A former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, has described the late Pharmanews Publisher, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, as not just a journalist or media guru, but a steady, powerful, and principled voice — in the wilderness of silence that once surrounded pharmaceutical and healthcare matters in Nigeria.
Shortly after receiving the news of his passing, as announced by his family and the Pharmanews Management on Monday, Yakasai, who is also the Chairman of Pharma West Africa, remarked in a tribute mailed to Pharmanewsonline that this is not only a mourning period for a legend, but a time to celebrate his legacy.
“With a heart weighed down by deep sorrow, but also profound gratitude, I join countless others in mourning the passing of an icon, a trailblazer, and the father of pharmaceutical journalism in Nigeria, the late Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, the distinguished Publisher of Pharmanews.
“Sir Atueyi was not just a journalist or media man; he was a voice, a steady, powerful, principled voice- in the wilderness of silence that once surrounded pharmaceutical and healthcare matters in Nigeria. Long before healthcare communication became a buzzword, he had already lit a candle in the dark, founding Pharmanews in 1979, as he always said, encouraged by another legend, Hon. Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi. He dedicated his life to using it as a platform for advocacy, education, and progress in our industry.”
Yakasai, reflecting on his time as president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, recalled his firsthand experience of Atueyi’s brilliance, loyalty, and unwavering support.
“He was not merely a media partner — he was a confidant, a mentor, and a guide whose insight was rooted in wisdom and service. When we championed reforms, raised our voices for policy direction, and sought to highlight the unsung heroes of our profession, Pharmanews stood solidly by us. That platform — his legacy — became a lighthouse of truth, integrity, and professionalism.”
As the successor to the late Atueyi as Vice-President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), Yakasai acknowledged Atueyi’s instrumental role in shaping the vision of the Pharma West Africa Exhibition and Conference. With his passionate commitment to the growth of the industry, Yakasai noted, Atueyi helped craft a truly Pan-African narrative, one where Nigeria was not just a participant, but a leader in the regional healthcare conversation.
“His presence at every planning table, his words in every editorial, and his smile at every gathering reminded us that this was more than a job — it was a calling.”
He continued: “Even in his later years, when many would have chosen rest, Sir Atueyi continued to inspire with the same intensity, dignity, and grace that defined his life. His pen never lost its purpose. His heart never lost its fire. And his commitment to the future of pharmacy in Nigeria never wavered. He left big shoes to fill — and, coincidentally, I took over from him as Vice-President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy and Chairman of the Planning Committee of the NAPharm AGM/Investiture. I lost a friend and an adviser.”
“Today, we do not only mourn a legend; we celebrate a legacy — a man whose life reminds us that one voice, when it speaks with conviction and faith, can echo for generations.”
“Farewell, dear Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, a great pharmacist and a complete gentleman. You fought a good fight. You finished your race. You kept the faith.”
May he rest in perfect peace