maintain the RELATIVITY and EQUITY between the two salary scales in the event of amendments contrary to the propaganda of NARD.
Furthermore, for clarity purposes, the process of getting a Pharm.D ( Doctor of pharmacy) degree is not a walk in the park. It requires the same minimum of six(6) solid years with rigorous input and workload.
Medicine and surgery just like other professions is a choice, hence, while a physician chooses to study Medicine and Surgery, a pharmacist chooses to study Pharmacy and the same applies with other professions.
The choice of profession is guided by passion amongst other factors hence one cannot go to study Medicine and Surgery simply because of title and individual choices must be respected.
Interestingly, there is no course in any university known as Doctor or Doctoring. And globally, there are different types of doctors in healthcare. In neighbouring Uganda here to Nigeria, all graduate pharmacists are addressed with Dr title NARD can chose to learn that the Kenyan Doctors Union ( also known as KMPDU ) is made up of pharmacists, physicians and dentists.
Health disciplines’ professional doctorates is a global thing and not a Nigerian creation. Our physicians here in Nigeria cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that the only professional degree of all pharmacists trained in the USA is the PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and the holders are addressed as Doctors.
Yes, in the UK pharmacists and dentists may not be addressed as doctors or with Dr title because they do not graduate with professional doctorates from school. But however the SURGEONS in the UK are also not addressed with Dr title and they don’t use it. If one may ask, why do Nigerian surgeons use the Dr title? It is, therefore, worrisome how some Nigerian physicians have abandoned their work and are dragging title.
NARD claims that patients seek physicians for diagnosis and treatment decisions, but this claim is rather vague and deceptive, and it negates the place of interprofessional collaboration or teamwork. Healthcare professionals are also referred to as healthcare team. A team is not a one man or one healthcare professional show. Hence, the claims of physicians that patients come to hospitals to see only their brethren is a ruse. Many clients patronise public facilities because of the hands on experience of the array of professionals.
Can the medical doctor diagnose alone without the aid of a medical laboratory scientist? Can the medical doctor treat alone without the assistance of the pharmacist, physiotherapist and other healthcare professionals?
A surgeon, for instance, cannot perform surgery without the input of the pharmacy professional, because sutures and other surgical dressings are all manufactured by pharmacists.
Even the drugs which a physician can prescribe are manufactured by no other health professionals apart from pharmacists, and pharmacists clinically assure the safety of medications.
The physicians must hence recognise and respect the place of other healthcare professionals, and stop making deceptive public statements aimed at confusing the lay public.
The title Doctor does not in any way negate the place of clear roles and trust. The NARD has no moral justification to even raise the concept of clear roles and trust when it is obvious the physicians have left their roles and path and are rather much more interested in other professional roles.
It is also insulting to use the term “quackery” on their fellow sister healthcare professionals who are qualified and certified by accredited institutions like NUC & the respective professional Council. Speaking of quackery, one may wonder the profession that is notorious for having private practice where they divert patients, give certification to ‘self-trained’ auxiliary nurses, drug dispensers and other types of quack practitioners.
To enhance clarity, pharmacists put PharmD after their names, this makes it clear.
In fact, the use of the title Dr. Will boost patient confidence, acceptance and adherence. If people with only MBBS degree who have no doctoral degrees but Bachelor’s degree can use the title Dr, how much more the fact that a qualified pharmacist or optometrist with PharmD or OD ( Doctor of optometry )?
If NARD members who are still students under training are finding it difficult to understand the use of nomenclature within the healthcare system, they should say so? We assure them that there are many qualified academics including those in diaspora who can help tutor them.
The NARD is, henceforth, advised to face their duties as physicians and pursue growth in their professional career while leaving other careers especially other healthcare professions. They should rather stick to their path and roles.
NARD members who are all just students undergoing training should please focus on their studies & trainings and desist from making provocative and embarrassing statements which can further tear apart the seriously ailing Nigerian health system. NARD should be very grateful to the Nigerian governments for sponsoring them financially unlike what their equivalent colleagues go through in other climes.
The NUC is also hailed for their decisions and are encouraged not to yield to distractions by detractors who have refused to think globally while working locally. Nigeria is not an Island. Furthermore, policies that will increase professionalism, career growth and interprofessional collaboration should be encouraged.
Pharm. King-David Ahuchaogu
Residency Student of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists
In this inspiring and soul-searching video, we explore the difference between earthly rewards and eternal rewards. While achievements, titles, plaques, and medals may bring us recognition in this life, they hold no lasting value beyond the grave. The world celebrates temporary success, but God calls us to live for something far greater—a reward that lasts forever. Based on key scriptures like Philippians 3:14 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8, this message helps you evaluate your life’s true purpose and redirect your efforts toward heavenly gain.
Through real-life stories and biblical truth, you’ll discover that the path to eternal reward begins with accepting salvation through Jesus Christ. Good works alone aren’t enough—they must be motivated by a heart that seeks to glorify God. Whether you’re a teacher, business professional, pastor, or student, this video challenges you to live a life of impact and intention, not just for recognition, but for God’s divine approval and eternal crown. The question isn’t just what are you doing?, but why are you doing it?
This message is a timely reminder that heaven’s rewards are far more significant than any accolade we can receive on earth. We must ensure our motives are pure and our actions are aligned with God’s will. Don’t live for applause that fades—live for a reward that endures forever. Watch now and be encouraged to realign your life for Kingdom impact.
The Centre for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) is advocating for stronger protection of child domestic workers (CDWs) from maltreatment.
CAPRIGHTS-VP made the call during a school sensitisation outreach held at Idimu Junior College, Lagos State, with the theme: “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment”.
Leading the engagement, Mrs Coker Olufunmilola, the Advocacy Manager for CAPRIGHTS-VP, educated students using Yoruba language.
This was in line with the school’s observance of Yoruba-Speaking Day, observed every Wednesday in Lagos State public schools.
She taught the students about their five basic rights as children, of which are the right to education, health, safety, family life, and recreation/play.
She emphasised that while some child domestic workers received fair treatment from their guardians or employers, many others were deprived of these rights and endured harsh living and working conditions, with limited access to education and healthcare.
Coker reminded the students that the Child Rights Law stated that “at all times, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration”.
She called for collective efforts to protect children serving as house helps (commonly referred to as Omo-Odo).
“Every child has the right to education, just like each of you here today.
“No child should be deprived of this right, as education is the foundation of a brighter future.
“Education helps shape children into responsible adults and plays a major role in reducing the number of dysfunctional families in our society,” she said.
As part of the outreach, Programme Coordinator of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Mrs Mercy Joshua,and the Security Protection Officer, Mrs Agatha Chinedu engaged the entire student body in three smaller groups for focused, interactive conversation.
CAPRIGHTS-VP sensitisation outreach at the Idimu Junior College in Egbeda, Lagos State, with the theme “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment”.
During these sessions, some students acknowledged that CDWs were indeed present in their school.
They committed to reporting any observed cases of abuse whether among fellow students, within the community, or at home.
During the session, a male student, asked, “What about CDWs who are not being maltreated what should we do then?”.
The team responded by affirming that CAPRIGHTS-VP and the government were pleased when CDWs were treated with dignity, as that is the right way to treat them.
They urged the students to still report if they witness the mistreatment of any CDWs.
Students and teachers were encouraged to report any case of child abuse or maltreatment, particularly those involving CDWs, to CAPRIGHTS-VP.
The organisation assured that all reports would be handled confidentially and appropriately referred through CAPRIGHTS-VP’s partnerships with government ministries, health institutions, and other NGOs.
The CAPRIGHTS-VP team also demonstrated how to call the toll-free helplines 0800 800 8001 or 0800 004 4444 emphasising that these calls were completely free and were set up to remove all financial barriers to reporting.
A cross-section of schoolgirls in class Photo (VOA)
The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday, mobilised residents of the territory to support the girl child during menstrual period.
The Mandate Secretary, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, made the call in Abuja, at an event organised to commemorate the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Benjamins-Laniyi called on residents to support the Administration quest to make the FCT period-friendly.
According to her, it is time to prioritise educating the girl child on biological makeup which should not be a hindrance to accessing quality education.
She said that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was already prioritising the development of the girl-child through impactful education, psycho-social interventions.
She added the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud was equally mobilising relevant stakeholders to ensure the optimal development of the girl-child in the FCT.
“When you come across a girl with menstrual stains, please do not mock or shame her, support her the best you can,” she pleaded.
The mandate secretary described the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, as “a call to action” for everyone to ensure that menstruation did not limit girls’ access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.
She said WAS would continue to partner with non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that schoolgirls had access to sanitary resources.
She identified some of the resources as menstrual pads, towels, deodorants, body Sprays and other materials that would make girls confident during their monthly flow.
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Benjamins-Laniyi also called on school administrators and managers to ensure adequate supply of water, stressing that a lot of girls stayed away from school during their monthly flow due to lack of water.
“Girls need resources that will make them comfortable during their menstrual period.
“They also need a conducive environment to change and dispose of used sanitary pads,” she said.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has encouraged girls to embrace menstruation with pride and confidence, recognising themselves as vital contributors to humanity’s sustainability.
Mrs Aderonke Akinwole, Social and Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF, gave the advice during an event on Wednesday organised with the Nigeria Girls’ Guild and Lagos State Primary Health Care Board.
The event was held to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHDay) and was attended by students from both public and private schools across Lago
With the theme ‘Together for a Period Friendly World’, the event aimed to raise awareness and promote dignity in menstrual hygiene.
“When a girl begins menstruation, it should be celebrated. It signifies her transition into womanhood and her ability to sustain life.
“They should be proud, and seek accurate, helpful information to remain safe, clean, and healthy during their period,” Akinwole said.
She emphasised that girls must not feel ashamed, as menstruation is a natural part of womanhood and a symbol of female dignity.
She urged the state government to increase sensitisation efforts and include menstrual hygiene education in school curricula, religious settings, and community platforms.
Akinwole also warned against stigmatisation, especially from boys, and called for boys to be educated to respect menstruation as part of girls’ lives.
“Girls should understand the menstrual cycle even before it starts. This should be part of health education in schools, churches, mosques, and communities,” she said.\
She explained that girls need awareness on menstrual hygiene management and should know how to prepare for their periods in a healthy, informed way.
Mrs Honfor Adesola, Director of Education at Lagos State Primary Education Board, commended UNICEF’s support in promoting menstrual hygiene and addressing issues affecting girls.
Adesola highlighted that maintaining menstrual hygiene is vital in preventing infections and ensuring comfort throughout the menstrual cycle.
She noted that the event also helped to raise awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine available free in health centres across Lagos.
“We’re here to mark MHDay and to engage girls on HPV awareness. The state government has provided the vaccine, and sensitisation must continue,” she explained.
She encouraged girls to discuss the HPV vaccine with their parents to gain consent, ensuring protection against cervical cancer.
“The vaccine is safe, effective, and accessible in state facilities for girls aged nine to fourteen, but many have not yet been vaccinated,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ethagah Divine, Head Girl of New Estate Baptist Secondary School, Surulere, called on NGOs to provide sanitary pads for girls.
She urged more campaigns and rallies to distribute free menstrual products, like UNICEF did, to promote hygiene and dignity during menstruation.
Miss Emmanuella Azubuike, a student of the same school, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and partners for the impactful menstrual hygiene awareness event.
“This programme has expanded my knowledge on menstrual hygiene and HPV. More NGOs should support these campaigns to reach and educate more young girls,” she said. (NAN)
L-R: Representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr Rayhana Olubukola Davis, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Dr Bose Salami; Commander 81 Division, Medical Service and Hospital, Obalende, Ikoyi, Col. Samson Idowu; Director General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) Prof. Martins Emeje; Representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Balema Angely Lawson; and CEO of Zamzams Medical Solutions, Alh. Hamza Sani; at the second year in office anniversary of the NNMDA DG, held recently in Lagos.
Key security and health agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, have commended the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) for its strides under the leadership of Prof. Martins Emeje, who recently marked two years in office as the Director General.
Leaders of the agencies made their remarks during a ceremony commemorating Emeje’s second year in office, highlighting the agency’s achievements in research, innovation, and its contributions to national health development through natural medicine.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, praised NNMDA for its commitment to national well-being, even amidst the battle against fake and substandard medicines in the country.
The CP, who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr Bose Salami, appreciated the passion and zest of the agency in ensuring the availability of technologically developed natural medicines to the Nigerian populace at very affordable rates.
Director General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA)Prof. Maritns Emeje, presenting malaria prevention kits to Commander 81 Division, Medical Service and Hospital, Obalende, Ikoyi, Col. Samson Idowu, at the event.
“Over the past two years, your organisation has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the promotion and development of natural medicine,” Jimoh said. “Your commitment to research, advocacy, and community engagement aligns with our collective role in fostering a healthier and more resilient nation.
“On this special occasion, I commend you and your team for your achievement and encourage you to continue your vital work with passion and integrity. May this anniversary serve as a milestone of progress and catalyst for greater success in the years ahead.”
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Fu Mijinyawa, also applauded NNMDA’s transformational progress within the few years of Emeje’s leadership, describing it as a milestone achievement.
Mijinyawa, represented by Colonel Samson Idowu, a public health physician in-charge of the 81 Division Medical Services, affirmed the efforts of the DG, describing him as changemaker in the agency, as that was his first time of hearing about the agency’s giant strides in natural medicine development, with the vision to make indigeneous medicines the pillar of medicine security in the country.
“Over the last two years, this agency has achieved what it hasn’t been able to do in the past three decades,” Mijinyawa said. “This is my first encounter with NNMDA, and I’m impressed. It takes someone who knows where he is going to lead an agency this effectively.”
The Nigeria Immigration Service also weighed in, with B.A. Lawson, representing the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, praising the agency’s focus on addressing Nigeria’s health burdens using indigenous solutions “Wow, all these things are happening in just two years? It’s something to be proud of,” Nandap said. “You’ve identified the health challenges facing the country and are providing solutions, even for issues often overlooked like malaria and ulcers.”
Nandap also shared a personal plea for the agency to pay more attention to maternal health, nursing models, and HIV prevention—citing the tragic loss of his child due to inadequate care.
“I believe under your leadership, things will get better and better,” he said.
Earlier in his anniversary speech, the NNMDA DG highlighted the outstanding performance of the agency under his watch in the past two years, noting that the institute has developed 23 natural medicines through Nano technology, awaiting presidential launch. He averred that by refining traditional preparations into standardised products, the agency eliminates the need for individuals to constantly mix herbs or rely on unmeasured concoctions. This process promotes trust in natural medicine while ensuring better quality control.
The list of the agency’s achievement during his two years in office, are as follows: development of 23 indigenous drugs, global collaborations and staff empowerment, success in grant writing and recognition, establishment of cultural curriculum, certification and licensing of practitioners, creation of national digital database for traditional medicine practitioners, among others.
Prof. Emeje, who described these achievements as starting point for the agency, said the NNMDA can do much more, if given presidential endorsement, as such support would boost public and institutional confidence in the agency’s mission and lead to stronger national backing for traditional medicine.
“I want the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to endorse natural medicine”, Emeje requested. “If this is done, when people hear or see the endorsement from the president, they will tend to support the agency.”
He continued, “A major achievement of the agency has been in competitive grant writing. For the first time in its 30-year history, NNMDA has won three international research grants, placing the agency and its researchers on the global map and opening doors for partnerships.
“The agency’s success has led to international collaborations. Some NNMDA staff now co-supervise research abroad, particularly in South Africa, and are being recognised as experts. This development elevates Nigeria’s credibility in traditional medicine research,” he affirmed.
The high point of the two-year in office anniversary of Prof. Emeje, was the presentation of indigenous malaria prevention kits to the guests at the event.
The Kwara State Government has mobilised religious and community leaders in Fate, Ilorin South Local Government Area, in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The state, in collaboration with the Global Hope for Women and Children (GLOHWOC), held a town hall meeting with Imams, artisans, and community leaders to discuss the effects and implications of FGM.
The Director, Social Welfare, Ministry of Social Development, Mr Kayode James, said the essence of the sensitisation was to enlighten residents of the community to the dangers inherent in the continued practice of FGM.
He said the government found out that the menace was still prevalent in the state, hence, the need for mass education of the residents to stop the act which has no health or mental benefits.
James said that the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020 would be fully implemented on any erring citizen after the mass sensitisation.
GLOHWOC CEO, Madam Christy Abayomi-Oluwole, said its statistics still showed that one out of three girls in Kwara receive cuts.
”So we are standing up to ensure that Kwara has zero tolerance for FGM and other harmful traditional practices.
”It is imperative to clear the myths and beliefs about FGM as people just engage in it as a tradition and not knowing what it fully entails.
”Most of the people indulging in the practice mean no harm because it is the culture and tradition they met on ground.
”So, we have to make them see the health, mental and psychological consequences of the act which has been with us for more than 5000 years.
”This is why we are holding the town hall advocacy to carry everyone along and clear their age-long belief on the harmful traditional practices,” she said.
Abayomi-Oluwole said FGM had caused more harm to victims, ranging from non-sexual satisfactions, loss of blood, infections, pains during menstruation and childbirth.
Another GLOWHOC official, Mr Segun Adeyemi, said that men have a huge role to play in the campaign against FGM since they were the decision makers in the homes.
The District Head of Fate Communiy, Alhaji Abdulmumin Ayoku, commended the initiative to clear the myths regarding FGM and urged men to join the advocacy.
He said the communities that practice FGM were ignorant of the harmful effect because the people were rooted in culture and traditions.
Ayoku said that the advocacy to the community had now enlightened and educated the people of the harmful effects of FGM.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kwara ranks second with 58 per cent after Imo state, which has 62 per cent in FGM prevalence in Nigeria.
The United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) was also a facilitator of the advocacy programme.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the health and future of Nigerian children as Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day,
Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General, NACA, said this would strengthen efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Ilori noted that in spite of significant progress, thousands of children in Nigeria were still born with HIV each year, describing the situation as a preventable tragedy.
“Every child deserves a healthy start to life, and Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services remains one of the most effective strategies in ending pediatric HIV and ensuring that no child is born with the virus.
“Children’s Day is a reminder that we must do everything within our power to protect the next generation.
“This includes ensuring that every pregnant woman has access to early testing, and if positive, is put on treatment, and continuous care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding,” the NACA director-general said.
Ilori added that Nigeria had made important strides in expanding PMTCT services; however, lingering gaps widened by stigma and discrimination that discourage women from seeking care was affecting its successes.
She, therefore. urged healthcare providers to ensure quality, respectful care for women and children, community and for faith-based organisations to raise awareness and fight stigma.
She also called on families and caregivers to support women to access and adhere to treatment.
“An HIV-free generation is possible, but only if we act with urgency and compassion. Together, let’s celebrate our children by protecting their rights to be born free of HIV,” she said.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria and parts of West Africa, continues to pose a serious public health threat. Despite being preventable and treatable when detected early, the disease resurfaces annually with devastating consequences. The recent spike in infections and fatalities underscores the need for Nigeria to reassess not only its healthcare priorities but also the economic and political frameworks that exacerbate the impact of such diseases. Beyond the obvious medical implications, Lassa fever is a litmus test of the country’s institutional resilience and political will.
The virus, which is primarily spread by contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, thrives in environments of poor sanitation, overcrowding, and weak healthcare infrastructure. These conditions are alarmingly prevalent across many Nigerian communities. As of early 2025, Nigeria has recorded hundreds of confirmed cases and dozens of deaths, with states like Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi consistently bearing the highest burden.
Yet, Lassa fever is not just a health issue—it is a symptom of deeper economic and political dysfunction. Economically, the recurring outbreaks are a drain on an already overstretched public health system. The costs associated with outbreak management, including emergency response, surveillance, isolation, treatment, and public sensitization campaigns, place significant strain on government budgets. In rural communities where subsistence farming dominates, the disease also disrupts agricultural productivity. Infected individuals, caregivers, and even healthcare workers often become incapacitated, reducing the local labor force and compounding poverty cycles.
Moreover, the burden of the disease disproportionately affects the poor, who live in rodent-infested areas and lack access to clean water, proper waste disposal, or quality healthcare. For these citizens, early symptoms—fever, headache, vomiting—are often mistaken for malaria or typhoid. Delayed diagnosis not only worsens outcomes for patients but also increases the risk of community spread. In many cases, by the time a diagnosis is confirmed, it is already too late. The economic implication of these delayed responses is catastrophic: families are forced to sell property to pay for hospital bills, children drop out of school, and breadwinners are lost to a preventable disease.
On the political front, the response to Lassa fever is often reactive rather than proactive. Knee-jerk responses, limited funding, and poor coordination among relevant agencies frequently characterise government interventions. Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), despite notable efforts, remains underfunded relative to the magnitude of public health threats in the country. Many state governments have failed to prioritise public health in their budgets and often lack the infrastructure to manage outbreaks effectively. This lack of preparedness reflects a broader political culture where health policy is viewed through a short-term lens, shaped more by the political cycle than by long-term development goals.
Politicians are quick to set up committees, release statements, and allocate emergency funds only when the crisis garners media attention. However, once the news cycle shifts, the urgency dissipates and structural reforms are shelved. There is an urgent need for a more sustainable and institutionalised approach to public health governance—one that treats recurrent diseases like Lassa fever with the seriousness they deserve, not just as public relations crises but as national security issues.
At the core of the political imperative is accountability. There is a dire need for transparency in how public health funds are allocated and spent. Corruption in the health sector continues to sabotage efforts to combat epidemics. From inflated procurement contracts to diversion of medical supplies, the mismanagement of resources undermines public trust and weakens the country’s capacity to fight not only Lassa fever but future pandemics.
There is also a need for stronger political advocacy around environmental sanitation and public health education. Lassa fever thrives in unsanitary environments, yet waste management in Nigerian cities and rural areas is abysmal. The failure to invest in public hygiene infrastructure, community sensitisation, and rodent control measures points to a lack of political will. Lawmakers and executives must go beyond rhetoric and implement policies that address the root causes of the disease—poverty, ignorance, and poor environmental planning.
From an economic perspective, Nigeria must understand that investing in health is not just a moral obligation but a strategic imperative. Every naira spent on preventing and controlling diseases like Lassa fever yields exponential returns by protecting the workforce, improving productivity, and safeguarding national development goals. As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria cannot afford to have its growth story continually undermined by preventable diseases.
In conclusion, Lassa fever in Nigeria is more than a public health challenge—it is an indictment of systemic governance failures. The solutions lie not just in medical interventions but in economic planning and political courage. The country must build a resilient health infrastructure, strengthen disease surveillance, and invest in public awareness. More importantly, it must treat healthcare as a cornerstone of national development, not an afterthought. Only then can the country break free from the annual cycle of preventable epidemics and move towards a healthier, more secure future.
Pastor Toyin Adejumo (middle), flanked by Euromed CEO, Pharm. C. U. Agaruwa (left) and Mrs Felicia Agaruwa, at the commissioning of the Euromed corporate headquarters at Ogudu, Lagos.
Euromed Nigeria Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, particularly in fertility medicine, has marked a significant milestone with the dedication of its new corporate headquarters in Ogudu, Lagos.
The event also coincided with the company’s 21st anniversary.
Founded in 1999, as B & S Durbin Nigeria Limited and rebranded as Euromed Limited in 2001, the company has steadily grown into a trusted name in the importation, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products across Nigeria.
At the dedication ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, Pharm. Chibuike Uchemmadu Agaruwa, reflected on the company’s journey from a modest office space to owning a purpose-built corporate headquarters. He attributed the achievement to divine providence and the unwavering dedication of the Euromed team.
“This building is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the hard work we’ve invested over the years. When we began operations in a single rented room 21 years ago, we could not have imagined standing here today. But our belief that health is both our challenge and our mission has kept us going”, Pharm. Agaruwa said.
Euromed CEO, Pharm C. U. Agaruwa, and his wife, Mrs Felicia Agaruwa, flanked by friends, family members, church members and well wishers, while cutting the dedication and Euromed 21st Anniversary cake..
The CEO recounted how the company faced mounting rent increases at its former location, which ultimately led to the bold decision to seek a permanent home. By early 2024, Euromed had acquired the property and commenced development of the building.
He commended the design and project coordination efforts led by his son, Daniel, whose architectural expertise shaped the vision of the new facility. “This building reflects not just bricks and mortar but the knowledge, commitment, and growth of the Euromed family,” he added.
Pharm. Agaruwa emphasised that the new headquarters will further strengthen the company’s ability to serve healthcare professionals and patients with high-quality pharmaceuticals, particularly in fertility treatment, a critical and growing field in Nigeria.
The dedication ceremony was graced by friends, family, and stakeholders in the healthcare sector, as well as members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, where the CEO is a member.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Euromed Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to its founding vision, which is to remain a leading pharmaceutical company focused on meeting the evolving needs of its partners in healthcare.
