PCN Inducts 132 UNILAG Pharmacy Graduands

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26/12/2025

As households celebrate the festive season, interest is growing in natural beverages that offer both refreshment and nutritional value. Tiger nut drink, popularly known as kunu aya in many Nigerian communities, has emerged as a traditional, plant-based option that aligns with healthier festive choices. Made from tiger nuts, the creamy, mildly sweet drink is enjoyed plain or blended with dates, coconut, ginger, or spices.

Tiger nuts Cyperus esculentus are not nuts but edible tubers rich in dietary fibre, natural carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and essential minerals. Nutrition experts classify tiger nuts as “nutrient-dense,” meaning they provide several key nutrients in modest portions. These include fibre, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, iron, and bioactive plant compounds that support general wellness when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Scientific attention to tiger nuts has increased in recent years. In the review “Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): Nutrition, Processing, Function and Applications,” Yali Yu and colleagues describe the tuber as a nutrient-dense plant food containing substantial amounts of fibre, healthy fats, natural sugars, minerals, and vitamin E. The researchers note that these nutrients contribute to everyday nutrition rather than targeted therapeutic outcomes.

The review further highlights tiger nuts’ suitability for beverage production due to their natural sweetness, creamy texture, and functional properties. According to Yu, appropriate processing methods help preserve nutritional quality while improving digestibility and palatability. These characteristics have encouraged the growing use of tiger nuts in plant-based beverages, including tiger nut milk, positioning the drink as a practical dairy-free alternative with broad consumer appeal.

Nutritional Benefits of Tiger Nut

Promotes healthy digestive system

One notable nutritional feature of tiger nuts is their high fibre content, which supports digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and helps prevent constipation. They also contain resistant starch, a form of carbohydrate that functions as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut bacteria important for digestive health and metabolic balance.

Natural energy booster

Tiger nut drink provides natural energy from whole-food carbohydrates rather than refined sugars. Unlike many festive soft drinks, its sweetness is derived mainly from tiger nuts and complementary ingredients such as dates, resulting in a more gradual energy release. The drink also contains beneficial plant fats, similar to those found in nuts and seeds, which support normal cellular function. When prepared with coconut, its flavour and nutritional richness are further enhanced.

Supports overall wellness

Minerals such as potassium and magnesium in tiger nut drink support muscle function, nerve signalling, and fluid balance, while vitamin E contributes to cellular protection. Although tiger nuts contain antioxidant compounds, their value lies in supporting overall wellness rather than offering curative effects.

It’s dairy-free

Naturally dairy-free, tiger nut drink is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or who prefer plant-based beverages. Its creamy consistency makes it useful as a milk substitute in smoothies and homemade drinks. With its high water content, it also contributes to hydration, offering a healthier alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages commonly consumed during festive celebrations.

Available year-round in Nigerian markets and relatively affordable, tiger nut drink remains easy to prepare at home. As families seek healthier refreshment options during the festive season, this traditional beverage continues to stand out as a culturally familiar, nutritionally supportive choice that fits modern wellness-conscious lifestyles.

Direct compression requires:

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26/12/2025

9

Direct compression requires:

A. Poor flow powders
B. Highly compressible powders
C. Liquids
D. Wet masses

Which parameter affects tablet weight variation?

A. Punch pressure
B. Feed frame setting
C. Coating speed
D. Colorant level

Season’s Greetings to All Our Esteemed Clients, Readers, & Friends

By

Our Correspondent

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25/12/2025

1

The Management and Staff of Pharmanews Ltd extend our heartfelt appreciation to you for your unwavering support, trust, and loyalty throughout the year. Your continued engagement, feedback, and partnership have been instrumental in strengthening our mission of delivering credible, impactful, and timely health and pharmaceutical journalism across Nigeria and beyond.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you, our readers, advertisers, contributors, and stakeholders—who remain the backbone of our growth and relevance. Your commitment to Pharmanews has inspired us to continually raise the bar in promoting informed discourse, accountability, and innovation within the healthcare and pharmaceutical space.

As we look ahead to 2026, we assure you of our renewed commitment to better services, richer content, and expanded platforms that will further amplify industry voices and public health conversations. We wish you a joyful festive season and a prosperous, healthy New Year. Thank you for being part of the Pharmanews journey.

Ofada Rice: A Rich Source of Essential Nutrients

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25/12/2025

Ofada rice is a locally grown, short-grain, unpolished brown rice variety traditionally cultivated in southwest Nigeria. Its name comes from Ofada, a town in Ogun State where this rice is commonly produced and processed. Unlike highly refined white rice, Ofada rice retains the bran and germ layers of the grain, which gives it its characteristic brownish colour, distinctive flavour, and a richer nutrient profile.

Ofada rice is notable for its whole-grain quality, meaning it contains all parts of the grain: the bran, germ, and endosperm, which are often removed in polished white rice. Because of this, Ofada rice naturally contains more dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.

According to nutritional analyses, Experts assert that It is a source of complex carbohydrates and provides essential nutrients such as B-complex vitamins (including thiamine [B1], niacin, and vitamin B6), magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and antioxidants associated with the bran layer.

In a comparative study titled “Comparative Assessment of Proximate, Mineral and Anti-Nutritional Components of Indigenous and Foreign Rice in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria,” Oguntade, Babatola and Osifeko examined the nutritional differences between locally produced and imported rice varieties.

The study reported that indigenous rice generally contained higher levels of dietary fibre, ash, and essential minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, while imported rice showed lower fibre content due largely to extensive polishing. Although both rice types contained anti-nutritional factors, these were found within acceptable limits and were further reduced through traditional processing and cooking methods.

The findings suggest that local rice offers comparable, and in some aspects superior, nutritional value to foreign rice, supporting its relevance in household diets and food security initiatives.

The higher levels of fibre and micronutrients in Ofada rice reflect its nutrient retention advantage over refined rice varieties. This means it supports metabolic processes more effectively than highly processed counterparts.

Ofada rice is naturally gluten-free and low in fat, which makes it suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including weight management and gluten-free diets.

However, like all rice, it can be susceptible to environmental contaminants (e.g., heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead) if grown or stored under suboptimal conditions.

Another research on local rice consumption by Otegbayo, Adebayo and Adepoju (2011), titled “Consumer Preference and Cooking Qualities of Local Rice Varieties in Southwest Nigeria,” found that households with greater awareness of the nutritional and dietary value of local rice varieties such as Ofada, as well as positive perceptions of their taste and cooking qualities, were significantly more likely to prefer locally produced rice over imported polished varieties.

Health Benefits of Ofada Rice

Digestive Health and Fiber Content

One of the primary health advantages of Ofada rice is its high dietary fibre content, which is inherent to unpolished whole grains. Fibre supports healthy digestion, helps maintain regular bowel movements, and can prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal complaints. Unlike low-fibre polished rice, the bran in Ofada rice increases stool bulk and may help reduce the risk of colorectal disorders.

Blood Sugar Regulation and Diabetes Management

The fibre and complex carbohydrates in Ofada rice contribute to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream, which can help stabilise blood sugar levels, a key factor in diabetes management and prevention. Foods with a lower glycaemic index like whole grains are generally recommended for individuals managing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Health and Cholesterol Control

Several nutrition experts note that Ofada rice may help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol, partly due to its high fibre and phytochemical content. Lower LDL levels are associated with decreased risk of plaque build-up in arteries, which helps protect against cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

Antioxidants and Cellular Protection

Ofada rice has been reported to contain antioxidants at levels 20–30 times higher than in polished white rice, largely because the bran layer is preserved. Antioxidants neutralise harmful free radicals, unstable molecules linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Bone Health and Immune Support

Ofada rice provides minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron, which play critical roles in bone strength, energy metabolism, and immune function. It also contains vitamin-rich components that support overall metabolic health and resilience against infections and stress.

Despite its health benefits, some consumers may prefer imported polished rice because it is easier to prepare and cooks faster. Research into household consumption patterns in Southwest Nigeria has shown that dietary knowledge significantly influences whether people choose local foods like Ofada rice. Improved education about its nutritive advantages could lead to greater consumption of this wholesome staple.

Physician Advocates Trust, Transparency in Nigeria’s Healthcare

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24/12/2025

A UK-based Nigerian physician, Dr Tokunbo Fasuyi, says prioritising trust, transparency, and accountability can revolutionise patient care and boost Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Fasuyi, founder of Aegis Private Health Consultancy, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

He emphasised that trust was key to the patient-doctor relationship, noting that poor communication often left patients frustrated and confused.

Fasuyi recalled his UK training, where he learned to communicate complex medical concepts simply, saying, “You must be able to communicate with a five-year-old and they must understand what you’re saying.”

He stressed that patients deserved clear explanations and the right to ask questions until they are satisfied.

“That’s one area that we need to really look at in Nigeria’s healthcare.”

Fasuyi noted that patients required trust in the specialists, facility and supportive environment to enhance treatment outcomes.

In a bid to address challenges Nigerians face in accessing quality healthcare, Fasuyi disclosed that Aegis Healthcare introduced a unique service that bridges the gap between trust, expertise, and medical care.

The company’s physician-led approach ensures that clients receive personalised guidance and coordination, leveraging the expertise of medical professionals with experience in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

He noted that Aegis’ services cater to three primary needs: coordinating care from Nigeria to the UK, ensuring seamless transitions and informed decision-making.

According to him, they also assist with second opinions, providing clarity and confidence for those uncertain about their diagnosis or treatment options.

Fasuyi said Aegis offered health guidance, providing ongoing support and advocacy for individuals navigating complex medical journeys.

“By partnering with reputable Nigerian facilities and offering virtual consultations, Aegis Healthcare promotes local healthcare solutions while ensuring global standards.”

Ultimately, he said, Aegis Healthcare empowered Nigerians to make informed decisions about their health, bridging the gap between local challenges and global opportunities.

Fasuyi added that the service which is particularly for high-net-worth individuals seeking specialist treatment abroad also has a give-back mandate.

He said the company’s give-back mandate provides services to those who cannot afford them, and demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility.

According to Fasuyi, healthcare providers must be held accountable for their actions.

He emphasised the need for effective regulation, monitoring, and enforcement to maintain standards.

These, he noted, would assist in defeating quackery and restore trust in the nation’s health system.

NAN

Capsules are commonly filled using:

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24/12/2025

10

Capsules are commonly filled using:

A.Rotary granulators
B. Capsule filling machines
C. Coating pans
D. Dryers

The process of coating tablets using hot air is:

A. Spray drying
B. Film coating
C. Mixing
D. Compression

Scent Leaf: A Natural Wellness Staple for the Festive Season

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24/12/2025

11 Amazing Health Benefits of Scent Leaves

As the festive season ushers in increased social gatherings, rich meals, and heightened exposure to infections, many Nigerian households turn to trusted herbal remedies to stay healthy. One such staple is scent leaf, scientifically known as Ocimum gratissimum, a medicinal herb widely used across the country for its remarkable health-promoting properties.

Scent leaf is rich in essential oils such as eugenol and thymol, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. These bioactive compounds give the plant strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and immune-boosting effects, making it a valuable addition to both traditional diets and natural medicine practices.

Traditionally, scent leaf has been used to relieve cough and respiratory infections, regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and treat bacterial and fungal infections. Its antioxidant properties help protect the body against oxidative stress, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

An empirical study titled “Evaluation of Phytochemical, Antimicrobial Activities and Toxicological Analysis of Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum L.) Leaf Extracts”, conducted by M. Umar and C. P. Nkemelu, found that the plant was effective in treating diseases caused by various test microbes. The study also showed that scent leaf exhibits low toxicity when administered orally, reinforcing its safety as a herbal remedy.

Over the years, scent leaf has remained a trusted natural solution in Nigerian homes for stomach upset, bloating, catarrh, menstrual discomfort, and general immune support. It is commonly consumed as herbal tea, freshly squeezed juice, or incorporated into meals for both flavour and therapeutic value.

Further scientific backing comes from a review conducted by Great Iruoghene Edo and his team titled “Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Compounds Present in Scent Leaf”. The findings showed that scent leaf is effective against inflammatory disorders, diabetes, anaemia, infertility, and other health conditions.

Health Benefits of Scent Leaf

Boosts Immunity

Scent leaf helps boost immunity due to its high antioxidant content and essential oils such as eugenol, which strengthen the body’s defence against infections.

Regulates Blood Sugar

It plays a role in regulating blood sugar, with studies suggesting that regular consumption may help lower blood glucose levels, making it beneficial for people managing diabetes or prediabetes.

Fights Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Its strong antimicrobial properties enable it to fight bacterial and fungal infections caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida species.

Improves Digestion

The herb supports digestion by relieving bloating, gas, indigestion, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea, while promoting healthy bowel movement.

Reduces Inflammation

Its anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce swelling, pain, and symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.

Supports Heart Health

Scent leaf also supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.

Relieves Respiratory Symptoms

For respiratory health, scent leaf tea or steam inhalation has been shown to ease cough, catarrh, bronchitis, and nasal congestion, making it especially useful during cold and flu seasons common around festive periods.

Promotes Oral Health

Chewing fresh scent leaf can promote oral health by reducing harmful mouth bacteria, freshening breath, and supporting gum health.

Provides Essential Nutrients

Nutritionally, scent leaf provides essential vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to strong bones, good vision, healthy skin, and overall wellbeing.

As celebrations peak and wellness becomes a priority, scent leaf remains a readily available, affordable, and culturally trusted herbal ally for maintaining good health throughout the festive season and beyond.

Applause as Nigerian Students, Geneith Laud Udeh, Present Award at Birthday Event

By

Adebayo Oladejo

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23/12/2025

A cross-section of members of the Lagos State University (LASU) MBA alumni in a group photograph with the celebrant, Pharm. Judith Ngozi Udeh (middle)..

The Nigerian Association of University Students (NAUS) has lauded Pharm. Judith Ugozi Udeh, for her outstanding contributions to youth development, mentorship, healthcare delivery, and professional excellence, presenting her with an award during her birthday celebration.

The honour, which drew loud applause from guests, was bestowed in recognition of Udeh’s consistent support for students, commitment to pharmaceutical excellence, and dedication to inspiring young Nigerians, making the occasion both a personal milestone and a moment of public commendation.

The event, held at Carabana Lounge, Ajao Estate, Lagos, attracted top management and staff of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, members of the Lagos State University (LASU) MBA alumni, representatives of NAUS, as well as family members, friends, and well-wishers, many of whom spoke glowingly about the celebrant’s character, compassion, and professional impact.

Presenting the award on behalf of Nigerian university students nationwide, Comrade Josiah Peter Oche, national president of NAUS, described the occasion as “a moment of pride and celebration” for the association, noting that Pharm. Udeh embodies the values of service, integrity, and excellence upheld by NAUS.

Comrade Israel Oguntade, the NAUS Senate President, presenting the award plaque to Pharm Judith Ngozi Udeh

According to him, NAUS—representing over twenty million Nigerian university students across federal, state, private, and diaspora institutions—commended Udeh for her outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical excellence, and human capacity development.

Represented at the event by Comrade Israel Oguntade, the NAUS Senate President, the association emphasised that the award was not merely symbolic but a call to higher service, challenging recipients to deepen their societal impact and remain role models for younger generations, particularly students who look up to professionals for inspiration and guidance.

“Pharm. Judith’s journey reflects dedication, integrity, and service, values that align perfectly with the ideals of NAUS,” the citation stated, adding that her commitment to advancing health and wellness continues to make a meaningful difference in communities.

NAUS also specially commended Geneith Pharmaceuticals for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and ethical pharmaceutical practice, noting that organisations of its calibre play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system while providing platforms for professionals to thrive in service to humanity.

Earlier in the programme, goodwill messages and testimonials were delivered by colleagues, former associates, alumni, and family members, many of whom highlighted Udeh’s passion for youth advocacy, mentorship, health education, and public awareness.

A former student leader at Lagos State University, Mr Pascal Olisakwe, who worked closely with Udeh during her postgraduate studies, described her as focused, determined, and results-driven, noting that her leadership and sense of responsibility set her apart among her peers.

Reacting to the honour, a visibly moved Udeh expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to NAUS for the surprise recognition, describing the award as deeply meaningful, especially as it coincided with her birthday.

“I came here today simply to celebrate life, but receiving this award from students on my birthday is something I will cherish forever,” she said. “It strengthens my resolve to continue supporting young people through mentorship, advocacy, and health education.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to youth empowerment, mentorship, and public health education, noting that investing in young people remains a powerful tool for sustainable national development.

The event climaxed with the award presentation, birthday cake cutting, photographs, and a celebratory dance session, bringing the evening to a colourful and memorable close.

Cleric Raises Alarm Over Rising Youth Suicide

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23/12/2025

An Abuja-based cleric and legal scholar, Rev. Fr. Anthony Azuwike, has expressed concern over rising suicide cases among young people in Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious and growing societal challenge.

Azuwike, head of the Department of Private and Property Law at Veritas University, Abuja, made the observation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

He said suicide, though a long-standing global issue, had intensified recently due to economic hardship and social pressures.

“Suicide is a global phenomenon, but it is becoming more alarming as economic conditions worsen.

“Available statistics show suicidal behaviour among youths is now a major concern, stressing the need for urgent preventive measures.

“This is a problem that requires serious attention and stronger mental health support systems,” he said.

Azuwike told NAN that students were equally affected, as they faced academic pressure and uncertainty.

“Students are part of the general population and are exposed to the same pressures affecting young people everywhere,” he said.

He identified parental and societal expectations as major contributors.

“Once young people are unable to meet expectations, they often lose hope and feel overwhelmed,” he explained.

The cleric also cited financial pressure, saying “Education is not cheap, and the struggle to meet daily needs creates emotional strain for many students,” he said.

He added that relationship challenges and health conditions also contributed.

“Emotional distress from broken relationships or chronic illness can leave young people feeling helpless and in need of stronger psychosocial support,” Azuwike said.

(NAN)

Experts Unveil Teleoncology Hub to Expand Cancer Care

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23/12/2025

The Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) has inaugurated the TeleOncology Hub to improve access to specialist cancer care in Northeastern Nigeria.

The programme offers telemedicine consultations, virtual Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, and patient navigation services.

Dr Hannatu Ayuba, CEO of CCI and Programme Lead of TeleOncology Hub, described the initiative as a health system strengthening programme in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ayuba highlighted the rising number of cancer cases in the region, emphasising the urgent need to enhance healthcare access.

“Many patients in underserved communities face obstacles that delay diagnosis and treatment, affecting survival.

“In the Northeast, breast cancer accounts for 60 per cent of cases and is often diagnosed at late stages, creating huge challenges for treatment,” she said, urging awareness of key symptoms and early intervention.

She advised women to watch for breast lumps, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge, or other unusual signs.

“If you notice anything unusual, contact your nearest health centre immediately.

“Early detection through self-exams, mammograms, and regular check-ups can save lives.

“Reducing cancer disparities ensures better care and improved health outcomes for all patients.

“To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the CCI collaborated with partners to organise townhall meetings and a mega-rally, raising awareness and improving access to specialist care in underserved communities,” Ayuba added.

Ayuba said the initiative provided hope, enabling patients to connect with oncology experts remotely.

“This programme offers survival opportunities for cancer patients through telemedicine and MDT approaches with healthcare specialists,” she said.

She said since the programme was inaugurated in April at FMC Jalingo, the TeleOncology Hub had made significant progress in addressing cancer care disparities in remote and underserved areas across the region.

“The initiative now collaborates with Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, FMC Nguru, and Yobe State University Teaching Hospital Damaturu, expanding access to tele-oncology services and virtual specialist consultations.

“Recently, CCI launched a community patient navigation programme in Borno State in partnership with the Grow Strong Foundation, integrating telemedicine, MDT virtual meetings, EMR monitoring via PocketPatientMD, and patient guidance for timely care.

“The programme has onboarded more than 35 patients, with more than 85 per cent of navigation encounters resulting in prompt diagnoses, treatments, and follow-ups.

“Video MDT meetings overcome geographical barriers and improve care coordination.”

Ayuba added that healthcare professionals, nurses, and pharmacy staff had been trained in oncology care, digital health tools, and patient navigation to strengthen local capacity and quality of care.

“CCI has partnered with patient assistance programmes, including BRANT by Oncopadi/Roche, providing free immunohistochemistry testing to 5,000 women. Merck and AstraZeneca offer free KRAS and EGFR testing for colorectal and lung cancer patients.”

She noted that late-stage diagnoses, financial constraints, and cultural barriers remained major challenges in remote areas.

“Only 8.6 per cent of patients at one centre are enrolled in health insurance or national schemes.

“To support patients, we provide financial counseling, aid for treatment, transportation, and logistics.

“Our goal is to unlock access to cancer care for all, regardless of location or financial status,” Ayuba said.

Looking ahead, she said CCI planned to expand TeleOncology Hub services nationwide.

She said the plans included HIPAA-compliant telemedicine suites, broader training programmes, novel diagnostic integration through the African Digital Health Network, and advocacy for sustainable funding and policy support. (NAN)

Nanoparticles help in:

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22/12/2025

10

Nanoparticles help in:

A. Taste masking
B. Enhanced bioavailability
C. Light protection
D. Packaging

Which sterilization uses high-pressure steam?

A. Dry heat
B. Autoclaving
C. UV radiation
D. Filtration

Festive Fresh: Why Pawpaw Deserves a Place on Your Holiday Table

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22/12/2025

Pawpaw, also known as papaya (Carica papaya), is a sweet tropical fruit widely enjoyed in Nigeria and across the world. Easily recognised by its soft orange flesh, glossy black seeds and pleasant aroma, pawpaw is valued not only for its taste but also for its impressive nutritional and medicinal qualities.

Known as Ibepe, among the Yorubas, the Hausa speaking people called it gwanda, while the Igbos refer to it as ọ̀kwụrụ̀ bekee, or simply pawpaw. The pawpaw plant grows rapidly and produces fruit all year round in warm climates. The fruit can be eaten ripe or unripe and is used in a variety of ways, meals, juices, smoothies, skincare products and herbal remedies. Pawpaw contains papain, a powerful natural enzyme that aids digestion and underpins many of its health benefits.

During the festive season, pawpaw offers a refreshing and healthy option amid heavy meals. It can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies or prepared as juice, making it a light, nourishing complement to holiday feasting.

A scientific review titled “Carica papaya L.: A Tropical Fruit with Benefits Beyond the Tropics” by Bhupendra Koul et al. highlights the fruit’s wide-ranging nutritional and medicinal value, validating what many cultures have known for generations. The authors describe papaya as a “quasi-drug” due to its pharmaceutical properties, noting that papaya pulp has been used in clinical settings to help heal burns and wounds.

Key Health Benefits of Pawpaw

Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Studies have validated it that pawpaw contains vitamins A, C, E and folate, which strengthen the immune system, support healthy skin and protect body cells. Its high vitamin C content helps fight infections and neutralise harmful free radicals.

Improves Digestion
The enzyme papain supports digestion by breaking down proteins, making pawpaw beneficial for people experiencing constipation, bloating, indigestion or slow digestion, common complaints during festive overindulgence.

Boosts the Immune System
With vitamin C, beta-carotene and other antioxidants, pawpaw helps the body fight infections and reduces the frequency of illness.

Supports Eye Health
Pawpaw contains vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that protect the eyes, enhance vision and lower the risk of cataracts and age-related eye conditions.

Promotes Healthy Skin and Slows Ageing
Its antioxidants and enzymes help renew skin cells, reduce wrinkles, lighten dark spots and promote a smooth, glowing complexion. Pawpaw is widely used in skincare for exfoliation and pigmentation control.

Reduces Inflammation
Compounds such as papain, chymopapain and flavonoids help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain, making pawpaw useful for people with arthritis, joint pain and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Supports Heart Health
The fibre, potassium and antioxidants in pawpaw help regulate cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Potassium also plays a key role in blood pressure control.

Aids Weight Management
Low in calories but high in water and fibre, pawpaw helps you feel full for longer, curbs cravings and supports healthy weight management, ideal for the post-festive reset.

Improves Gut Health
Its fibre and enzymes support healthy gut bacteria and reduce the risk of constipation, ulcers and other digestive disorders.

Supports Women’s Health
Traditionally, unripe pawpaw has been used to relieve menstrual pain and cramps due to its muscle-relaxing properties. However, unripe pawpaw should be avoided during pregnancy, experts advised.

Promotes Hair Growth
The vitamins and enzymes in pawpaw nourish the scalp, reduce dandruff and strengthen hair roots, contributing to healthier and fuller hair.

As families celebrate the season with rich foods and shared moments, pawpaw stands out as a simple, affordable and natural way to support health. Adding this tropical fruit to festive menus is a delicious reminder that wellness can be enjoyed, one sweet bite at a time.

NAFDAC Clears Nigeria of Recalled Indomie Noodles in France

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22/12/2025

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour recently recalled by health authorities in France does not originate from Nigeria and is not registered for sale in the country.

Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye noted that although the recalled product is not authorised for sale in Nigeria, the agency has taken proactive steps to prevent its possible entry into the country. She said NAFDAC has heightened surveillance across all zones and states, with directives issued to zonal directors and state coordinators to seize the product if found anywhere within their jurisdictions.

She made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the recall was initiated by French authorities following the discovery of undeclared allergens, milk and eggs, in the affected product, posing serious health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.

The agency further emphasised that the implicated Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour is not registered with NAFDAC, stressing that only approved and duly registered food products are allowed in the Nigerian market.

NAFDAC also reminded the public that noodles are on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, making their importation into Nigeria illegal. According to the agency, this policy significantly reduces the risk of the recalled product finding its way into the country.

The Director-General explained that all Indomie instant noodles and other noodle brands legally sold in Nigeria are manufactured locally and undergo rigorous regulatory scrutiny before being granted NAFDAC registration.

She added that NAFDAC’s regulatory oversight includes strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance with national and international standards.

To further strengthen border control, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that the Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) has been placed on high alert to prevent the importation of the recalled noodles or any other unapproved food products.

NAFDAC advised consumers to remain vigilant, discard the product if encountered, and promptly report any suspected sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the Agency’s toll-free line.

The agency also urged members of the public to report any adverse reactions linked to food consumption via NAFDAC’s electronic reporting platforms available on its official website.

Reassuring Nigerians, Prof. Adeyeye stated that NAFDAC remains committed to its mandate of protecting public health, including safeguarding Nigerians who may travel abroad or purchase food products online, stressing that the agency will continue to act proactively in the interest of national health safety.

Osun Govt Harps on Exclusive Breastfeeding to Prevent Breast Cancer

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20/12/2025

The Osun Government has urged mothers and caregivers in the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The Principal Nutrition Officer, State Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr Akeem Shuti, said this during a one-day public enlightenment meeting on breastfeeding and nutrition awareness for mothers and caregivers on Thursday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment.

Shuti said that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months could reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women.

He added that when a mother practices exclusive breastfeeding, it also prevents newborn from developing jaundice and other diseases.

He noted that exclusive breastfeeding also improves brain development and optimal intellectual development of the child.

“Exclusive breastfeeding plays a vital role in the lives of mothers and children. It also prevents sudden infant death syndrome.

“If a mother is able to exclusively breastfeed the baby, the baby will not suffer from sudden infant death syndrome,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Mrs Yetunde Esan, said that the state government expects mothers and caregivers to abide by the rule of exclusive breastfeeding after the programme.

Represented by Mr Gbadebo Iyanda, director of development cooperation in the ministry, Esan said that exclusive breastfeeding reduces sickness in children and also prevents unplanned pregnancy.

She added that if a mother practices exclusive breastfeeding, there would be no need for couples to buy infant formula, which reduces economic pressure.

According to her, breast milk is very rich in antibodies to protect babies from infection.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr Eniola Odeniyi, said that the state government would continue to sensitise mothers and caregivers in the state to the importance of breastfeeding.

Odeniyi said that the importance of exclusive breastfeeding by mothers could not be overemphasised. (NAN)

NIPRD Empowers Pharma Companies to Attain WHO Pre-qualification for Antimalarials

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20/12/2025

L-R: Faith Oladeji, lead moderator; Pharm. Adesola Arowolo, lead consultant to NIPRD on Pharma Industry Technical Support; Pharm. Oluwatosin Karimu, NMEP-IMPACT Project; Dr Mercy Aboh, NIPRD lead, IMPACT Project; Mr Okoko Okefu Oyale, project manager, NMEP-IMPACT Project; Charles Balogun, technical adviser to DG NIPRD and co-lead, IMPACT Project, at the training workshop.

There is renewed hope for Nigeria’s healthcare system as more pharmaceutical companies indicate readiness to scale up the quality of locally manufactured antimalarial medicines for global acceptance through the attainment of World Health Organisation (WHO) Pre-qualification (PQ).

This development emerged at a four-day “Technical Support/Capacity Workshop for Pharmaceutical Companies” organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) under the National Malaria Elimination Programme, with support from the World Bank. The workshop held at Amber Residence, Lagos, from 16 to 19 December, 2025.

With Nigeria currently importing over 60 per cent of its essential medicines and only one company, Swiss Pharma Nigeria, having a WHO-prequalified antimalarial product, the workshop was designed to equip pharmaceutical manufacturers with the technical knowledge required to pursue global certification for safety, quality and efficacy. The training also aligns with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s directive mandating all generic drug manufacturers to submit bioequivalence (BE) study reports from January 2026 to ensure therapeutic equivalence with innovator products.

Speaking on the objective of the workshop, NIPRD Director General, Dr Obi Adigwe, said the training was aimed at providing hands-on technical support to pharmaceutical companies on the WHO PQ application process. According to him, manufacturers must understand key requirements such as proper documentation, bioavailability and bioequivalence studies, and laboratory quality assurance systems. Dr Adigwe was represented at the event by his Technical Adviser on Pharma and Industry, Dr Mercy Aboh.

He identified several barriers limiting local manufacturers from attaining WHO prequalification, including poor awareness, funding challenges, outdated or non-standardised equipment, and inadequate technical capacity. He noted that many pharmaceutical managers do not fully understand the economic value and global trust associated with WHO PQ, adding that the training revealed that most participants were previously unaware of the scale of benefits attached to the status.

NIPRD Empowers Pharma Companies to Attain WHO Pre-qualification for Antimalarials — A cross-section of participants and facilitators at the workshop.

Dr Adigwe also stressed the need for factory upgrades, noting that several long-established pharmaceutical companies still lack modern equipment required for prequalification. He emphasised the importance of investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and continuous staff training to meet international standards.

On funding concerns, he acknowledged that the WHO PQ process is capital intensive but assured participants that the training exposed them to different funding platforms and government-backed support mechanisms. He explained that once companies have proper documentation and technical readiness, they are better positioned to access available funding opportunities.

Corroborating this position, Pharm. Okoko Okefu Oyale, director and project manager for the IMPACT project under the National Malaria Initiative, said WHO PQ positions Nigerian manufacturers to compete both locally and internationally. According to him, prequalification enables companies to bid for donor-funded procurements and supply medicines to other countries, thereby expanding their market reach.

Oyale described the workshop as a foundational step and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, NIPRD, the Pharmaceutical Value Chain stakeholders, PMGMAN, and local manufacturers. He highlighted the high cost of conducting bioavailability and bioequivalence studies, estimating about $100,000 per molecule, and up to $200,000 for combination therapies such as artemether–lumefantrine. He questioned the financial capacity of many companies to shoulder such costs without systemic support.

He further listed multiple taxation, high tariffs, API shortages, high utility costs, water supply challenges, and staff overheads as additional constraints faced by manufacturers. He advocated incentives such as tax reliefs and broader inter-sectoral collaboration, suggesting that the Ministry of Health should coordinate efforts across its agencies, including NIPRD, NAFDAC and PVAC, to drive sector-wide reforms.

In a post-presentation briefing, Pharm. Adesola Arowolo, lead consultant to NIPRD on Pharmaceutical Industry Technical Support, said the workshop was designed to demystify the WHO prequalification process and motivate companies to begin the journey. Based on feedback from participants, she projected that within the next three years, two or three additional Nigerian pharmaceutical companies could achieve WHO PQ, depending on internal leadership commitment and investment decisions. She urged participants to act on the knowledge gained and utilise available technical and government support to strengthen public health outcomes and economic opportunities.

Some participants shared their experiences from the training. Pharm. Marianne Omaliko of Evans Baroque Ltd said her understanding of WHO PQ prior to the workshop was limited, noting that although her company is WHO GMP-certified, it has no prequalified products. She disclosed that Evans Baroque now plans to pursue WHO prequalification for its artemether–lumefantrine product and commence bioavailability and bioequivalence studies by January 2026, in line with NAFDAC’s new requirements.

Similarly, Dr Christopher Akunyili of Mecure described the workshop as an eye-opener, stating that it broadened his understanding beyond basic regulatory compliance to the strategic and economic importance of WHO prequalification. He said the revelation of an estimated $161 million collective revenue opportunity for prequalified antimalarial manufacturers underscored the urgency for action. He added that Mecure would intensify efforts toward WHO PQ, leveraging its strengths in bioequivalence studies and engaging management on strategic positioning.

Other pharmaceutical companies represented at the workshop included May & Baker Nigeria Ltd, Swipha, Zara Healthcare Ltd, Emzor Pharmaceutical Nigeria Plc, SKG Pharma Ltd, Drugfield, Orange Kalbe Ltd, and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Ltd, bringing the total number of participating companies to ten.

Granule flow properties are improved by?

By

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19/12/2025

8

Granule flow properties are improved by?

A. Lubrication
B. Milling
C. Coating
D. Drying

Granule flow properties are improved by:

A. How fast a drug releases
B. Stability
C. Hardness
D. Flow property

The Leadership Legacies of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi

By

Lere Baale

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19/12/2025

By Prof. ‘Lere Baale, FPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FNIM

(Business School Netherlands International)

Unlocking your transformative leadership potential — Prof. Lere Baale

Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi (1 October 1939 – 15 July 2025) stands as a towering figure in the Nigerian pharmacy profession—not simply because of his titles, but because of the leadership legacies he leaves behind. In this essay, I explore his leadership legacies under four headings: vision and institution-building, ethical and faith-based leadership, mentorship and succession, and impact on the profession and healthcare communication. I also reflect on what we can carry forward from his life.

Vision and institution-building

From the outset of his career, Atueyi exhibited a visionary mindset. He was the founder and publisher of Pharmanews, established in 1979, which he nurtured for over four decades into a trusted platform for pharmacists and healthcare practitioners in Nigeria and across Africa.

His vision extended beyond simply running a journal. He sought to give voice, visibility, and credibility to pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical scholarship, and ethics. One tribute notes that “he gave the profession a mirror—one that reflected its best potential, challenged its shortcomings, and elevated its dignity.”

He also played a key role in building the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) as a think tank and beacon of professional leadership. He served as its pioneer vice-president and chairman of its Transformation Committee.

Key takeaways from this domain of his leadership

A leader’s vision is not merely a personal ambition: Atueyi’s vision took institutional form—the founding of Pharmanews and the nurturing of NAPharm.

Commitment over time matters: He sustained his platforms for decades.

He linked media, profession, and regulation: By bridging communication, practice, and professional standards, he strengthened Nigeria’s pharmacy ecosystem.

Ethical and faith-based leadership

One of the most consistent themes in Atueyi’s life was the integration of faith, ethics, and professional practice. He was known not only as a technical expert but also as a man of character—steady, humble, and consistent.

His editorials, mentoring, and professional leadership all carried a moral dimension: integrity, service before self, and a belief that Pharmacy must be more than commerce—it should be a public good. For example, the regulatory body acknowledged that Atueyi “gave it a free column in Pharmanews to address regulatory issues, a gesture that kept pharmacists across the country informed and engaged.”

Key lessons here

Leadership rooted in values tends to outlast personalities.

The merging of faith (or at least moral conviction) with professional action gives a leader credibility and staying power.

Providing free space for regulatory dialogue shows that leadership is not only about self-promotion, but about elevating the profession and serving the common good.

Mentorship and succession

Another significant legacy is Atueyi’s role as a mentor. Multiple reports note that generations of pharmacists, communicators, and young professionals credit him with giving them their first encouragement, platform, or sense of belonging.

The existence of the “Sir Atueyi Essay & Debate Competition” for pharmacy students is a testament to his long-term impact on the pipeline of future professionals.

In his case, mentorship was not passive—it was active. He used his platforms, editorial voice, and influence to lift others up. This is a crucial leadership model.

What to emulate

Invest in the next generation deliberately—whether through competitions, writing, or mentoring.

Use your platforms or voice to uplift others, not just yourself.

Ensure succession by developing people as well as institutions.

Impact on the profession and healthcare communication

Atueyi’s leadership shifted the narrative around Pharmacy in Nigeria. His contributions include:

Elevating the standards of pharmacy journalism—he gave voice to issues of ethics, regulation, and practice.

Uniting academia, regulation, industry, and practice—his work brought together these different arms of the profession.

Strengthening the visibility of pharmacists in the national healthcare conversation—he promoted the idea that pharmacy is central to healthcare delivery and national development.

Inspiring institutional culture change—through his presence, values, and platforms, he helped the profession see itself not merely as dispensers or businesspeople, but as an integrated healthcare profession with ethical, communicative, and leadership dimensions.

Reflections: What we can carry forward

As we reflect on the leadership legacies of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, a few action points emerge for us—whether in pharmacy, healthcare, or leadership more broadly:

Build vision-bearing platforms: Identify a need, conceive a platform (journal, forum, scholarship) that serves the profession or the public good, and commit to it long-term.

Lead with integrity: Let your character underpin your influence. When leaders fall short ethically, the institution suffers. Atueyi’s credibility came from both what he did and how he did it.

Mentor intentionally: Your most enduring legacy may not be what you build yourself, but who you help shape. Invest time, voice, and resources in younger people.

Bridge divides: Be the connector—between academia and practice, regulation and service, business and ethics. Leadership is often about creating synergy.

Institutionalise values: Don’t let success be solely about you—create structures (competitions, awards, mentorship networks) that carry forward your values and impact beyond your tenure.

Conclusion

Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi’s life illustrates that leadership is not only about title or position, but about sustained purpose, institution-building, ethical influence, mentorship, and making a profession greater than the sum of its parts. He leaves behind more than a name: a legacy of standards, institutions, and people. For pharmacy in Nigeria and leadership in general, his story is a clarion call: lead with vision, serve with integrity, invest in others, and build for posterity.

May his example continue to inspire and guide leaders and professionals across Africa. May we honour his name and live out his values in our work, professions, and communities.

Forward 2026: Building Sound and Actionable Pharmaceutical Sales Plan (2)

By

Tunde Oyeniran

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18/12/2025

In Part 1, we built the strategic blueprint for 2026—a plan focused on customer ecosystems, omni-channel engagement, and strategic priorities. For the pharmaceutical sales leader, the budget is not merely a spreadsheet of expenses to be controlled; it is the tangible expression of your strategy and the fuel for your growth ambitions. It’s the critical link between your ambitious plan and the commercial reality of the market.

This second part will guide you in creating a dynamic, defensible budget that funds your future success.

The 2026 budget trinity: An interdependent system

Forget viewing the budget as a single number. In pharma, it’s a triad of interconnected financial plans:

The revenue budget: This is your top-line projection, but it must be smarter for 2025. It should be broken down by:

Product/portfolio: Differentiating between launch brands, growth stars, and mature cash cows.

Channel and payer mix: Projecting revenues from private practice, hospital tenders, and institutional sales, each with its own margin profile.

Territory: Aligning revenue expectations with the market potential analysis from your plan.

The strategic investment budget (selling expenses): This is where your strategy comes to life. Move beyond seeing this as just “costs.” Frame it as a strategic investment in:

Omni-channel engagement: Budget for virtual meeting platforms, digital content creation, and CRM analytics capabilities.

Talent and capability: Allocate funds for upskilling your team in value-based selling, data interpretation, and digital communication.

Key account management: Fund the specific initiatives needed to win and retain strategic hospital accounts.

Market-shaping activities: Budget for early pre-launch medical education and stakeholder mapping.

The contribution profit budget: This is the most frequently overlooked yet most critical element. It’s the result of revenue-cost of goods sold-selling expenses. It answers the fundamental question: Is our commercial activity profitable? For a sales leader, demonstrating a strong and growing contribution profit is the ultimate proof that you are not just generating revenue, but creating value for the organisation.

Your final forecast should be a living document, updated quarterly or even monthly, not an annual artifact.

The budget defense: Winning the resources for your plan

Presenting your budget to senior leadership is a test of your strategic credibility. Frame it as a business case, not a request.

Lead with strategy, not numbers: Begin by succinctly recapping the key market opportunities and challenges from your sales plan. The budget is the logical answer to these realities.

Connect investments to outcomes: Use language like: «A strategic investment of [X] in digital detailing will allow us to increase our reach to mid-tier HCPs by 40%, projected to yield an incremental [Y] in revenue from this segment.»

Show your scenarios: Present a base-case, best-case, and worst-case scenario. This demonstrates thoroughness and prepares leadership for potential market volatility. For example, “Should the new competitor launch in Q2, we have a contingency plan that reallocates 15% of our promotional budget to defensive tactics, protecting our core brand revenue.”

Be prepared to negotiate: Know what is non-negotiable (e.g., funding for a launch brand) and where you have flexibility. Come with a clear list of priorities.

Managing your budget in 2026: Agility is mandate

Budget approval is the starting line, not the finish line. The most successful sales leaders manage their budget dynamically.

Track ROI, not just spend: Are the speaker programmes driving the intended script lift? Is the new digital content generating engagement? Use your CRM and analytics tools to measure the return on every major investment and be prepared to pivot funds to what works.

Implement quarterly business reviews (QBRs): Use these reviews not just to track sales vs. target, but to review budget allocation versus results. Ask: «Based on what we›ve learned this quarter, do we need to re-allocate our promotional spend for the next?»

Foster a culture of fiscal responsibility: Empower your first-line managers to understand and manage their territory budgets. This decentralizes accountability and drives smarter spending at the point of execution.

Conclusion: Your plan, your budget, your legacy

As we look Forward to 2026, the role of the pharmaceutical sales leader has irrevocably evolved. You are now the architect of a commercial strategy and the chief investment officer for your business unit.

Your sales plan is your strategic vision. Your budget is the financial expression of that vision. Together, they form a powerful engine for growth, allowing you to navigate uncertainty, invest with precision, and deliver measurable value to both your customers and your company.

By mastering the integration of a sound, actionable plan with a dynamic, strategic budget, you stop being just a manager of people and become a recognized leader of the business.

Tunde Oyeniran, B Pharm. MBA, FSPMN, a sales/marketing strategist, selling/sales management trainer and personal sales coach is the lead consultant, Ekini White Tulip Consulting Limited (eWTC), Lagos. He is also the president, Society for Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing of Nigeria. eWTC provides training, recruitment, online CME/medico-marketing and field force management solutions services. Feedback Channels: 080-2960-6103 (SMS/WhatsApp) /ekiniwhitetuliptraining@gmail.com or check out https://fb.me/EkiniWhiteTulipConsulting

Famasi Africa Unveils Storefront to Help Pharmacies Grow Revenue, Reduce Expiries

By

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18/12/2025

Famasi Africa has announced the launch of Dispensary Storefront today, 18 December, 2025, a feature that helps pharmacies turn their existing inventory into 24/7 revenue, while reaching patients who can’t make it to the physical store.

Dispensary Storefront connects directly to the Dispensary app pharmacies already use, giving them an online presence that requires no separate tools, no dedicated tech staff, and no learning curve. It affords pharmacies the opportunity to serve patients requesting home delivery, working odd hours, or living far from the store, all managed from the same dashboard they use for walk-in customers.

“Our pharmacies told us they’re losing money to expired stock while missing sales from patients who can’t visit during operating hours,” said Odeyemi Mubarak, product marketing manager at Famasi. “They also said hiring someone to manage online orders or learning a new system wasn’t realistic given their budgets and workload. Storefront solves both problems. It extends their reach and helps move inventory faster, using the same app they’re already working in daily.”

With Dispensary Storefront, Mubarak said each pharmacy gets an additional revenue channel without additional overhead – patients can browse and order 24/7, even when the pharmacy is closed; better inventory turnover – reach customers beyond walk-in traffic to reduce expired stock losses

The Famasi Product Marketing Manager, also disclosed other benefits of the platform saying, patients can be served wherever they are, as delivery and pickup options help those who can’t easily access the physical location

“ Zero extra tools to learn – everything runs through the Dispensary dashboard pharmacies already use for in-store operations; and live catalog synced to inventory, without manual updates or duplicate work across systems”, he stated

In a chat with the Co-Founder and CEO of Famasi Africa, Adeola Ayoola, she expressed delight in the firm’s innovative solution to pharmacies operations, noting the storefront pulls directly from what’s already stocked in Dispensary. When inventory is updated in-store, it reflects online automatically. When an online order comes in, it appears in the same queue as walk-in requests, no switching between platforms or hiring someone to “manage the website.”

“In our pilot, pharmacies loved that this didn’t add to their workload or require a dedicated person,” said Ayoola. “One pharmacist told us she was able to clear slow-moving stock by making it visible to a wider audience online. Another said weekend orders now come in even though the shop is closed. That’s revenue they wouldn’t have captured otherwise, and it required zero changes to how they work.”

For patients, Storefront means medications can meet them wherever they are: at home after work hours, in communities far from the nearest pharmacy, or when mobility is limited. This is especially critical for people managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes who need reliable access to refills.

As Famasi expands partnerships with payment providers, logistics companies, and health platforms, pharmacies using Dispensary will be positioned to benefit from these integrations without additional setup.

JOHESU Strike: GMLD Urges Lagos Govt on Urgent Resolution

By

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18/12/2025

The Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD), Lagos State Chapter, has appealed to the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that the prolonged industrial action is endangering lives and crippling healthcare delivery across the state.

The JOHESU strike, which commenced on 15 November, 2025, has led to the withdrawal of critical health services in public health facilities, particularly at screening and diagnostic centres, worsening access to timely medical care for thousands of Lagos residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman, Abimbola Julius Adekoya, and Secretary General, Dr Leo Aniakor, GMLD expressed deep concern over the disruption of laboratory services, noting that essential tests required for safe blood transfusion and effective patient management have been severely constrained.

According to the Adekoya, the absence of functional laboratory screening services has resulted in avoidable delays in diagnosis and treatment, exposing patients, especially pregnant women, accident victims, surgical patients and those requiring emergency transfusions, to heightened health risks.

Adekoya further warned that the gains recorded by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC) through years of investment in safe, reliable and voluntary blood services may be eroded if the strike persists without urgent resolution.

Since the commencement of the industrial action, JOHESU has repeatedly called on the Lagos State Government to address its grievances, which include welfare concerns, unresolved agreements and conditions of service, following what the union described as prolonged engagement without satisfactory outcomes.

Sources within the health sector confirmed that before embarking on the strike, JOHESU had issued formal notices, held consultative meetings with relevant government agencies, and made appeals for dialogue, urging authorities to avert a shutdown of essential health services.

However, as negotiations stalled, the union proceeded with the strike, leaving many public hospitals operating skeletal services, while patients—mostly low-income residents who depend on government facilities—bear the brunt of the disruption.

Across Lagos, patients have been forced to seek costly private alternatives, postpone critical procedures, or endure long waiting periods, a situation health experts warn could worsen morbidity and mortality if allowed to continue.

The GMLD Chairman stressed that no Lagos resident should suffer preventable illness or loss of life over issues that are resolvable through sincere dialogue and negotiation, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to use his good offices to facilitate constructive engagement among all stakeholders.

Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state, the Guild urged the government to act swiftly in the overriding interest of public health, warning that further delay could deepen the humanitarian and health consequences of the strike for millions of Lagosians.

Improved Sanitation Boosts Girls’ School Attendance-YEF

By

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17/12/2025

The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF) says good sanitation and improved menstrual hygiene in Nigerian schools encourage girls to attend schools.

According to YEF, it also brings visible changes to students’ welfare and relations between boys and girls.

Mr Tony Eleme, programme manager, YEF, made the assertion at a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) media engagement session, in Lagos on Tuesday.

The engagement brought together the media, students, teachers, facilitators and other stakeholders in the MHM space.

Eleme said the project, which relied on a significant funding boost of one million pounds, focused on diverse areas of MHM, including upgrading sanitation facilities and addressing the social challenges faced by schoolgirls during their menstrual periods.

He highlighted that improved school toilets and hand-washing facilities boosted girls’ attendance and encouraged mutual support among students.

“When the toilets are not good, girls won’t come to school during their periods because they don’t know how to discard sanitary pads, when to change, or even wash their hands.

“So, having a good sanitation system helps them feel supported.

“We realised for some of the schools, the toilets were not so good either, which deterred girls from attending.”

He also noted that the initiative had changed how boys interacted with girls facing menstrual challenges in target schools.

“The boys don’t treat them the way they used to. Previously, boys made fun of them, but now they are beginning to understand and support the girls,” Eleme added, citing feedback from schools.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some community facilitators were recognised for their leadership roles.

“These are people who have helped us manage the programme,” Eleme commended, reflecting on the collaborative approach taken by the project team.

Eleme said that the project’s example may be replicated, adding that lessons learnt had been compiled for broader dissemination to assist more schools in improving hygiene and student relations.

Also speaking, Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, executive secretary, YEF, noted that the MHM programme made a profound impact on the students.

She highlighted the role and importance of the project in educating both girls and boys, mentioning the involvement of various partners in achieving the goals.

Akin-Jimoh appreciated the efforts of teachers and other stakeholders, noting the significant work that still needed to be done to meet the project’s objectives.

She stressed the importance of targeting specific goals, particularly for students, to ensure their continued engagement and learning on MHM.

Akin-Jimoh called for continued support and contributions to ensure the project’s completion and success.

NAN reports that some students made a presentation on how they now make their own reusable sanitary towels, based on their learning from the programme.

Akinbide Aneezat, 12, Ajumoni Junior Secondary School, said she learnt a lot from the programme, and had been applying the same knowledge to her personal hygiene.

She explained how she was now able to make reusable sanitary towels.

Chinorom Chinenye, 14, Gbaja Senior High School, Surulere, demonstrated how she now makes reusable sanitary pads, commending the organisers for the initiative. (NAN)

Hot-melt extrusion is typically used in making?

By

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17/12/2025

10

Hot-melt extrusion is typically used in making?

A. Ointments
B. Transdermal patches
C. Capsules
D. Powders

A material that enhances tablet disintegration is called a:

A. Superdisintegrant
B. Binder
C. Lubricant
D. Diluent

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Healthcare in Nigeria

By

Lolu Ojo

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17/12/2025

Health is the foundation of wealth and development. No nation can rise above the health of its people. Without good health, children cannot learn, adults cannot work, and societies cannot innovate. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

For Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people grappling with malaria, maternal mortality, tuberculosis, cancer, and now lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension, the challenge of health is both urgent and enormous. But at the same time, new possibilities are opening before us. One of the most promising is Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that could change the way healthcare is delivered in our country.

The burden of disease in Nigeria

To understand the potential of AI, we must first confront the reality of Nigeria’s health challenges. Nigeria’s health statistics paint a sobering picture. Life expectancy hovers at about 55 years for men and 58 for women, among the lowest globally. Our maternal mortality rate stands at more than 500 deaths per 100,000 live births, meaning Nigeria contributes nearly one in five maternal deaths worldwide (recent update shows that it may even be higher at one in four). Many factors including limited access to healthcare, poverty, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and cultural beliefs and practices are largely responsible for this poor rating.

For children, the story is equally tragic: one in ten Nigerian children does not live to see their fifth birthday. Malnutrition remains a silent killer, more than 30 per cent of children under five are stunted, robbed of their potential before life has even begun. Again, the factors responsible are similar to the ones listed above.

Communicable diseases continue to ravage families. Malaria alone accounts for nearly a quarter of global cases, killing about 200,000 Nigerians every year. Tuberculosis and HIV remain heavy burdens, with Nigeria among the top countries for TB incidence and nearly 1.9 million citizens living with HIV. Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, meningitis, and yellow fever still cause deadly outbreaks that should belong to history, not our present.

Yet, the rise of non-communicable diseases adds another layer of crisis. Hypertension affects nearly four in ten adults. Diabetes is climbing, driven by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Stroke and heart disease claim lives daily. Cancers, particularly breast and cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, are often detected late, with devastating consequences.

Behind these statistics lies a strained healthcare system. Nigeria has fewer than 40,000 registered doctors serving over 200 million people, a ratio of one doctor for every 5,000 Nigerians, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of one doctor per 600. Rural communities often have no doctors at all, forcing families to travel miles to access care.

Our hospitals are underfunded, overcrowded, and under-equipped. Out-of-pocket spending accounts for more than 70 per cent of total health expenditure, pushing millions into poverty every year. And just when we need more hands-on deck, our healthcare practitioners (HCPs) are leaving in droves, our health systems becoming the hapless victims of the global brain drain.

As Arthur Schopenhauer observed, “The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness.” Nigeria cannot afford to continue sacrificing the health of its people.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence is simply the science of teaching machines to learn, reason, and act like humans, only faster, more accurately, and without fatigue. It is not science fiction; it is data, algorithms, and computing power working together to solve real-world problems.

If you have ever used Siri, Google Assistant, or an online banking system that detects fraud, you have experienced AI at work. In healthcare, AI can look at an X-ray and detect a disease earlier than the human eye can. It can sort through millions of health records to suggest the best treatment plan for a patient. Think of it as a tireless, highly intelligent assistant for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, not a replacement, but a partner.

As Kofi Annan reminded us, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society.” AI, when properly applied, is precisely the kind of liberating knowledge we need in healthcare.

How AI is already changing health globally

The promise of AI is not theoretical; it is already at work across the world. In India, AI applications include AI-powered drug discovery (Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, etc), remote health services, as well as tools for diagnosing diabetic eye disease in rural areas where no eye specialists exist.

In the United Kingdom, AI systems scan thousands of mammograms to detect breast cancer earlier, easing the workload of doctors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI helped identify potential vaccines and treatments faster than traditional methods. In the United States, AI-powered chatbots now answer basic health questions and triage patients before they even step into a hospital.

These examples show what is possible. The question is: how can Nigeria seize this opportunity? AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery by improving patient outcomes, increasing efficiency and enhancing personalized care.

AI and the Nigerian health sector: Pathways to transformation

Early diagnosis and detection: AI can analyse X-rays, CT scans, and even malaria slides with remarkable accuracy. By identifying illnesses early, it can reduce complications, lower costs, and save lives. Imagine a rural clinic where a health worker uploads a patient’s scan to an AI system and receives an instant analysis that would otherwise take weeks.

Telemedicine and remote care: With smartphones and AI-powered chatbots, patients in villages can now receive consultations remotely. AI can triage cases, deciding who needs urgent hospital care and who can be managed at home.

Personalised medicine: AI can tailor healthcare to individual patients by analysing their genetics, history, and lifestyle. This can dramatically improve treatment outcomes for chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes.

Hospital management: AI can predict patient flow, optimise bed usage, and reduce waiting times in hospitals. By analysing patterns, hospitals can plan better, save costs, and improve patient satisfaction.

Drug supply and counterfeit control: Fake and substandard drugs remain one of Nigeria’s most dangerous health threats. AI can track medicines across the supply chain, identify suspicious patterns, and protect patients.

Public health and disease surveillance: AI can monitor and predict outbreaks of malaria, Lassa fever, or cholera by analysing health and environmental data. Early warnings mean faster responses and fewer lives lost. Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Nigeria’s health crisis is deep, but it is also an opportunity to leapfrog into a better future.

Why Nigeria cannot afford to miss this opportunity

Just as we leapfrogged from landlines to mobile phones, Nigeria can leapfrog into AI-driven healthcare. Our youthful population is digitally savvy, and our growing community of programmers and entrepreneurs can develop AI solutions tailored to Nigerian realities.

AI also promises cost savings. It can reduce unnecessary hospital visits, limit misdiagnoses, and cut the high costs of travel for patients in rural areas. It can even serve as a powerful training tool for medical students, giving them access to simulated cases and real-life data.

As Alan Kay put it, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

The challenges ahead

Nigeria lacks reliable electronic health records, and without data, AI cannot function effectively. Infrastructure gaps, unstable electricity, weak internet connectivity, and outdated equipment; pose serious obstacles. Ethical issues around patient data privacy and ownership must also be addressed. And some healthcare workers fear being replaced.

Here, it is worth remembering William S. Burroughs’ words: “The purpose of technology is not to confuse the brain but to serve the body.” AI is not here to replace our doctors and nurses, but to help them heal better.

The way forward

For AI to fulfil its potential, Nigeria must act deliberately. Government should create a clear national policy on AI in healthcare, backed by investments in digital infrastructure. Public–private partnerships are needed to connect hospitals, universities, and technology firms. Healthcare professionals must be trained in AI applications, and local startups supported to build tools for uniquely Nigerian health challenges.

Above all, Nigeria needs a strong ethical framework to govern the use of patient data and ensure fairness. As John Maxwell observed, “The true measure of leadership is to see possibility in the impossible.”

The future of health in Nigeria depends on the choices we make today. With courage, wisdom, and vision, we can harness AI to build a healthier, more prosperous nation.

Experts Link Improved Living Conditions to Malaria Elimination

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17/12/2025

Experts from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have said improved human living conditions are key to eradicating malaria in the country.

Dr Adeola Olukosi, a director of Research at NIMR, made the assertion at the December edition of the NIMR Monthly Media Chat on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to Olukosi who is the head of NIMR’s Malaria Research Group, it is established that there is a crucial relationship between environmental factors and the persistence of the disease in parts of the world.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that malaria, transmitted via infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a serious public health threat in many tropical regions.

While significant progress has been made in some countries, experts emphasise that living conditions remain the main line of defence.

“In parts of the world where malaria has been eliminated, improved conditions of human living have helped them.

“In the U.S. and in the southernmost parts of Europe, malaria used to be endemic in the real sense.

“What actually thrust malaria out of the environment, apart from wartime discoveries during World War 11, was better living conditions,” Olukosi said.

She pointed out that while Chloroquine and DDT helped curb malaria in some countries, colder climates and improved socioeconomic conditions made a bigger impact.

“Their environment, the cold weather didn’t help to sustain the vectors.

“That made it easier for those societies to get rid of malaria,” the expert noted.

In contrast, regions like ours where malaria persists, often face challenges like inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and environmental conditions conducive to vector breeding

“Even if you are able to get rid of all the pools that elevate the breeding and health of these vectors, you will still find water collected in between plants, in between leaves.

“You can’t get rid of all of that. Our environment is especially well-suited for the propagation of this parasite’’.

Proffering solutions, she highlighted that to win the fight against malaria, stakeholders must not only invest in medical and technological tools but also work to uplift living standards.

She stated the importance of coordinated global efforts and policy reforms for effective disease control of malaria and other public health diseases.

“The bottom line is we cannot do it by ourselves. We need synergy. We need cooperation. We need assistance’’.

She said there was a need for cooperation and assistance from malaria-free regions due to the disease’s ability to cross borders.

Additionally, the researcher noted that malaria had also continued to be endemic where certain genetic traits, such as the sickle cell gene, were present, attributing it to the parasites’ ability to thrive in the semi-sickle gene environment.

“The explanation that has been put forward is that these parasites are able to live comfortably in such environments,” she said.

“The presence of sickle cell genes in a population makes it difficult to eradicate malaria due to the parasites’ adaptation to the environment’’.

She advised that Nigeria and other malaria-endemic regions consider investment in better housing, sanitation, and infrastructure as these would deliver long-term dividends in the fight against malaria.

Olukosi also outlined the various tools available for malaria control, including treatment, case management, vector control, and prevention of which NIMR had been actively involved in and researching on.

She emphasised that malaria research was a top priority for NIMR, with support from the Director–General.

According to her, NIMR partners with the National Malaria Programme to provide technical support and reports on drug efficacy, conducts molecular surveillance to predict drug resistance and informs policy among others.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NIMR, Prof. John Obafunwa, noted that misdiagnosis of fever as malaria remains a significant challenge in Nigeria.

According to him, the automatic attribution of all fevers to malaria is contributing to drug resistance and delayed treatment for other illnesses.

He noted that community habits often equated any fever with malaria, overlooking alternative causes and complicating efforts to combat the disease.

Obafunwa highlighted how social factors such as gender, economic status, and occupational exposure further impacted malaria prevention and treatment.

“In many Nigerian communities, decision-making about healthcare can be delayed by family structures or financial limitations, especially for women and children.

“Sometimes, before you can even have treatment, maybe one has to call the husband, or you see a mother in a hospital who cannot afford care,” he noted.

He also cited the higher risk faced by individuals in certain occupations, for instance, rice farmers working in waterlogged areas, who spend extended hours outdoors and are more exposed to mosquito bites.

These realities, he said, also underlined the need for malaria interventions that address both medical and social dimensions.

“Successful malaria control isn’t just about distributing bed nets or medicines.

“We need to factor in the everyday lives, vulnerabilities, and behaviour patterns of local populations.’’

Obafunwa called for greater community engagement, improved diagnostic practices, and targeted support for marginalised groups as essential steps in curbing the incidence and impact of malaria across the country. (NAN)

Nutrition for Sustainable Energy, Mental Clarity, and Stress Resilience

By

Chima Ejimofor

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16/12/2025

Modern lifestyles demand sustained energy, sharp cognition, and resilience under stress. Yet many people rely on quick fixes such as caffeine or sugar, which provide temporary boosts but often lead to energy crashes and disrupted sleep. True vitality requires nutritional strategies that support cellular energy production, stabilise blood sugar, enhance brain performance, and buffer the effects of stress. This article reviews evidence-based nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to sustainable energy, productivity, and balance.

Cellular energy and metabolic catalysts

Energy at the cellular level depends on efficient mitochondrial function. B vitamins are essential cofactors in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, enabling the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Inadequacy can result in fatigue, impaired concentration, and reduced stress tolerance. Coenzyme Q10, another critical factor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, declines with age and illness, contributing to low energy. Supplementation has been shown to improve exercise capacity and reduce oxidative stress, highlighting its role in sustainable energy production.

Overcoming afternoon fatigue

Many individuals experience an afternoon slump marked by tiredness and loss of focus. Blood glucose fluctuations are a major contributor, particularly when high-glycaemic meals lead to spikes followed by rapid declines. Including protein and fibre at lunch helps stabilise blood sugar and extend satiety, reducing post-meal fatigue. Magnesium also supports energy metabolism and muscle relaxation; low levels are linked to tiredness, poor sleep, and reduced stress tolerance. Adequate hydration is equally important, as even mild dehydration can impair mood and cognitive performance.

Nutrition for mental clarity and productivity

Cognitive function depends on both structural and metabolic support. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), maintain neuronal membrane fluidity and optimise signalling. Supplementation has been linked to improvements in memory, attention, and mood regulation. Botanical extracts such as Ginkgo biloba enhance cerebral blood flow, supporting focus and executive function. Flavonoid-rich foods, including berries and cocoa, provide neuroprotection through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, further enhancing learning and memory. Together, these nutrients form a foundation for sharper cognition and workplace productivity.

Stress balance and resilience

Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elevating cortisol and accelerating fatigue. Adaptogenic botanicals such as Rhodiola rosea and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) help restore balance by moderating cortisol responses and improving resistance to stress-induced fatigue. Magnesium supplementation reduces stress and anxiety by regulating neurotransmitter activity. Omega-3 fatty acids also buffer the physiological impact of stress by reducing inflammation and supporting emotional regulation. These nutritional strategies contribute to greater resilience without the overstimulation seen with caffeine or sugar.

Conclusion

Long-term vitality requires more than stimulants—it depends on a nutritional foundation that optimises energy metabolism, stabilises blood sugar, supports brain health, and strengthens resilience to stress. B vitamins and coenzyme Q10 sustain mitochondrial function; protein, fibre, and magnesium reduce afternoon fatigue; omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and Ginkgo biloba sharpen cognition; and adaptogens buffer the physiological toll of stress. Together, these nutrients highlight the central role of preventive nutrition in promoting sustained energy, productivity, and balance.

References

Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B vitamins and the brain: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy—A review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68.
Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2010). Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: An update. Nutrition, 26(3), 250–254.
Spencer, J. P. E. (2010). Flavonoids and brain health. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 31(6), 478–490.
Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and molecular mechanisms associated with stress protection. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188–224.

Mrs Chima Ejimofor is the lead partner of Infinite Health Consult, and is available for the purchase of Forever Living Products, health talks and wellness seminars. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07033179632,

email: infinitehealthconsult@gmail.com

Stakeholders Urge 6-Month Paid Maternity Leave to Support Exclusive Breastfeeding

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16/12/2025

Stakeholders in Katsina State on Monday called for the extension of paid maternity leave, from four months to six months, in a bid to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.

The call is in a communique jointly signed by Alhaji Badamasi Sani, representative of the state’s Primary Health Care Agency, and Mr Umar Shehu of the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs.

It was also signed by Mr Yusuf Ibrahim-Kaita of the Ministry of Finance, Prof. Saifullahi Sani-Ibrahim, state’s Statistician General, and, Abdulazeez Abba-Balarabe, of the Ministry of Agriculture.

They issued the communique on the adoption of Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) and implementation of the six-months paid maternity leave.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting convened by the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund.

‘’The extension of the paid maternity leave is aimed to encourage exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers,” they said.

They also called on the state government to expedite operation of the multi-sectoral, nutrition strategic plan and conduct assessment on malnutrition across the 34 local government areas in the state.

‘’The assessment on malnutrition is to have reliable data for proper planning, budgeting, and contextualise solutions for malnutrition, which can be used to solve local challenges, ‘’ they said.

The stakeholders also called on government to allocate adequate funds for nutrition interventions and ensure a timely release of such funds.

‘’We also want local manufacturing of nutrition commodities in the state to strengthen the local government food and nutrition committees.

‘’Also, the government should institutionalise technology-driven data generation for real time decision making, ‘’they said.

The stakeholders resolved that a sustained investment in nutrition remains a vital tool for sustainable development, economic prosperity, and the overall well-being of Nigerians.

“With malnutrition still affecting one in three people globally and Nigeria ranking as the country with the second-highest number of stunted children, sustained advocacy and action remain imperative.

“In Katsina, 60.5 per cent of children under the age of five years are stunted, 26.8 per cent underweight, and 16.7 wasted, according to NDHS 2023.

“Therefore, the need for continuous strategic efforts to reverse these alarming statistics cannot be overstated,” they said

NAN reports that the meeting was convened to build on earlier commitments and resolutions reached during the stakeholders’ meeting on July 15.

The session provided an opportunity to review progress made, address emerging gaps, renew commitments, as well as strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.

(NAN)

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is used for?

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15/12/2025

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Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is used for?

A. Packaging
B. Real-time quality monitoring
C. Labeling
D. Transport

3D printing in pharmaceuticals is mainly used for?

A. Ointments
B. Personalized tablets
C. Injectables
D. Aerosols

Lady Pharmacists Harp on Women Empowerment for National Development

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15/12/2025

The PSN President, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, flanked by dignitaries at the event, shortly after receiving his Appreciation Award Plaque at the event.

As part of efforts to prepare members for a more prosperous 2026, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Lagos State Chapter, has called on stakeholders to prioritise women empowerment as a critical driver of national and local economic growth. The call was made at the ALPs Forum 2025, the association’s annual end-of-year programme designed to enable members unwind, reflect, and retool for the year ahead.

The lady pharmacists underscored the importance of women empowerment in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, noting that empowered women are better positioned to build successful businesses, contribute meaningfully to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and support family and community development.

The ALPs 2025 Forum attracted key leaders in the pharmaceutical profession, including the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba; ALPs National Chairman, Pharm. (Mrs) Scholastica Lan; National Secretary, PSN, Pharm. Gafar Madahin; Chairman, PSN Lagos State, Pharm. Babayemi Oyekunle; Professor Arinola Joda; and the MD/CEO, Rozec Pharmacy, Pharm. (Mrs) Regina Ezenwa, alongside heads of institutions and organisations.

Commending the leadership of ALPs Lagos State, the PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba, praised the association’s visionary initiatives and community-focused programmes. He described lady pharmacists as compassionate and purpose-driven professionals whose interventions continue to support indigent girls and women. The number one pharmacist in the country reiterated PSN’s sustained support for the interest group.

In her remarks, the National ALPs Chairman, Pharm. (Mrs) Lan, congratulated members on a successful year and urged them to equip themselves with the right information and resources to remain solution providers within their communities. She described the forum as a platform for connection, networking, and discovery, aimed at driving meaningful impact within the pharmaceutical space.

A cross-section of dignitaries cutting the 2025 ALPs Forum Cake.

Speaking on the relevance of the forum’s theme, “Empowered Women, Empowered Economy: Strategies for Financial Stability,” the PSN Lagos State Chairman, Pharm. Oyekunle, said the theme was timely, noting that women play a pivotal role in driving the health economy of any nation. According to him, financially empowered women are better positioned to make informed health and business decisions for their families, communities, and the nation at large.

He noted that empowered women invest a greater proportion of their income into local economies, thereby stimulating growth, while also serving as role models and mentors to younger generations. “This forum provides practical strategies to translate professional success into sustainable financial stability, ensuring that African pharmacists can fully unlock their economic potential. I encourage participants to engage actively, absorb the strategies shared, and apply them courageously within their practices and the broader Lagos State economy,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address on “Empowered Women, Empowered Economy: Strategies for Financial Stability,” Pharm. (Mrs) Regina Ezenwa emphasised that empowering women is fundamental to building strong economies. She noted that when women thrive, nations thrive, urging lady pharmacists to be intentional about developing entrepreneurial and financial skills alongside their professional competencies.

Further reinforcing the case for empowerment, Ezenwa, who is also the founder of Roses Ministry, shared data revealing that while women make up over 50 per cent of the global health workforce, only about six per cent of women entrepreneurs have access to credit facilities. She described the gap as a critical challenge that demands urgent attention.

She advised her colleagues to understand their financial numbers, monitor cash flow, diversify income streams, leverage professional networks for strategic partnerships, invest consistently, and collaborate boldly for sustainable growth.

In an interview with Pharmanewsonline, the Chairman, ALPs Lagos State, Pharm. Yewande Olorunsola, expressed gratitude to God for a fulfilling year marked by impactful programmes. She highlighted key activities undertaken by the association in 2025, including the Drug Abuse Prevention and Moral School Campaign in April; Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness and advocacy against illicit drug trafficking on 26 June; the International Day of the Girl Child celebration at Keke High School, Ijaye Housing Estate; Cancer Awareness Day at Ikeja Local Government Hall; a philanthropic visit to a destitute home in Idimu on 23 November; and the Adolescent Refill Club outreach at Ajeromi on 14 December.

In her closing remarks, the Chairman of the 2025 Forum Organising Committee, Pharm. (Pastor) Foluke Akinniranye, said the event was designed to bring lady pharmacists together to appreciate God’s faithfulness throughout the year and celebrate shared achievements. She described the theme as highly appropriate, noting that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and the national economy.

She also appreciated all sponsors of the programme, including Pharmanews, and led participants in a minute of silence in honour of the late Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, a strong supporter of the ALPs Forum.

Foundation Supports 100 Women with Free Healthcare in Lagos

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15/12/2025

The Steer for Change Mother and Newborn Foundation, an NGO, has provided essential healthcare and support to 100 women and nursing mothers in the Ijedodo area of Lagos.

The Founder of the NGO, Mrs Kikelomo Adisa, who spoke during the outreach on Saturday, said the programme aimed to promote health and well-being of vulnerable pregnant women in underserved areas.

Adisa said the programme was also designed to sensitise women on measures to adopt during and after pregnancy to ensure safe delivery and reduce the rate of infant and maternal deaths.

She stated that items distributed during the programme included birth kits for pregnant women, baby-care products for new mothers, mosquito nets to prevent malaria, as well as rice, groundnut oil, clothing, and cereals for babies over six months old.

Adisa explained that the main objective of the programme was to reduce maternal and infant mortality by supporting vulnerable pregnant women and nursing mothers living in underserved communities.

She noted that many of the women had limited or no access to healthcare, which informed the foundation’s decision to regularly visit such communities to provide health services, check blood pressure, monitor pregnancies, and ensure the general well-being of the women.

She added that the beneficiaries were also educated on appropriate practices during pregnancy to ensure safe delivery.

Adisa further noted that the NGO, which was founded in 2019, had provided support to over 6,000 women across 20 communities through its various programmes.

She commended the organisation’s donors, particularly the Georges Memorial Medical Centre, for its continued partnership.

Adisa said other programmes of the foundation included women empowerment, nutrition intervention and payment of hospital bills for pregnant women who could not afford delivery bills.

She urged government to put all necessary measures in place to reduce the rate of infant and maternal deaths in the country by ensuring unhindered access to healthcare.

The founder called for continuous training and engagement with birth attendants, noting that they are the first point of contact for pregnant women in under deserved communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries were enlightened on the importance of antenatal and postnatal visits and hygiene during and after pregnancy to prevent infection.

They were also screened for high blood pressure, sugar level, counselling among others.

The beneficiaries jointly expressed their gratitude to the foundation for supporting and promoting the wellbeing of pregnant women and nursing mothers.

(NAN)

Abdullahi Haruna Emerges Winner, 2025 Pharmanews Young Pharmacist of the Year Award

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15/12/2025

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Anticipation among young pharmacists across the country reached a peak on Monday, 15 December, as the online poll for the 2025 Pharmanews Young Pharmacist of the Year Award officially closed at 12 noon.

At the end of a transparent, competitive, and multi-stage selection process, Pharm. Abdullahi Tama Haruna emerged winner of the 2025 award. He polled a total of 15,627 votes, defeating the first runner-up, Pharm. Uforo Joseph Obobo, who recorded 13,064 votes. Pharm. Unique Chukwu emerged second runner-up with 9,400 votes, while Pharm. Yusuf Babatunde garnered 272 votes.

The selection process commenced with nationwide peer nominations, during which pharmacists nominated colleagues who distinguished themselves within the year under review through professional excellence, leadership, advocacy, and impactful contributions to pharmacy practice. All nominations were subjected to rigorous screening before the shortlisted candidates advanced to the final voting stage.

Instituted in 2018 by Pharmanews Limited, the Pharmanews Young Pharmacist of the Year Award recognises exceptional young pharmacists who demonstrate innovation, commitment to public health, and positive representation of the profession. Over the years, the award has become a respected platform for celebrating excellence and inspiring emerging leaders within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

Previous recipients of the award include Pharm. Isa Muhammad (2018), Pharm. Frank Eze (2019), Pharm. Dan Eze (2020), Pharm. Ozioma Onyedikachukwu Ezeofor (2022), Pharm. Uwem O. Ebong (2023), and Pharm. Hashidu Danjuma Aminu (2024).

With his emergence as the 2025 winner, Pharm. Haruna joins a distinguished league of young pharmacists whose work continues to shape the future of pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

Pharmanews congratulates the winner and commends all nominees for their dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions to advancing the profession. The organisation reaffirms its commitment to promoting excellence, innovation, and leadership among young pharmacists nationwide.

Details of the award presentation and plaque will be communicated to the winner in due course.

Osuji Clinches 2025 Samuel Ewelike Best Achievers Award

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15/12/2025

Dr Ndidiamaka Hannah Okorie, presenting award certificate to Precious Ifunanya Osuji, at the induction ceremony.

Precious Ifunanya Osuji has emerged winner of the second edition of the Samuel Ewelike Best Achievers Award (SEBAA), a prestigious honour established to recognise outstanding final-year pharmacy students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

The award process for the second edition was conducted through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation designed to identify excellence in academics, leadership, research innovation, and professional ethics among graduating pharmacy students. The maiden edition of the SEBAA, for the 2023/2024 academic session, was won by Adanna Thelma Obodoh.

Speaking in an interview with Pharmanewsonline,, the Head of the SEBAA Committee and Founder of the award, Pharm. Samuel Ewelike, explained that the process began with an initial assessment of all applicants. He said the selection committee shortlisted six candidates following a tie at the fifth position, expanding the usual list of five finalists.

According to him, the finalists were subjected to a 30-minute interview conducted by a seven-member panel made up of three internal and four external judges. The internal assessors evaluated academic excellence, ethical practice, and research innovation, while the external judges focused on industry advancement, global health epidemiology, leadership, and collaboration.

Ewelike disclosed that a weighted scoring system was adopted to ensure balance and objectivity, with internal assessments accounting for 30 per cent and external evaluations contributing 70 per cent of the total score. He added that an additional open-question segment, handled by a seventh judge, tested candidates’ spontaneity, depth of thought, and professional comportment.

Dr Ndidiamaka Hannah Okorie, presenting award certificate to James Igatta, at the induction ceremony.

At the conclusion of the interviews, all scores were collated and ranked, with Osuji emerging first overall, while James Igatta was named first runner-up. The committee noted that the winner demonstrated a consistently strong and well-balanced performance across all assessed domains, particularly in the externally weighted areas.

In recognition of her achievement, Osuji received a cash prize of ₦150,000, alongside a Certificate of Award and a formal Letter of Award. In a notable development, the committee also approved a ₦55,000 cash prize for the first runner-up, in addition to a Certificate and Letter of Award, marking the first time such recognition has been extended.

The awards were presented during the faculty’s induction ceremony, held recently in the presence of faculty members, students, and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical profession. The committee said the initiative is aimed at motivating excellence and healthy competition among pharmacy students.

Accepting her appointment as Custodian of SEBAA, Dr Ndidiamaka Hannah Okorie, head of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, ESUT, thanked Pharm. Ewelike for the confidence reposed in her and assured the committee of her commitment to discharge the responsibility with dedication. She expressed readiness to work closely with the International Award Committee to ensure the award’s standards and core values are sustained.

Dr Okorie also congratulated Osuji as the second recipient of the award, describing her academic performance, discipline, and character as a true reflection of the ideals the award seeks to promote. She said Osuji’s achievements would continue to inspire her peers and upcoming students within the faculty.

Members of the judging panel were drawn from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, with expertise spanning community pharmacy, public health, academia, industry, and global health practice. They included Pharm. Tobechukwu Nneji, Plus and Gina Pharmacy, Lagos State, Nigeria; Pharm. Ezema Chijioke, Robert Gordwin University, Scotland, United Kingdom (ESUT Pharmacy Alumni); Pharm. Samuel Ewelike, Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), New York City, United States of America (ESUT Pharmacy Alumni); Pharm. Brenden Uche, University of Surrey, London, United Kingdom; Mrs Kalpana Bhattarai, University of New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America; Ms Dumebi Uzoho, Health Safety Specialist, Amazon, Connecticut, United States of America; and Dr Jude Onojah, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States of America.

Speaking after receiving the award, Osuji expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as more than an academic milestone. She said it reaffirmed the values of dedication, service, and consistency, and strengthened her commitment to pharmaceutical care beyond medicine dispensing, with emphasis on patient education, leadership, innovation, and service.

The SEBAA Committee stated that the second edition of the award reflects its continued commitment to nurturing future pharmacy leaders who will contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery and national development.

Initiative Advocates Supportive Spaces for Children’s Mental Health

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12/12/2025

My Child’s Psyche Initiative (MCPI) has called for urgent attention to the emotional and psychological well-being of children, emphasising the need for supportive environments both at home and in schools.

The Founder and Managing Director of MCPI, Chyna Clifford, made the call at the Ultimate Caregiver Enlightenment Symposium and Book Launch on Thursday in Abuja.

Clifford said children carried fears, dreams, anxieties and immense potential, yet their voices often went unheard.

“This initiative began with a simple realisation that every child carries a world within them filled with fears, worries, concerns, wonder, dreams, anxieties and immense potential.

“Yet far too often this inner world goes unheard. Their voices get drowned out by the noise of society; emotions are overlooked and questions go unanswered.

“I came to realise that if we are to raise a generation of emotionally intelligent, morally grounded and socially responsible leaders, we must first understand the intricacies of a child’s mind.

“We must create environments in schools, at home and within our communities where children are encouraged to speak up and express themselves.”

According to her, MCPI’s mission is to promote the holistic development of the child’s psyche by integrating cognitive, emotional, moral and social growth.

She said the initiative believed that aligning supportive environmental factors with reflective learning practices would foster psychological resilience, pro-social behaviour and emotional well-being across all stages of development.

“We envision a Nigeria where every child’s inner world is understood, respected and supported, not only within the classroom but also in homes and in the very fabric of our communities.

“A nation where emotional intelligence is valued as much as academic excellence; where kindness, empathy and self-awareness are cultivated as intentionally as literacy and numeracy,” she said.

Clifford added that through MCPI, the organisation will develop programmes, tools and partnerships that bridge the gap between psychology and parenting, and between learning and living.

She said MCPI also aimed to empower parents with knowledge, equip educators with resources and inspire children to embrace their emotions as strengths, not weaknesses.

“I believe with all my heart that if we heal the psyche of the child, we heal the future of the nation.

“Every healthy society begins with a healthy mind, and every healthy mind begins in childhood.

“I invite all of us, parents, teachers, leaders and citizens, to walk this path together.

“Let us nurture a generation that is not only brilliant but balanced; not only informed but inspired; not only successful but sincerely humane.”

A Neurologist at the National Hospital, Dr Adaobi Okeke, said lack of data, inadequate funding and maternal stress contributed to the rise of autism among children in the country.

Okeke stressed that most neurological research came from outside Nigeria, particularly studies on dementia, and could not be applied directly to the Nigerian population.

“We can’t use results from outside the country for our own population. We need our own research,” she said.

An Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Mariam Tukur-Shagaya, speaking on postpartum depression, emphasised the need for positive support systems to curb depression in women after childbirth.

She said spouses must be present and supportive during the period to ensure the well-being of both mother and child. (NAN)

Group Seeks Improved Inclusion of PWDS in Governance

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12/12/2025

The Deaf Supporters Development Initiative (DSDI) has affirmed its support for Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Tinubu, urging greater inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in government policies.

DSDI President, Mr Afolabi Dahunsi, made the call during a public lecture on Democracy, Disability, and Good Governance in Lagos on Thursday, commemorating the 2025 International Day for PWDs.

The event, organised by DSDI, had the theme: “The Renewed Hope Agenda: A Life-Saving Intervention for the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities.”

Dahunsi highlighted that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda promised to include PWDs in governance, stressing the need to actualise the commitment.

He noted that in spite of the Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, discrimination persists, with many PWDs remaining unemployed and economically marginalised.

“We want the government to help dismantle this discrimination.

“Economic hardships affect most of our people, and short-term palliatives hardly solve the problem of unemployment in our community,” he said.

He also urged action against insecurity, noting that deaf people were especially vulnerable to crimes due to communication barriers.

Speaking on the sidelines, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, represented by Mr Yusuf Olukolu, emphasised that societal attitudes and systemic barriers often worsened the challenges faced by PWDs.

He stressed the need for inclusion in decision-making, community programmes, and public discussions.

Omotoso highlighted the state’s efforts, including the creation of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and infrastructure upgrades such as accessible BRT terminals, public parks, and government complexes.

Inclusion means ensuring every individual can thrive, and the dignity and rights of PWDs are respected,” he said. (NAN)

Sustained-release formulations are designed to?

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12/12/2025

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Sustained-release formulations are designed to?

A. Increase taste
B. Improve shelf life
C. Release drug slowly
D. Prevent side effects

Which excipient acts as a tablet binder?

A. Talc
B. Lactose
C. Starch paste
D. Magnesium stearate

The machine used for tablet compression is called:

A. Capsule filler
B. Tableting press
C. Homogenizer
D. Autoclave

Comply with regulations, NAFDAC Warns Stakeholders

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12/12/2025

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned stakeholders to comply with its regulatory provisions or face legal consequences.

The warning was issued on Thursday by the South East Zonal Director, Dr Festus Ukadike, at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation programme in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme involved groups including the Nigeria Agro Input Dealers Association, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, and the National Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers.

Other participants included the Association of Supermarket Owners, Master Bakers, Table Water Producers, and Quick Service Restaurants, among others.

Ukadike emphasised NAFDAC’s commitment to public health, stating, “NAFDAC has the mandate to ensure that all regulated products meet standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. Our shared responsibility is to protect public health.”

He urged participants to comply with hygiene and manufacturing practices, ensure valid registration licenses, and align their processes, personnel, and equipment with NAFDAC guidelines.

He also highlighted the importance of proper storage, distribution practices, and adherence to scientific standards, cautioning against claims that a single drug could cure multiple ailments.

“Report anyone refusing to comply with NAFDAC regulations. Even suppliers of simple items like chin chin or fried plantains must have NAFDAC registration numbers.

“Any packaged product for public use must be registered,” Ukadike said.

He expressed confidence that the sensitisation programme would improve compliance, while also warning that the agency would intensify enforcement against unsafe or unregistered products.

Earlier, NAFDAC State Coordinator, Mrs Helen Okanya, said the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration with sectoral groups in tackling substandard medical products, ensuring good storage, and maintaining hygienic practices.

She added that the programme would facilitate registration of regulated products, information sharing, and enhanced monitoring of the supply chain.

Reacting, a pharmacist, Dr Okey Unogu commended NAFDAC for creating a platform to address challenges facing various stakeholder groups.

Residents, Police Uncover Warehouse for Repackaging Expired Drugs in Mosafejo

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11/12/2025

Residents of Mosafejo in Ojo Local Government have uncovered a warehouse where expired drugs were being repackaged for sale. Concerned community members, according to a statement signed by the Chairman, Ojo Local Government, Princess Muhibat Titilola Rufai, noticed suspicious activities and immediately reported the matter to the Ojo Police Station.

Following the report, the DPO of Ojo and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, visited the warehouse to assess the situation and ensure proper investigation.

The building used for the illegal activity is said to belong to Eze Nkpado Olu of Imo State, a traditional ruler. The structure is a 15-block of flats. It was also gathered that the owner allegedly chased the tenants away about 15 years ago, claiming he intended to convert the building into a hotel. Residents noted that tiles and some building materials were stored on the first floor, while the other section was allegedly used for the illegal operation.

The Chairman disclosed that only the security guard on duty was arrested at the scene as investigations continue to identify other suspects connected to the act.

Princess Rufai also accompanied the DPO of Ojo and the CP of Lagos to visit the scene. She condemned the act, praised residents for their vigilance and reassured the community that the government will support security agencies to ensure justice is served.

She said the warehouse has since been sealed while investigations continue.

Silvercrest Consultants Hospital Appoints Ahmed Yakasai as Director

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11/12/2025

Vice President, NAPharm, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai.

Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, a former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, has been appointed the director of Silvercrest Consultants Hospital, marking a significant addition to the hospital’s leadership structure.

The appointment was ratified at the institution’s 3rd Board Meeting, where members unanimously endorsed Yakasai’s inclusion based on his track record of excellence in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

In acknowledging the appointment, Yakasai expressed deep gratitude to the Chairman and Members of the Board for considering him worthy of joining the governance team of the fast-growing hospital. He described the honour as a privilege that reflects the institution’s trust in his professional pedigree and decades of service within Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

According to the appointment letter shared with Pharmanewsonline, the decision to bring Yakasai on board was informed by his cognate experience, extensive industry expertise, and notable accomplishments over the years. These qualities, the Board noted, aligned perfectly with the hospital’s vision of strengthening its leadership with seasoned professionals who can drive innovation and strategic expansion.

Yakasai, a respected leader in the pharmaceutical community, is known for his contributions to healthcare reforms, advocacy, and institutional development. His appointment is expected to further reinforce the hospital’s commitment to quality care, operational excellence, and improved service delivery across its various departments.

Reacting to the development, he stated that he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him, adding that the opportunity to serve on the Board comes with a renewed sense of responsibility. He assured stakeholders that he would work collaboratively with other directors to advance the hospital’s mission and long-term objectives.

He further pledged unwavering commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the advancement of Silvercrest Consultants Hospital. Yakasai emphasized that his focus would be on contributing meaningfully to the hospital’s strategic growth, strengthening its governance frameworks, and supporting initiatives aimed at elevating healthcare outcomes.

The Board, on its part, expressed optimism that Yakasai’s entry would bring fresh perspectives and deepen institutional capacity. His vast experience in administration, regulatory matters, and public health leadership is expected to be instrumental as the hospital intensifies efforts to expand its footprint and enhance service quality.

With this appointment, Silvercrest Consultants Hospital continues to build a formidable leadership team capable of steering the institution into its next phase of development.

Stakeholders within the healthcare sector have also commended the move, describing it as a step that will further position the hospital as a centre of excellence in medical and pharmaceutical services.

Rotary Int’l District 9111 Honours Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi

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11/12/2025

L-R: Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi and wife Julia (sitting) Prof.Lere Baale; NAPharm president; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, PSN president; Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, NAPharm director of programmes; and Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, past PSN president, at the event.

Rotary International District 9111 recently hosted a grand Rotary Foundation Fundraising Dinner and Dance in honour of Rtn. Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, the celebrated Doyen of Rotary District Governors in Nigeria

The event, held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, drew past and present Rotary leaders, distinguished Nigerians, philanthropists, corporate executives and family members, all united in celebrating a man whose decades-long service footprint resonates across Nigeria and beyond.

The evening opened with a keynote tribute by Dr (Mrs) Dere Awosika, who described Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi as a Rotarian of uncommon honour, integrity and strategic foresight. She praised his humility and deep commitment to humanitarian service, noting that his influence spans public service, pharmacy, governance and civil society leadership.

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (middle) with dignitaries at the event.

Awosika emphasised that his life embodies the core ideals of Rotary, service, leadership and humanity. According to her, his dedication continues to inspire leaders across generations, making him a model of service-driven excellence in and outside the Rotary movement.

Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi’s journey in Rotary began in 1969 when he joined the Rotary Club of Ikeja. By 1977/78, he had risen to serve as Club President, marking the beginning of a distinguished leadership trajectory that would place him firmly in Rotary’s history books.

His election as District Governor-elect of the erstwhile District 210 in 1980 signalled the emergence of a transformative leader. When Rotary International District 911 was created in 1982, he became the first Nigerian to hold the office of District Governor, overseeing the 1982/83 Rotary year with outstanding distinction.

During his governorship, he travelled extensively across the country, promoting Rotary ideals and strengthening service structures. His tenure resulted in the formation of 34 new Rotary Clubs in one year, expanding Rotary’s reach into all six geopolitical zones and earning him a Presidential Commendation from President Shehu Shagari.

His outstanding achievements were recognised at the 1983 Rotary International Convention in Toronto, where District 911 was celebrated as the most vibrant Rotary district in the world. This placed Nigeria firmly on the global Rotary map and cemented his status as the Doyen of all District Governors, past, present and future.

Today, Nigeria is home to six Rotary Districts with a combined membership of more than 15,000 Rotarians. This growth is widely attributed to the strong foundation laid by Adelusi-Adeluyi’s visionary leadership over four decades ago.

His contributions, however, extend well beyond Nigeria’s borders. He has represented multiple Rotary International Presidents at global conferences across several continents and served as a trainer at the International Assembly for incoming District Governors in two consecutive years. He has also contributed significantly to Rotary International committees and is recognised as a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation.

A passionate advocate for polio eradication, his efforts align with Rotary International’s most enduring humanitarian campaign. In recognition of his impact, the Rotary House in Ikeja GRA bears his name—“Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi House”—a lasting symbol of his service legacy.

The celebration at MUSON Centre featured a vibrant mix of red-carpet moments, cultural performances, goodwill messages and a ceremonial presentation to the honouree. One of the highlights of the evening was the launch of the Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi Named Gift Endowment Fund, designed to bolster the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian projects globally.

Beyond Rotary, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi stands out as a distinguished pharmacist, lawyer, former Minister of Health, pioneer President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Chairman of the MTN Foundation and a respected leader in private sector development and public service reform. His numerous honours, including a Papal Knighthood and an honorary Doctor of Laws, speak to a life marked by excellence and service.

The event was not just a dinner, it was a celebration of an extraordinary national treasure whose legacy continues to shape service, leadership and humanitarian advancement in Nigeria and across the Rotary world.

Pharmanews Triumphs Again as Temitope Obayendo Shines at 2025 Nestlé Awards

By

QueenMary Ikuejamofo

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10/12/2025

Pharmanews Ltd has recorded yet another milestone as its Online Editor, Temitope Obayendo, emerged winner for the third time at the 2025 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards held recently in Lagos. Her latest recognition marks three years of excellence for both the publication and the journalist.

This achievement adds to Obayendo’s strong track record at the prestigious awards. She won the first prize in the Youth Empowerment category in 2024 and was also among the award recipients during the maiden edition in 2021.

Obayendo won as the first runner-up in the Women Empowerment category, while Eunice Stephen of Brand Communicator clinched the top prize.

Members of the panel of judges for the 2025 edition of the awards.

The Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards was established to celebrate professionalism and quality storytelling in critical development areas such as nutrition, sustainability, women empowerment, youth empowerment, thriving communities, agriculture, and photojournalism. Sponsored by Nestlé Nigeria PLC, the awards continue to recognise journalists whose work informs the public and supports national progress.

Speaking on the significance of the annual event, Victoria Uwadoka, corporate communications, public affairs and sustainability lead at Nestlé Nigeria, said the awards have, over the past five years, reinforced the company’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism that drives real societal impact.

She noted that the platform remains relevant because it rewards stories that inform, challenge existing perspectives, and spark meaningful national conversations.

More than 280 entries were submitted for the 2025 edition, reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. The panel included Dr Chioma Emma-Nwachukwu, programmes lead for the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, recognised for her leadership in public health nutrition.

She was joined by Dr Rosemary Otalor, account director at APO Group and a respected expert in media relations and strategic communications, as well as Yvonne Kanalio Olaloku, nutrition specialist at the Nestlé Nutrition Institute for Central and West Africa, whose work focuses on nutrition science and food fortification.

According to the judges, entries were assessed based on relevance, accuracy, depth, creativity, and overall impact before winners were selected.

Reflecting on the evolution of the awards, Uwadoka said the platform was created to honour journalists who go beyond reporting to elevate conversations around nutrition, environmental sustainability, youth and women empowerment, community development, agriculture, and business.

She added that since its inception in 2021, the awards have grown into a flagship platform for journalistic excellence and impactful storytelling, encouraging Nestlé to sustain proactive media engagement that builds community and celebrates the transformative power of the media.

“As a good food, good life company, our goal is not just to support long life but long, healthy life for all Nigerians. That is the essence of what we seek to promote through these awards,” she said.

Obayendo’s continued recognition at the Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards reflects not only her personal commitment to impactful storytelling but also Pharmanews’ sustained leadership in health communication. As the media landscape evolves, the publication’s consistent presence among top contenders reinforces its role in shaping informed discourse and promoting development-focused journalism in Nigeria.

Applause as Omatseye Wins Prestigious FATE Model Entrepreneur Award 2025

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10/12/2025

Clare Omatseye, founder and managing director of JNC International Limited and founder of Vaccipharm Limited, has been honoured with the highly coveted FATE Model Entrepreneur (FME) Award 2025, earning resounding applause from industry leaders and admirers across Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The award, presented by the FATE Foundation, recognises exceptional entrepreneurs who have demonstrated vision, resilience, and transformative impact in their fields. Omatseye’s selection comes as no surprise to many who have followed her outstanding 35-year journey in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

Adenike Adeyemi, executive director of FATE Foundation, presented the award alongside Bambo Adebowale, dean and director of the FATE School, and Toyin Bakare, president of the FATE Alumni Executive Committee. Together, they underscored Omatseye’s contributions to building a stronger health system through innovation and strategic leadership.

Omatseye’s career stands out for its consistency and depth. Over the last three and a half decades, she has championed access to quality healthcare technologies, supported capacity development, and advanced pharmaceutical distribution across Nigeria and West Africa—all with a reputation for diligence, integrity, and commitment.

Her work through JNC International has reshaped healthcare infrastructure, equipping hospitals with modern medical technologies and improving service delivery in critical areas such as diagnostics, surgery, and intensive care. Through Vaccipharm Limited, she has further contributed to strengthening supply chains for vaccines and biologics, an effort widely acknowledged during the COVID-19 era.

Colleagues and stakeholders have described her recognition as long overdue, calling it a “well-deserved honour” for a woman who has “paid her dues” in healthcare advocacy and enterprise development. Many applauded her consistency, discipline, and ability to inspire younger professionals within and beyond the pharmaceutical space.

Chairman of the Pharma West Africa Leaders Club, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai also celebrated her achievements, praising her as a role model who embodies the values of excellence, service, and leadership. They noted that her contributions continue to shape policy discussions and investment decisions in the region’s healthcare sector.

In her acceptance remarks, Omatseye expressed gratitude to the FATE Foundation for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to driving systems-level improvements in healthcare. She dedicated the award to her team, industry partners, and the broader community working to advance access to care.

As congratulations continue to pour in, Omatseye’s FME Award reinforces her standing as one of Nigeria’s most influential healthcare entrepreneurs—an enduring force whose impact will continue to resonate for years to come.

Nigeria Sales Conference Marks 7th Anniversary in Lagos

By

Patrick Iwelunmor

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10/12/2025

L-R: Executive Director, The Selling Champion Consulting Ltd.; Mrs Maureen Emetuche; Recipient of The Father of Sales award, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; President, Masters Energy Group, Dr Uche Ogar; and MD/CEO, The Selling Champion Consulting Ltd, Pharm. George Emetuche at the Conference.

The 7th Anniversary of the Nigeria Sales Conference took place on Saturday, 6 December, 2025, at Welcome Centre Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, drawing an impressive crowd of more than 2,000 sales professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Nigeria and Ghana. With the theme “Selling to Lead”, the conference reinforced its growing reputation as one of the most influential gatherings dedicated to sales excellence, leadership development and professional growth in West Africa.

This year’s edition featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, each delivering insights aligned with the theme. Dr Uche Ogah, President of Masters Energy Group, opened with a stirring presentation on “Selling to Lead”, setting the tone for a day anchored on strategic thinking and intentional leadership. He was followed by Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, founding president of Neimeth Pharma Plc, who explored “The Path to Excellence”, drawing from decades of top-tier corporate experience.

Engr Charles Aladewolu, chairman of TECO Group, engaged the audience with his session on “Secrets to Success”, weaving together personal stories and business lessons. Pharm Patrick Ajah, managing director of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, delivered a practical and relatable talk on “Building a Successful Brand” which resonated strongly with participants seeking to scale their businesses.

Bitrus Danharbi Chinoko, director general of the Centre for Management Development, stressed the importance of continuous learning in his session titled “Leading through Learning”. In a session that blended creativity with business psychology, Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Mimi Orjiekwe spoke on “The Silent Salesman”, emphasising the subtle but powerful role of personal presentation and customer perception.

Technology and innovation took centre stage as startup coach Edward Esene discussed “Driving Sales and Revenue Growth through AI and Automation”. His session was complemented by management consultant Ayo Emakhiohe’s perspective on “Agentic AI and its Potential Impact on Nigerian Firms”, offering participants a forward-looking view of the future of sales.

A cross-section of attendees at the conference.

Throughout the event, speakers unanimously commended The Selling Champion Consulting Ltd, led by Managing Director George O. Emetuche and Executive Director Maureen Emetuche, for organising a conference of such scale, quality and logistical precision.

A key highlight of the conference was the conferment of The Father of Sales award on Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa. The organising committee described the honour as a celebration of a man whose rise from medical sales representative to CEO of Pfizer, and later a driving force behind the company’s transformation into Neimeth Pharma Plc, remains a benchmark in Nigeria’s corporate history.

Another major recognition was the Salesman of the Year award, which went to Kazie Eke of Alpha Pharma Group. Eke surpassed his sales target by more than 200 percent, earning applause from industry colleagues who praised his discipline and resilience. The award, organisers said, aims to celebrate excellence and inspire professionals across sectors.

The conference received support from leading brands including Konga Group, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Alpha Pharmacy, Topwidecare Cosmetics, Geneith Pharma, Finlab Group, Emzor Pharma, the Centre for Management Development, Reals Pharma, New Heights Pharma and Jireh Technologies.

In closing, convener George Emetuche reaffirmed that the Nigeria Sales Conference is designed as a platform for capability development, networking and product promotion. He noted that the conference remains free to attend as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility. He also announced that the 2026 edition will be held on Saturday, 5 December, 2026.

Declare National Emergency on Blood Donation, VON DG Urges FG

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09/12/2025

Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, has urged the Federal Government to treat blood donation as a national emergency, highlighting the urgent need for stronger national commitment.

He warned that Nigeria’s current blood supply remained far below the requirements of its population, stressing that inadequate availability continued to endanger lives and strain the healthcare system. Ndace made the call at a media meeting themed “From Headlines to Lifelines: Media Advocacy for Voluntary Blood Donation”, held to commemorate National Blood Donor Day 2025, on Monday in Abuja.

The event, organised by the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), brought together editors, broadcast and print journalists, digital media practitioners, donor groups, civil society organisations and development partners.

Addressing participants, Ndace urged media professionals to give sustained visibility to the issue, stressing that voluntary blood donation was essential for saving lives and improving healthcare outcomes.

He cautioned against the spread of misinformation on social media and emphasised the responsibility of journalists to act as gatekeepers by verifying information before publication.

Ndace warned that traditional media must not allow rumours to gain legitimacy and highlighted the need to distinguish credible publishers from unverified online sources.

He pledged VON’s commitment to the campaign, noting that reports would be broadcast in eight languages to enhance global reach.

Director-General of NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, highlighted the severe shortage of blood in the country, noting the impact on trauma care, maternal and child health, cancer treatment, surgeries and chronic medical conditions.

He said Nigeria required between 1.8 million and 2 million units of blood annually but collects only about 500,000 units, representing just 25–30 per cent of national needs, resulting in a persistent shortfall of up to 75 per cent.

Yuguda also expressed concern about widespread misconceptions surrounding blood donation, which discourage voluntary donors, and urged the media to humanise the issue through impactful storytelling.

Yuguda called on journalists to feature donor and recipient experiences regularly and to highlight the science, safeguards and societal benefits of donating blood.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, reaffirmed government commitment to scaling up voluntary donation, noting that an efficient and equitable blood service is essential to ongoing reforms in emergency care and hospital services.

Represented by Dr Salaudeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services, he urged the media to amplify facts, dispel myths and promote positive behavioural change.

Other activities at the event included the launch of the Media Blood Donation Challenge 2025 and the unveiling of the NBSA Digital Media Toolkit for Journalists, both aimed at strengthening nationwide advocacy for voluntary blood donation. (NAN)

Group Champions Community Support, Gender Equality in Agriculture

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09/12/2025

Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) has pledged its commitment to strengthening community support systems against gender-based violence.

It said it was also committed to promoting gender-inclusive agricultural policies and ensure that every woman farmer was protected and empowered.

The organisation gave the assurance at a stakeholders Engagement and Community Dialogue on “Orange the Farms” in commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Againgroup-champions-community-support-gender-equality-in-agriculturest Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by SWOFON FCT in collaboration with ActionAid.

Mrs Hajara Ramson, programme Officer SWOFON, said that the engagement was aimed at raising awareness on GBV within agricultural spaces.

According to her, it also targets promoting gender equity in access to resources and mobilise collective action towards safer and more inclusive farming environments.

Ramson, who identified women farmers as the backbone of food production, however, said that many continue to face discrimination, unequal access to resources, harassment and unsafe environments.

“Violence against them is not only a violation of their rights; it is a direct threat to food security, family well-being, and national development.

“As critical contributors to food security and community resilience, protecting smallholder women farmers from GBV is essential for achieving gender equality, economic inclusion, and sustainable agricultural development.

“When women farmers are safe, our farms grow. When they thrive, our communities flourish.

“Let us use these 16 days and beyond to speak up, support survivors, challenge harmful norms, and build a future where every woman farmer can live and work free from violence,” she said.

She further said that the 2025 16 Days of Activism against GBV provided the opportunity to stand with smallholder women farmers.

She said their voice, dignity and potential had been limited by violence in many forms, including physical, economic, emotional and digital.

Ramson said that GBV remained one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, with severe impacts on women’s dignity, productivity, and economic stability.

According to her, smallholder women farmers in rural and semi-urban communities in FCT experience multiple forms of violence and discrimination.

She said it ranged from limited access to land and productive resources to domestic and workplace abuse, economic exploitation.

She further said that they faced social exclusion that deepened poverty and dependence.

Ramson said that the 16 Days of Activism against GBV offered a strategic opportunity to spotlight these realities and call for systemic action to end all forms of violence.

“When women farmers are safe, our farms grow. When they thrive, our communities flourish.

“Let us use these 16 days and beyond to speak up, support survivors, challenge harmful norms, and build a future where every woman farmer can live and work free from violence,” she said.

Mrs Comfort Sunday, chairperson, SWOFON FCT, frowned at the rising cases of gender-based violence and discrimination affecting women especially unequal access to farmland and control over farm proceeds.

Sunday said the challenges affected women’s ability to farm and earn income directly.

“Some husbands deny their wives access to farmland while giving same lands to other women outside their households.

“Even your husband gives you land once he notices that you are having bumper from the land, he will chase the woman from the land.

“Some men will go as far as seizing the farm proceed or monitor how the earnings are spent,” she said.

Mr Ibrahim Shafa, secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) FCT Chapter, said that many women suffered from GBV but unable to speak out.

“A woman will go to the farm, work tirelessly come back tired, and the husband will begin to bully her.

“Men need to be sensitised about the ills of GBV and how to guard against it,” he said.

Also, SWOFON Programme Coordinator, Ogechi Okebugwu, said the organisation had created a 5-man group in all Area Councils in FCT geared towards effective reportage of cases of violation.

“This initiative basically targets smallholder women farmers and children, while also engaging men and community leaders to address harmful practices.

“Men also need awareness. They have daughters too. Nobody wants their child to suffer abuse in marriage,” she said. (NAN)

Rexton Boss, Ukachukwu Gives Out Daughter in High-Profile Wedding

By

Adebayo Oladejo

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09/12/2025

The groom, Pharm. Chigozie Nwankwo and the bride, Mrs Chinelo Nwankwo, at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State..

It was a moment of joy, gratitude and thanksgiving as Pharm. (Sir) Chris Ukachukwu, Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and chairman, Rexton Industries Limited, gave out his first daughter, Chinelo, in holy matrimony to her heartthrob, Pharm. Chigozie Nwankwo, at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State, at the weekend.

Ukachukwu is the chairman of Rexton Industries Limited, an indigenous pharmaceutical company with growing footprints in the production of alcoholic beverages, water and wine.

The solemn wedding ceremony was presided over by Bishop of the Niger Rt.Rev. (Dr) Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo. He was assisted by the Bishop of Niger East, Rt. Rev. (Dr) Obiora Uzochukwu, who said the sermon.

The holy matrimony was witnessed by a large congregation of pharmacists, captains of industry, government officials, clergymen, family members and well-wishers drawn from different parts of the country.

Speaking at the event, Pharm. Ukachukwu described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life, noting that giving his daughter out in marriage filled him with profound gratitude to God.

He described marriage as a sacred institution ordained by God, and charged the couple to build their home on the fear of God, patience, mutual respect and unwavering love.

“Today is one of the happiest days of my life. Watching my first daughter take the same marital step I once took fills me with joy. Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God. As professionals, you must balance your careers with raising a god-fearing family. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and it must guide your marriage journey,” he advised.

L–R: The bride’s mother, Lady Ify Ukachukwu; the groom, Pharm. Chigozie Nwankwo; the bride, Mrs. Chinelo Nwankwo; and the bride’s father, Pharm. (Sir) Chris Ukachukwu, at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Fellows, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Managing Director, PAX Pharmaceutical Limited, Pharm. Uchenna Akpakama, congratulated the couple, describing them as products of sound family values and godly upbringing.

“Marriage goes beyond the excitement of courtship. It requires humility, tolerance and constant dependence on God. I pray that God blesses your union with peace, fruitfulness and prosperity,” he said.

In an interview, the newly-wedded couple, Pharm. Chigozie and Mrs Chinelo Nwankwo, expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to their parents, friends and colleagues for standing by them.

“I am happy that I am marrying the man I love. We have known each other for two years, and it has been a beautiful journey. He is calm, forgiving and very accommodating,” the bride said.

Narrating how their love story began, the groom disclosed that they met at PAX Pharmacy, where Chinelo had gone to purchase some items, while he was making supplies.

“We exchanged contacts that day, and that was the beginning of our story. I thank God for bringing us together and I appreciate everyone who made this day memorable,” he said.

The wedding, which attracted a large turnout of members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and other professional bodies, was followed by a colourful reception at the CJ Patterson Auditorium, Main Bowl, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, where friends, colleagues and well-wishers showered the couple with prayers and goodwill messages.

The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Pharm. Nwankwo and Mrs Chinelo Nwankwo, built on faith, love and professional excellence.

A homogenous mixture of drugs and excipients is obtained by

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08/12/2025

6

A homogenous mixture of drugs and excipients is obtained by:

A. Sieving
B. Blending
C. Lubrication
D. Punching

Which instrument measures tablet friability?

A. Disintegration tester
B. Friabilator
C. Titrator
D. Freeze-dryer

Why Consulting a Pediatrician or Dietitian Matters for Personalised Child Nutrition

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08/12/2025

A mother consulting a paediatrician with her child. Image Source; AI

Navigating the world of child nutrition can feel overwhelming for parents, as they are daily saddled with the responsibility of choosing between conflicting information online in ensuring their children get the nutrients they need.

Experts opine that since every child is unique, with different growth rates, activity levels, and individual dietary needs, it is important for parents to seek professional advice for their wards optimal growth, as what works for one child might not be good for another.

Pediatricians and Registered Dietitians (RD) s bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table regarding children’s health and wellbeing. Pediatricians: As your child’s primary healthcare provider, pediatricians understand the link between nutrition and overall health. They can monitor growth patterns, identify any nutritional deficiencies, and make recommendations for a healthy diet based on your child’s specific needs

Registered Dietitians: RDs are healthcare professionals with specialised training in nutrition. They can create personalised meal plans, address picky eating habits, and provide education on healthy food choices for you and your family.

A Registered Dietitian, Esther Ayanboye, corroborated this fact in a chat with Pharmanewsonline, noting that children require personalised nutrition for proper body and brain development. She emphasised that children between the ages of 4 and 6 experience rapid physical and cognitive development, which significantly increases their nutritional needs.

“At this stage, their bodies require the right balance of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, to support steady growth, energy production, and brain development. Because each child’s growth pattern is unique, a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition can overlook crucial individual needs, making personalized guidance essential”, she stated.

Experts from UniversalPaediatric.org, highlight why consulting a pediatrician or RD is crucial for your child’s health and well-being, as stated below:

Understanding Your Child’s Needs: A pediatrician can assess your child’s growth, development, and medical history to identify any specific nutritional needs. They can also address concerns about allergies, intolerances, or picky eating habits.

Personalised Nutrition Plans: An RD can create a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your child’s unique needs and preferences. This plan will consider factors like age, activity level, and cultural background to ensure they get a balanced intake of essential nutrients.

Addressing Specific Concerns: Whether you’re worried about weight management, constipation, or a lack of appetite, a pediatrician or RD can provide expert guidance and address any specific dietary concerns you might have.

Beyond the Basics: The Benefits of Professional Guidance

Consulting a pediatrician or RD goes beyond just creating a meal plan, said Ayanboye. She highlights some additional benefits as shown by below:

Debunking Nutrition Myths: With so much conflicting information online, it’s easy to get confused. Pediatricians and RDs can help you separate fact from fiction and ensure you’re making informed decisions about your child’s diet.

Building Healthy Habits: Developing healthy eating habits starts early. Pediatricians and RDs can provide guidance on age-appropriate feeding practices and strategies to encourage your child to make healthy choices throughout their life.

Supporting the Whole Family: A healthy family environment is crucial. A pediatrician or RD can offer tips and strategies to encourage healthy eating habits for the whole family, making healthy choices easier for everyone.

Making the Most of Your Consultation

To maximize consultation with your pediatrician or RD, Ayanboye made the following recommendations:

Come Prepared: Make a list of your specific concerns and questions beforehand. This will help your pediatrician or RD tailor their advice to your child’s unique needs.

Be Open and Honest: Discuss your child’s eating habits, activity level, and any challenges you’re facing. The more information you share, the better equipped they are to help.

Set Realistic Goals: Don’t expect overnight changes. Work with your pediatrician or RD to set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way.

Remember:

Prevention is Key: Investing in your child’s nutritional health early promotes healthy growth and development now and reduces the risk of chronic health problems later in life.

You’re Not Alone: Every parent face challenges when it comes to feeding their children. Pediatricians and RDs are there to support you on your journey.

Empowerment Through Knowledge: By consulting a professional, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and develop the confidence to create a healthy and sustainable eating environment for your child.

Pediatricians and RDs are your child’s nutritional compass, guiding them towards a healthy and happy future. By working as a team, you can ensure your child has the fuel they need to thrive! So, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance and empower your child to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence! Visit the Peak 456 Website for more information on child nutrition.

Reopen Our Clinic: Wassa IDPs Protest PHC Closure Since 2022

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08/12/2025

Residents of the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in the Federal Capital Territory have appealed to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to reopen the Primary Health Care (PHC) centre in the camp.

The facility, which serves as the community’s only formal healthcare point, has remained closed since 2022, leaving residents, especially women and children, without access to essential medical services.

It was gathered that the centre, donated in 2016 by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, originally served as the camp’s primary healthcare facility.

It was shut down after a dispute arose between residents and a doctor posted to the facility by the FCT Administration, leading authorities to withdraw the doctor and close the centre.

Residents told NAN that although they acknowledged their role in the incident and submitted letters of apology as requested, the PHC had not been reopened.

They said the closure had worsened health challenges in the camp, especially for women and children.

Findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) showed that only 46 per cent of births nationwide are attended by skilled health providers, while vaccination gaps are widening, with zero-dose children rising to 30 per cent.

The survey also indicated a decline in treatment-seeking for childhood illnesses, highlighting growing vulnerabilities for children, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Residents of Wassa said the continued closure of their PHC put them at even greater risk than the national averages indicated.

Malam Usman Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of the camp, said residents had struggled to access basic healthcare since the closure.

“Lack of access to care has become a major burden for us, especially for women and children who now travel long distances for treatment or rely on unregulated providers,” he said.

He recalled that the lack of a functional PHC contributed to severe consequences during past disease outbreaks.

“Some years ago, we had cholera and lost up to 12 children. Some pregnant women also died during childbirth.

“If there is an emergency, we take them to Kabusa, but it is far, and we always contribute money for transport,” he said.

Ibrahim appealed to AMAC to reopen the facility.

“We are pleading with AMAC to help us bring back our doctor or post another one.

“They should also renovate the place and provide equipment and medicines. If they can do that, we will be happy,” he said.

He explained that the dispute that led to the closure began when a volunteer accused the AMAC-posted doctor of hoarding and selling medicines meant for camp residents.

“It resulted in an argument, and one resident slapped the doctor.

“AMAC withdrew the doctor and shut the facility. The fault is from us. They asked us to write an apology and we did. Please let them return our doctor,” he said.

Mrs Hafsatu Haman, Women Leader of the camp, said the closure had worsened the economic and health conditions of families.

“Often our children lack proper food or balanced meals. When they fall sick, there is no hospital to run to because the only one established for us is no longer operational,” she said.

She appealed to government, organisations and philanthropists to support families with livelihood opportunities to help reduce malnutrition, school dropout rates and other challenges.

Attempts by NAN to reach AMAC officials for comments on the prolonged closure of the PHC were unsuccessful.

Camp residents urged AMAC to reopen the centre or provide an alternative facility, stressing the urgency for maternal and child health.

This story was produced by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Health/Gender Desk, supported by the Africa Data Hub and Orodata Science. (NAN)

Geneith@25: Stakeholders Laud Manufacturing Push, Seek Stronger Pharma Support

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Adebayo Oladejo

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08/12/2025

A cross-section of dignitaries with Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, MD/CEO of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, during the 25th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.

As Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited marked its 25th anniversary at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, industry stakeholders, dignitaries, and healthcare experts lauded the company’s growth, innovative drive, and renewed emphasis on local pharmaceutical manufacturing, describing domestic production as critical for medicine security, affordability, and public health resilience in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, MD/CEO of Geneith, traced the company’s journey from a small marketing outfit in 2000 to a nationally recognised pharmaceutical firm with wide-reaching product penetration across antimalarials, antibiotics, metabolic drugs, analgesics, nutritional supplements, and antifungals.

He said the next phase of Geneith’s growth will prioritise strengthening manufacturing capabilities, research and development, and sustainable operations.

“We have spent 25 years expanding access to essential medicines,” Umenwa said, “and the next phase of our growth prioritises local production, quality systems, and long-term sustainability.”

Commending Geneith for its milestone achievement, Pharm. Ade Popoola, CEO of Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, urged other Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to embrace local manufacturing, noting that countries dominating global pharmaceutical production control pricing, access, and innovation.

“Nigeria has the human capital and market size to compete regionally,” he said, “and local production is key to medicine security and economic stability.”

Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, MD/CEO of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited

Addressing the major disease burdens confronting Nigeria, Ighodaro Igbe, professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Benin, highlighted malaria, antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, neurological disorders, pain, and fungal infections. He stressed that building robust local manufacturing capacity is essential to guarantee affordable and reliable access to essential medicines.

Pharm. Lizzette Njideka Ezenekwe, national publicity secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), underscored the importance of retaining skilled personnel, strengthening quality systems, and expanding local production. She called on government to support domestic manufacturers with stable policies, improved infrastructure, timely payments, and accessible financing to make pharmaceutical production sustainable and competitive.

In her welcome address, Mrs Ada Cosmas, head of HR/Admin at Geneith, highlighted that the company’s success has been built on strong leadership, dedicated staff, and operational excellence. She added that future growth will continue to focus on people development, manufacturing capacity, and quality systems.

Reflecting on the milestone, Otunba Shajobi Taiwo, Engr. Alhaji Bello Umar, and Pharm. (Dr) Kelly Nwagha, company directors, said:

“As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for every one of us. From our very first steps to this remarkable milestone, your dedication and passion have been the heartbeat of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited. Together, we’ve built a legacy of excellence and innovation, and here’s to our continued growth and the bright future ahead.”

Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, PSN President, congratulated Geneith for its enduring contributions to the pharmaceutical sector, stressing that local manufacturing should remain the priority for all Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to ensure medicine affordability, consistent supply, and public health protection.

Delivering the closing comment and prayers, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, commended Geneith for venturing into manufacturing despite economic and regulatory challenges, describing the initiative as forward-looking and vital for long-term drug security.

The event attracted prominent personalities from the pharmaceutical sector, academia, and politics, including Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence; Prof. Poly Emenike, managing director of Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Limited; Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi; Pharm. Israel Ade-Popoola; and other key stakeholders.

Baale Hails Ooni’s Decade of Transformation as Ojaja University Unveils Ile-Ife Campus

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07/12/2025