The Secretary, Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ogun State Branch, Pharm. (Alh.) Bola Adeyemi has lauded Vanguard Pharmacy, on the opening of a new branch in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, commending the founder for not letting the guard down.
Adeyemi, who is also the former chairman, of PSN, Ogun State, noted that the company has successfully brought significant innovation and a new dimension to the pharmacy world by incorporating other specialties into its operations, as well as the world standard super mart experience to the people. “Vanguard Pharmacy is one of the few that is dazzling the industry and they have been a reference point to others across the country and beyond,” he said.
Also speaking at the unveiling of the new branch, the Ogun State Coordinator, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Joseph Alli noted that Vanguard Pharmacy has become a household name in the country, adding that he was impressed with the steadfastness and vision of the owners coupled with the huge investment made to build the multi-million-naira structure.
He said the opening of the eighth branch holds the promise of a better and brighter future for the pharmaceutical profession, saying it’s already changing the landscape of pharmacy practice in the country.
According to him “This is how a modern pharmacy should look like. Anytime you come here, you find at least two pharmacists on duty, and that is how a standard pharmacy should operate we always tell those who care to listen that it is possible to have a great practice irrespective of your size and location, and we always use Vanguard and others as a point of reference”.
Asked what he thinks some pharmacies are doing differently that keeps them in business, while some are fizzling away, he said the pharmacy business is not just a trade, but a service, adding that it can be likened to a mechanical engineer that maintains his automobile very well, oil it, service it and make it look new all the time.
He continued, Vanguard Pharmacy is a replica of what I just described here. The business will function well when you give it the kind of care I mentioned earlier. In terms of motivating the staff, even the pharmacists are always on duty not in some places where their pharmacists will only come once in a while. Also, that commitment to engaging young pharmacists and motivating them to stay is what keeps Vanguard pharmacy going and it’s really working for them. It's increasing the confidence people have in them.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the Founder, Pharm. Taofik Odukoya said the company is following the transformation and scaling plan as set by its board and management in increasing the footprint of the indigenous brand, adding it is another great effort and the third in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“Despite the challenges posed by the stress to secure the approval from the state government, we are still able to deliver on this target. Indeed, all praises and adoration are due to the Almighty God.
“Without sounding immodest, I see no reason why some people are struggling to run away from the country, as some of us have resolved to stay back and grow the country. We are firm believers in the fact that it is we Nigerians that will make Nigeria of our dreams. Ours is a story of motivation, commitment, and dedication, so we appeal to the young ones out there that with hard work and prayers, the sky would be their limit”, he said
In the same vein, Mrs. Odukoya, co-founder and executive director, of Vanguard Pharmacy, a Lagos Business School Alumni, and Stanford Seed class 2020 set, says she is so much excited that the Vanguard Pharmacy brand is surely living up to the expectation of the founders.
She however expressed gratitude to Almighty God that made it possible, the entire management and staff for their contributions, key partners for their unflinching support, customers for their continuous patronage as well as family and friends for their prayers. She added that Vanguard Pharmacy Limited will remain committed to its mission to “create smart health benefits for people to succeed and thrive”.
In his contribution, Mr Blessing Ojo-Thomas, Human Resource Manager, at Vanguard Pharmacy, noted that the company remains highly positioned for delivering its objectives to customers.
Other dignitaries at the event include His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufai Adeleke Odumesi, the Lemo of Ode Lemo, Ogun State; Olori (Alh) Folasade Odumesi, wife of Kabiyesi; Pharm. Olumide Ogungbe, vice-chairman, PSN, Ogun State; Pharm. Olufemi Fafiolu, retired director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ogun State; Pharm. (Chief) Hamidu Oluyedun, retired director, Pharmaceutical Services, Oyo State; Pharm. Dosumu Sulaimon, chairman, AHAPN, Ogun State, among many others.
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