- As the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, NAIP, enumerates gains of historic national conference in Kwara State
Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, governor of Kwara State has canvassed stiffer penalties for importers of fake and substandard drugs in the country.
Speaking through his deputy chief of staff, Mr Leke Ogungbe at the historic national conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) held at Kwara Hotel, Ilorin on 18 April, Ahmed explained that the importance of his State is not lost on all.
“Aside having great pharma brands like Tuyil Pharmaceuticals, Bioraj Pharma, Peace Standard Pharmaceuticals among others, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was here last year to commission MAH Healthcare, a state of the art health institution.
“Let me also use this opportunity to advocate stiffer penalties for those bringing in fake and counterfeit medicines. In the meantime, this administration together with the cooperation of Kwara State pharmacists will continue to provide good and quality healthcare to my people,” he reassured.
Applauding the gesture of the governor, Pharm. Ignatius Anukwu, national chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) remarked that he shared the same view with the governor.
To further highlight the burgeoning nature of Kwara pharma industry, the NAIP helmsman added that it is heartwarming to note that all NAIP members in the State are manufacturers, not importers.
“However, I implore His Excellency (Gov Ahmed) to help allocate a parcel of land to build a secretariat for NAIP members in the State,” he admonished.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the historic national conference, Anukwu noted that the four-day confab was designed to deliver three key objectives namely: to create an atmosphere free from distractions for industrial pharmacists to deliberate on pertinent topical issues around the theme of the conference; to create room for networking and recreation that would forge stronger bonds of camaraderie among his members and to expose younger generation of pharmacists and pharmacists-to-be to the workings of NAIP.
In a related development, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has sent a goodwill message to the leadership of the association.
Speaking through the national secretary, Pharm. Emeka Duru, Yakasai lauded NAIP for a successful national conference being the first time such would be hosted outside Lagos after 41 years.
The four-day conference featured a welcome cocktail, courtesy visit to Kwara State governor, excursion to Esie Museum, presentation of awards, and a walk against fake drugs led by Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, wife of the State governor.
Among dignitaries who attended the historic national conference were : Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, director general, NAFDAC; Pharm. Peter Iliya, deputy director, public relations, Pharmacists Councils of Nigeria (PCN); Dr Obalolu Ojo, former NAIP chairman; Pharm. Ade Popoola, managing director, Reals Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, immediate past president, NAIP; Pharm. Emma Ekunno, former managing director, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Michael Heavens, chairman, conference planning committee and Pharm. Chinedu Nwuliu, 2nd national vice chairman, NAIP.
Others included Dr Matthew Okedare, deputy speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly; Pharm. Lasisi Durowoju, chairman, NAIP (Kwara Chapter); Pharm. Gbenga Bambe, technical director, Tuyil Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Emeka Adimoha, superintendent pharmacist, Shalina Healthcare; Mrs Roseline Ajayi, deputy director, Kwara State coordinator, NAFDAC; Kishin Murjani, managing director, Biomedical Limited and Dr Kamaldeen Abu-saeed, superintendent pharmacist, Peace Standard Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.
 held at Kwara Hotel, Ilorin on 18 April, Ahmed explained that the importance of his State is not lost on all.){kind=link}