The Registrar, Pharnacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Babashehu Ahmed
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) says it has sealed 405 premises in Cross River State, due to offences bothering on non-compliance with extant laws and illegal operations.
The Registrar, Pharm. Babashehu Ahmed, gave a breakdown of the sealed premises during the enforcement activities of the agency in the month of August to include, 200 illegal medicines stores, 174 patent medicine stores, 31 pharmacies, with five arrests.
Pharm. Ahmed, through the monthly update of the agency, also hinted on the inspection conducted on the hospital pharmacy of the Medbury Medical Services, located at the Shell area of Port Harcourt, in order to ensure that standards are maintained.
He disclosed that the enforcement team also visited the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, in response to the hospital’s application for internship accreditation, hospital pharmacy registration and licensure.
Additionally, he said a total of 296 fresh graduates were inducted into the Pharmacy profession in the month of August. The fresh graduates were from three institutions of Niger Delta University, 69; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, 159, and Enugu State University of Science and Technology, 6
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced its Emergency Use Authorisation for the JYNNEOS vaccine in Nigeria.
This development comes as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak, which began in 2022 and was first detected in the United Kingdom.
The outbreak was later declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO), underscoring the urgency of a global response.
NAFDAC, in a press statement on 31 August, explained that the Emergency Use Authorisation was first granted in August 2023 to ensure that Nigerians had timely access to a safe and effective vaccine against Mpox.
The agency stated that this authorisation was extended in July 2024 after additional data and conditions were fulfilled, demonstrating the vaccine’s continued safety and efficacy. NAFDAC emphasised that this decision was part of its mandate to protect public health in the country.
According to NAFDAC, the Emergency Use Authorisation process involved collaboration with international regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
“This partnership allowed NAFDAC to expedite the vaccine review process while maintaining rigorous evaluation standards. The agency also worked closely with the vaccine’s manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic A/S, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure that the JYNNEOS vaccine was of the highest quality and could be effectively deployed in Nigeria.
The health agency noted that it evaluated the vaccine’s safety profile, particularly in vulnerable populations such as those with HIV and atopic dermatitis. Initially, the vaccine’s efficacy was determined through immunogenicity data and animal studies. However, the extension of the Emergency Use Authorisation was supported by real-world effectiveness data, which further validated the vaccine’s protective capabilities against Mpox.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health in Nigeria through stringent regulation and oversight of vaccines and other medical products. The agency’s approach, which includes collaboration with international partners and an evidence-based evaluation process, continues to inspire confidence in the safety and efficacy of medical products available to Nigerians. The agency’s ongoing efforts are crucial as the country continues to face the challenges posed by infectious diseases.
L-R: USAID Nigeria Logistics and Commodities Program Manager, Emmanuel Ogwuche; Swipha’s Managing Director, Frederic Lieutaud; Assistant Director USAID Nigeria, Alexis Taylor-Granados; USAID Nigeria AG HPN Office Director, Veronica Momoh; and Swipha’s Business Development and Licensing Director, Abbas Sambo during the USAID visit to Swipha.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has commended Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Swipha) following the company’s attainment of World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification for its product, Sulfadoxine plus Pyrimethamine (SP) 500/25mg tablet.
The USAID team in Nigeria made the commendation when it visited Swipha corporate head office in Lagos. The USAID team, led by its director for Nigeria, Melissa Jones visited Swipha recently. The director was ably represented at the meeting by the Assistant Director Alexis Taylor-Granados. With the attainment of the WHO’s pre-qualification, the USAID team promised to patronise the Swipha products.
In August, Swipha recorded the feat of the WHO prequalification for its Sulfadoxine Plus Pyrimethamine (SP) 500/25mg Tablet for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. Malaria, till date, remains a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where pregnant women and children under five years of age are most vulnerable.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Party, United States Pharmacopeia, a USAID funded programme, Pharm. Mopa Esuga, noted that the essence of the USAID visit to Swipha was to congratulate the company on the attainment of the WHO prequalification on its product.
He pointed out that USAID has been investing significantly to support pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria to produce quality medicine, adding that Swipha achievement is one of the expectations and outcome of USAID investment in pharma manufacturing in Nigeria.
L-R back roll: Swipha’s Market Access Manager Chinedu Anokwulu H.; Supply Chain Director Bright Chigbu; Technical Director, Yetunde Adigun; Pharma Director Ibrahim Ugbede; Finance Director Meeta Shah; USP Nigeria Chief of Party Mopa Esuga; Swipha’s Regulatory Affairs Manager Emmanuel Ogana; Marketing Services Manager, Mayowa Adedokun. L-R front roll: USAID Nigeria Logistics and Commodities Programme Manager, Emmanuel Ogwuche; Swipha’s Business Development and Licensing Director, Abbas Sambo; USAID Nigeria AG HPN Office Director, Veronica Momoh; Swipha’s Managing Director Frederic Lieutaud; Assistant Director USAID Nigeria, Alexis Taylor-Granados; Swipha’s Human Resource Director, Marcelina Iluke; USP Nigeria Technical Manager, Jonathan Ukwuru and USP Nigeria Regional Technical Advisor, Olanrewaju Balaja S, during the USAID visit to Swipha office.
“We are happy that Swipha has been able to achieve the WHO prequalification for its product. With this feat, donor organizations like USAID will be able to buy from the company. We however look forward to more pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to achieve such a feat. This will help to improve the health outcome across the country and in the African Continent.
According to Pharm. Esuga, many pharma companies in Nigeria have started the journey of attaining the WHO prequalification for their products and hoping that one or two companies will achieve it soon.
He therefore urged pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nigeria to pursue the basic requirements that will enable them to get WHO prequalification for their products. He specifically pointed out that what the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is doing in Nigeria is equivalent to that of WHO.
Speaking with Pharmanews shortly after the meeting, Swipha Managing Director, Mr Frederic Lieutaud lauded USAID for its support towards the advancement of pharma manufacturing in Nigeria. With the feat, according to Lieutaud, Swipha is the only company in the West and Central Africa to be prequalified.
According to him, all the prequalified products that donors like USAID have been donating to Nigeria and other Africa countries were being bought from Asian countries, but donors can now buy the prequalified products from Swipha.
“We are happy to achieve the feat, we are now waiting for USAID and other global donors to tell us their needs on SP. We can meet donors’ needs for Nigeria and other African countries. USAID has confirmed that they will order from Swipha”, Lieutaud said.
He added that Swipha’s overall objective for Nigeria is to increase health outcomes by providing quality products that meet WHO certification at affordable price, and to also save lives.
He appreciated NAFDAC for its support over the years and also urged the agency to keep supporting pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria so that they will continue to produce high quality drugs.
Swipha’s Business Development & Licensing Director, Abbas Sambo stated that the achievement highlights Swipha’s belief in providing safe and effective medicines for all, particularly maternal and child health. He added that with the prequalification, Swipha is ready and actively seeking partnerships with global donors such as the Global Fund and USAID to combat maternal and child health challenges.
The West African Society for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) an innovative multidisciplinary organisation, focused on uniting dieticians, physicians, pharmacists and nurses on advancing clinical nutrition in Nigeria, is set to hold its 2024 Annual Malnutrition Awareness Week, from 16 to 20 September, at four unique locations for the week-long advocacy.
The four venues for the great event are: Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH); Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency; and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).
The Convener of the programme, Dr Teresa Pounds, in a chat with Pharmanewsonline, emphasised the objective of the week, noting that it is a movement to educate, impact and eliminate malnutrition in all its forms across hospital settings.
Originally launched by ASPEN, she disclosed that the initiative will among other things highlight critical need for early interventions in malnutrition, providing essential education to healthcare professionals and ensuring adequate care for adults and paediatric populations.
“I’m particular about nutrition support for hospitalised patients, who cannot eat the way normal people eat, who have to be fed artificially, or force-feed. So that is the specialised nutrition support I’m talking about.
“For this to be effectively done, we need to have a system in place to assess the nutrition status of patients immediately they are admitted into hospitals, decide on the type of nutrition they need, and make the products available and affordable for them. That is the vision that birthed WASPEN conference”, she revealed.
The WASPEN Convener also mentioned other side attractions of the programme to include: Nutrition screenings and interventions, awareness and education campaigns, clinical webinars on malnutrition in healthcare, strategies for early detection and comprehensive management, roundtable discussions to educate, empower and eliminate malnutrition. She particularly noted that the roundtable on Advancing Nutrition Advocacy, will hold on Thursday, 19 September, 2024.
For more information about the programme, you can reach the Project Director on: 08106907691 or email: tevinkleinwaspen.org
Dignitaries at the occasion, cutting the 24th Scientific Week Cake of the Lagos State PSN.
In what has been described as brazen impunity and unending aberrations of some policy makers in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) says it is heading to the Federal High Court, Abuja, to seek redress in correcting the instituted anomalies in the system, which has hitherto permitted non-pharmacists and non-registered facilities to be dispensing ethical drugs under the health insurance scheme.
The society is also challenging what it termed oppressive payment system of the NHIA which deliberately disburses funds meant for fee for services rendered by pharmacists and laboratory scientists to physicians, a development that negates the lawful provision of the NHIA Act, which stipulates the recognition of only four payment mechanisms to physicians, pharmacists, per diem and case payment.
The Chairman, Lagos State PSN, Pharm. Babayemi Oyekunle, said after 15 dialogue sessions with the NHIA management over the issues without any meaningful adjustments, the society has no option than to institute a legal action against the NHIA team, as a means of resolving the prolonged imbroglio, to restore sanity to the system.
Oyekunle made this remarks at the 24th Scientific Week of the State Branch, held on Thursday 29 August, at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
A cross-section of Merit Award Winners at the occasion.
He said, “Fundamentally, we have gotten to a point where we must determine where drugs used in the NHIA are dispensed from (are they registered pharmacy facilities?) and who are the persons who dispensed the over N1 trillion worth of drugs paid for by the Federal Government since 2006 (are they Registered Pharmacists?)
“I therefore confirm to you that our Attorneys will join other stakeholders in the process of instituting a legal process against the NHIA and other related government apparatus to compel a redress in the unwholesome mess that continues to epitomize managed care and Social Health Insurance programmes in Nigeria at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“The lawful provision of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Act (Now NHIA Act) that still subsists is that the Scheme/Authority recognises only four payment mechanisms which are: Capitation for primary providers (Physicians); Fee for service for secondary providers (Pharmacists, Consultants);Per diem and Case payment.”
Oyekunle also queried the recent practices in some states platforms charged with implementing of Social Health Insurance, where they have actually attempted to officially inculcate patent medicine dealers who are not trained to dispense drugs and who are meant to stock only OTC medicaments into the Insurance programmes, the provisions of the law notwithstanding.
He noted this and other Illegal operations under the umbrella of NHIA implementation justify the intended legal action of the group.
The number one pharmacist in Lagos also made a passionate plea to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was ably represented at the occasion by LASHMA CEO, Dr Emmanuella Samba, to revisit the Pharmacist Consultant Cadre approval which is long over, as it is already implemented in Federal health institutions, making Lagos State the black sheep in the comity of southwest states where the cadre is not in operation,
He further called the attention of the governor to other unfulfilled agreements of the state government with pharmacists after 15 months of deliberations, urging him to pay up the arrears as a means of boosting the morale of the health workers.
“The Consultant Pharmacist cadre has become fully operational now at Federal level with the creation of the necessary elements on the IPPIS payment platform for Consultant Pharmacists. With this development, over 250 Consultant Pharmacists have been appointed in the last few weeks in the Federal Health Institutions with University College Hospital, Ibadan leading the way with the appointment of over 30 Consultant Pharmacists
“It is also noteworthy that all other six southwest states have finalized the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacists Cadre with Lagos State embarrassingly as the ONLY state where prevarications still prevails”, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, all efforts to reach the Director General of NHIA, Dr Kelechin Ohiri, proved abortive at press time, as the two official mobile lines displayed on NHIA website were not responsive.
Delivering the keynote speech at the event, titled “Achieving Universal Health Coverage: The Pharmacists Perspectives”, Pharm, (Dr) Adekunle Tometi, president elect, NAPPSA, outlined ten major roles of pharmacists in actualising UHC, while emphasising the need for government to drive collaboration among stakeholders in making healthcare accessible and affordable for all.
The ten roles of pharmacists in UHC, according to him, were: accessible medication, comprehensive coverage prescription, integrated care, education & counselling, preventive health, cost effectiveness, policy advocacy, pharmacy workforce development, technology integration, and patient centred care.
He also stressed the essence of relevant modifications in Pharmacy curriculum in the universities, which will enhance the connection of students with the practical world of Pharmacy .
The Federal Government has urged members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off their seven-day warning strike.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the call on Thursday in Kaduna during a visit to the National Eye Centre.
According to Alausa, negotiations are ongoing to ensure the safety of their kidnapped colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
The minister said the Federal Government and security agencies were working hard to rescue Popoola.
He said, “We are on top of the matter and have been on talking terms with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the issue.
“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police and everyone is working hard to see that she is released.”
The minister said that he had held a meeting on Monday with the leadership of NARD over the situation to convince them to call off the strike because it would worsen the situation.
“We don’t believe this warning strike will do anything. All hands are on deck to secure her release.
“For the past two days, we know she is alive and that’s good news for us as the security are working hard to bring her back alive,” he said.
Alausa added that the kidnappers kept changing their demands every moment, but assured that security agencies were working hard to see that she was safely rescued.
“I appeal to you to call off the strike and let’s keep praying that she comes back home in peace,” the minister passionately appealed.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the members of the association began a seven-day warning strike to push for the rescue of a Kaduna-based doctor, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola, a staff of the centre, was kidnapped in December, 2023 and has now spent about nine months in the kidnappers’ den.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the association, National Eye Centre, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, told NAN that the strike was still on.
He said the medical and dental consultants had joined them in the strike and it was a directive from the national body.
About 90 per cent of my clients at Carib Health Wellness Centre recall stories of their grandparents and even some of their great-grandparents whom they met while they were still alive. These elders were aged yet active: strong, walking long distances, farming, attending meetings, social gatherings, and even going to the market.
Most clients remember them as being intellectually engaged, while others have an impressive knowledge of herbs and preparing herbal mixes. Many recall their grandparents talking to the younger ones and even playing games with them. Numerous clients who come to our wellness centre share these stories, and every time I am in awe. I am impressed, and I keep asking, what is going on today?
These clients often share that their grandparents or great-grandparents lived to be 90, 100, or 110, and a few even surpassed 120. Most of them lived consistently between 90 and 120 years. Some say they were so old that they didn’t know their exact birth date, but they were definitely over 100.
So, as you read this, ponder your own ancestry. Reflect on your genealogy, your parents, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, and your great-great-grandparents, if you’re fortunate enough to have met them. Please, share and document your interactions and memories for posterity.
My ancestral story
I was privileged to meet both my grandmothers and my maternal grandfather, but the most remarkable was meeting and knowing my great-grandmother, my father’s maternal grandmother. As a young boy who travelled to the village and encountered this old lady, I remember her being so active. Every morning, she would get up early, likely the first person to wake up in the compound.
By the time I woke up, she would be sweeping the front yard, either by herself or with others. She would not let anyone take the broom from her. She only used the African broom. To use this broom, you would bend over to sweep. I don’t recall her complaining of back pain or taking paracetamol.
After sweeping, you’d see her pick up firewood to start a fire for cooking. As others joined her, she would eventually go indoors, clean up, take a bath, and come back out to enjoy breakfast. She would be dressed, often wearing a very simple buba and wrapper. She would pack her basket with items and announce that she was off to the market.
In the marketplace, she had her peers and her mates, people who were equally as old as she was, with whom she laughed and shared many stories. I don’t recall her taking any anti-malaria medicine, cough medicine, headache medicine, or back pain tablets. She drank different local herbal preparations and ate locally prepared meals and fresh leaves. In the evenings, she would sit with us and play the African game “ayo” or Ludo. She loved interacting with the great-grandchildren and the grandchildren and many others who were in the compound.
By the time I first encountered her, she was about 110 years of age and lived for many more years. We estimated that when she finally passed on, she was likely over 120. She rarely ate any of the food we brought from Lagos, whether it was canned goods or boxed cereals. She was aged and in good health.
Lessons from Dr Price’s book
Dr Weston Price, a dentist, and his wife, a dental researcher, travelled the world seeking healthy people. He travelled to over 14 countries on all continents. Early in his book, he is very clear that to find healthy people, you had to find those who had yet to be influenced by Western culture and nutrition!
Here is an excerpt from the book: “Dr. Price travelled to hundreds of cities in a total of 14 different countries in his search to find healthy people. He investigated some of the most remote areas of the world. He observed perfect dental arches, minimal tooth decay, and high immunity to tuberculosis in those groups of people who ate their indigenous foods. He found that when these people were introduced to modernised foods, such as white flour, white sugar, refined vegetable oils, and canned goods, signs of degeneration quickly became quite evident… dental caries, deformed jaw structures, crooked teeth, arthritis, and a low immunity to tuberculosis became rampant amongst them.”
Price documented this ancestral wisdom, including hundreds of photos, in his book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. On page one of his book, in the introduction, he writes: “A critical examination of these groups revealed high immunity to many of our serious afflictions so long as they were sufficiently isolated from our modern civilisation and living in accordance with nutritional programmes which were directed by the accumulated wisdom of the group.”
He investigated primitive racial stocks, including isolated and modernised groups. These groups included the Swiss of Switzerland, the Gaelics in the Outer and Inner Hebrides, the Eskimos of Alaska, the Indians of the Far North, West, and Central Canada, the Indians of the Western United States and Florida, the Melanesians and Polynesians on eight archipelagos of the South Pacific, tribes in Eastern and Central Africa, the Aborigines of Australia, Malay tribes on islands north of Australia, the Maori of New Zealand, the ancient civilisations and their descendants in Peru, both along the coast and in the Sierras, and in the Amazon Basin. Where available, the modernised whites in these communities were also studied.
Though his primary focus was to evaluate tooth decay, it became rapidly apparent that dental health was directly related to other degenerative events in the body. Here is another quotation from the book: “…the chain of disturbances developed in these various primitive racial stocks, starting even in the first generation after the adoption of the modernised diet and rapidly increasing in severity, with expressions quite constantly like the characteristic degenerative processes.”
Dr Price makes a very interesting and powerful statement: “Much of what we have interpreted as being due to heredity is really the result of intercepted heredity.”
Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai.
Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai, of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Bayero University Kano (BUK), has emerged victorious at the polls as the winner of the 2024 Dean’s Award, with a total of 904 votes to defeat the first runner-up, Professor Emmanuel Attih, of the University of Uyo, Faculty of Pharmacy with 580 votes. Other contestants in the keenly contested online poll, Professor Gloria Ayoola of the University of Lagos (UNILAG); and Ass. Prof. John Alfa of Bingham University, had 560 and 188 respectively.
The Dean of the Year Award is a novel introduction to the Pharmanews Online Poll series, which is specially designed for deans of Pharmacy faculties across the country. It was created to recognise deans of Pharmacy faculties who have contributed significantly to the development of their faculties.
The Pharmanews Publisher, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, congratulated the winner for his resilience and tenacity through his outstanding performance at the poll, as he appreciated other contestants for their efforts, noting that it is inevitable for one person to emerge winner.
“It is an award well deserved” Atueyi remarked, stating that the award presentation ceremony date will be communicated to the winner in due course.
The Dean of the Year is the latest addition to the Pharmanews Online Poll, which saw Professor Festus B. C. Okoye, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) as the winner of the maiden edition in 2022, while Professor Azukah Oparah of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, clinched the trophy in 2023.
The previous editions of the contest had witnessed massive participation of former deans from universities across the country including Prof. M.U. Uhumwangho, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin; Prof. Aderonke Adepoju-Bello, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos; Prof. Kenneth C. Ofokansi, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Prof. Theophine Akunne, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, and Prof. Uthman G. Sadiq, University of Maiduguri, in the maiden edition.
While the second edition had the active engagements of Prof. Ighodaro Igbe, Igbinedion University Okada; Prof. Theophine C.Akunne, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University; Prof. Margaret Olubunmi Afolabi, of Obafemi Awolowo University; Prof. Chibueze Ihekwereme, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Prof. Benjamin U. Ebeshi Nigeria Delta University.
After conducting written and oral interviews, we selected a candidate for an important position in the company. His manager and I observed his performance during his three-month probationary period but were not satisfied with it. He had good interpersonal skills and fit well within our system. He demonstrated zeal and commitment to his assignments, but we felt he was not the right person for the position.
I decided to terminate his appointment, which was a very difficult decision. Our relationship was cordial; I had even introduced him to the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), and we attended meetings together. I had no personal issues with him; he just wasn’t the right fit for the position. I regretted hiring him.
During a meeting of the FGBMFI with him, I prayed to God for guidance on how to handle his termination. I postponed the action until that Friday. My mind was heavy with the thought of how disappointed he would be, given the good relationship we had established and his rapport with other staff members. I imagined how he would react to the termination letter. Nevertheless, with a heavy heart, I prepared and signed the letter, along with a check in lieu of one month’s notice. I kept the letter securely in my drawer, intending to call him to my office just before the close of work.
After lunch, I returned to my office around 4:00 PM. On my desk was a handwritten letter. I assumed it was from a staff member asking for an IOU or loan. To my surprise, it was from the very person I was planning to sack, submitting his resignation letter. I was shocked and confused, wondering what might have happened. I suspected a leak of the confidential letter, but the secretary assured me that no one else had seen it. How, then, did he know of my plan? Only my wife knew, but she couldn’t have leaked the secret to him.
I gathered my courage and summoned him. Soon after, he walked into my office, nearly in tears, explaining that it was extremely difficult for him to resign after all the good things I had done for him. His wife had been offered a good job at a university in their state and had already relocated with their two children, so he needed to join them. He was very sorry that his resignation would disrupt the company’s operations. He didn’t know that I was inwardly thanking God and rejoicing as he spoke.
This incident made me fear God even more. If He had not guided my actions and timing in this situation, it could have been a disaster. If I had given him the termination letter, I would have disappointed him, damaged the good relationships he had with me and the other staff members, and incurred a financial loss of one month’s salary.
This person became one of my good friends. A few months later, he visited me with valuable gifts for me and my wife, and we have remained in touch since then.
Many times, employers pray for good staff during recruitment but forget to pray about how the staff will leave the company. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning…” In this context, how and when a staff member leaves the company is more important than the day of employment.
This experience taught me that God is interested in all aspects of our business, including the hiring and firing of workers. Staff are the most valuable resource because a business cannot function without people. Therefore, we need God’s wisdom in dealing with employees.
Businesses should not only pray for big turnovers and profits, which accountants focus on, but also for the well-being of the workers whose efforts generate the revenue. A company blessed with hardworking and trustworthy staff is fortunate.
Usually, a resignation is a better option than a termination or dismissal. In a resignation, the staff member decides to leave for their own reasons, while a termination implies that their services are no longer needed or acceptable to the company. Therefore, we need God’s guidance in managing the hiring and firing of staff.
…Study to focus on Fidson’s Chewable Albendazole Formulation
L-R: Mr. Biola Adebayo, Deputy Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc.; Mr. Bolakale Ayinde, Director, Clinical Research & Drug Development Liddie BE Ltd; Mrs. Osayuwa Oyebola Wuraola, Chief Nurse, Liddie BE Ltd; Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Founder/Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc; Mr. Wale Ogunsola, Chief Operating Officer, Liddie BE Ltd; Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye Strategy and Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc. At the announcement of the Bio-Equivalent study for Albendazole in Lagos Nigeria.
Fidson Healthcare Plc has announced a strategic partnership with Liddie BE Limited, a renowned Clinical Research Organisation, to conduct a Bioequivalence (BE) study on its chewable formulation of Albendazole tablets.
The results of the study are expected to provide key data to support the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Pre-Qualification programme for the product.
The partnership was announced at a joint press conference held at Fidson corporate head office in Lagos on Tuesday.
Bioequivalence studies are special types of studies where two drugs or two sets of formulation of the same drug are compared to show that they have nearly equal bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic parameters which describe the action of the body on the drug.
Albendazole on the other hand is an FDA approved medication for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infections prevalent in Nigeria and many parts of the world.
The company said the study will be conducted under stringent regulatory guidelines that meet international standards and will compare the pharmacokinetics of the novel Albendazole formulation with the standard reference.
Speaking at the joint press conference to announce the partnership, the CEO of Fidson, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, stated that the partnership is ground breaking in the advancement of clinical research, as they are set to embark on the first Bioequivalence study to be conducted in Nigeria.
“We are excited again to be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the healthcare industry in Nigeria with this landmark effort. This study is a critical step towards the WHO Prequalification of our brand of chewable Albendazole tablets.
“This collaboration being the first BE study in Nigeria and one of the first in Africa is a testament to the success of indigenous efforts and vision which we are very proud to lead.”
Also speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director of Liddie BE Ltd, Prof. Lara Orafidiya, said “we are happy to partner with Fidson on this critical study. Our expertise in clinical research will ensure that this product meets the required international standards for safety and efficacy.
“We are committed to contributing to the healthcare landscape in Nigeria through world class clinical trials and research”.
The study results, according to the partners, are expected to provide key data to support the WHO-PQ programme of the product. The partners said the initiative attests to their commitment to advancing healthcare access and improving clinical outcomes in Nigeria and across the continent.
As of the press time, there are only two drugs manufactured in Nigeria with WHO’s pre-qualification and both products were manufactured by Swipha Nigeria.
Dr Ayebae said that Swipha has blazed the trail and Fidson Healthcare wants to follow. He expressed optimism that many other companies in Nigeria are also preparing to follow suit.
The Fidson Healthcare boss however disclosed that the company has decided to carry out its bioequivalent studies in Nigeria to preserve foreign currency, conserve energy and show the expertise, knowhow and knowledge of Nigerian scientists that are delivering the same results that their counterparts abroad are delivering.
Some of the dignitaries at the ALPs health outreach to Makoko expectant and nursing mothers.
The Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) has provided free healthcare services to two hundred and fifty pregnant and nursing mothers in the Makoko community of Yaba, Local Government Area, in commemoration of ALPs Day, of the Annual Scientific Week of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter.
The health outreach, organised by ALPs in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, (LASHMA), Santos Pharmacy Ltd, and Monsoon Food Company, saw the two hundred and fifty Makoko pregnant and nursing mothers benefitted from free screenings on hepatitis, HIV, blood pressure, and special Mama Pack, while 100 of them received access to free one year health insurance under the Ilera Eko scheme by LASHMA.
Speaking on the theme of the PSN Scientific Week, “The Imperative of the March Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria”, the Chairman of the occasion, Pharm (Mrs) Taiwo Alliu, MD/CEO, Santos Pharmacy Ltd, noted that it is not only timely, but also crucial in their collective efforts to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare services.
She emphasisied that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a goal that all citizens must strive to achieve. It is a goal that transcends individual efforts, requiring a concerted, multi-stakeholder approach, she said, that involves not only healthcare professionals, but also policy makers, community leaders, and every entity.
A cross-section of the participants at the health outreach.
“As pharmacists, we are integral to the healthcare delivery system. Our role extends beyond the precision of medication to encompass patient education. We need by focusing, as we are doing right now, on ensuring that healthcare services are accessible, to get your rents up very quickly, seamlessly, and affordable to all. The requirement of UHC cannot be successful without all-our participation.
“The theme of today’s event challenges us to reflect on our current practices, and consider how we can contribute more effectively to this national community. The topic we will discuss today, ‘Assessing quality healthcare: Community prevention of mother to child transmission in view’, that is to prevent HIV getting to our children, is a critical aspect of achieving UHC. PMTCT is a cornerstone of maternal and child health services, and an essential component of our healthcare system”, she stated.
The Guest Speaker, Pharm. (Mrs) Modupe Okeneye, who spoke on the topic for the day, “Assessing Quality Healthcare: Community Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) in view’, highlighted the dangers posed by HIV to the human system, noting that it weakens the immune system, as it can develop into AIDS if left untreated. She underscored the essence of enlightenment for expectant and nursing mothers on HIV, which allows them understand the risks of mother-to-child transmission that can occur through blood, breast milk, and other bodily fluids.
While there is no cure for HIV, Okeneye asserted that it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus, allowing those infected to lead healthy lives and reducing the risk of transmission. Preventive measures, according to her include abstinence, being faithful to one’s partner, consistent condom use, and medications like PrEP and PEP.
“Regular antenatal visits are crucial to check HIV status and take steps to protect both mother and child. Even after childbirth, mothers should ensure their babies are tested, especially if they didn’t give birth in a healthcare facility. Knowing your HIV status is vital for protecting your family and ensuring a hopeful future”, she quipped.
Fielding questions from journalists at the community outreach, the Chairman, Lagos State PSN, Pharm. Babayemi Oyekunle, appreciated the lady pharmacists for their efforts in enlightening the Makoko women on PMTCT of HIV, especially with the free healthcare provisions. He noted that such healthcare interventions are the hallmarks of the Annual Scientific Week of the State Chapter, as there were about other twenty places where such healthcare advocacy was been conducted simultaneously.
Regarding the outcome of the screenings, he assured that the association is going follow-up in ensuring that any woman that tests positive to HIV, hepatitis, or high bood pressure will receive adequate care as early detection of the diseases are crucial to the survival of patients. “What we are going to do is that we will continue to work with our donor agencies to make sure that all the people that we have identified here, will continue to get their drugs as at when due. And to make sure that the young ones we are bringing up, that is young pharmacists are introduced to such health interventions in the community. This is major part of our professional services, which is monitoring of patients outcomes, and we will continue to do that.”
Earlier, in her address to the women, the State ALPs Chairman, Pharm. (Dr) Afusat Adesina, explained the essence of their visit to Makoko community, saying as an interest of PSN, ALPs usually organised impactful programmes to mark ALPs Day in the PSN Scientific Week. And this outreach is no exception, as they are intentional in touching the lives of expectant and nursing mothers in the area through education on PMTCT and the general wellbeing of mother and child.
Pharm. Adesina highlighted the benefits of the outreach to the beneficiaries stating that it will enable the two hundred and fifty women know their health status on HIV, hepatitis, hypertension, with a hundred of them gaining free access to health insurance for a year. She noted that the special Mama Pack given to all the women will also reduce their financial burden during child birth.
She further disclosed how the outreach will help in reducing the burden of infant and maternal mortality in the country, starting that once a pregnant woman tests positive for HIV, she will be connected to the agency where she will be receiving antiretroviral drugs freely, and will be encouraged to adhere to here medications, which will subsequently lead to her heathy living. And once she is ready to deliver her baby, the practitioners will ensure it is conducted in a special way to prevent mother to child transmission at birth.
She said, “First of all, when the pregnant mother takes antiretroviral, receives quality treatment, and adhere to the antiretroviral drug, it is certain that the child will be born without HIV. And then you have healthy babies. And for babies that are already positive, they too have a place for treatment. You’ve seen children that are positive, they are doing very well. Once they take their antiretroviral therapy.”
Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs Celistina Potan and Mrs Oluwaseun Ogunsewe, appreciated the Lagos State ALPs for the free healthcare provision brought to them, assuring the group that they will adhere to all the lectures they have received on regular checkup and maintenance of good hygiene.
The Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has distant itself from claims circulating on social media that bread sold in Nigeria are unsafe for consumption due to the presence of saccharin.
The Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC clarified that no such statement was ever issued, contrary to the assertions made in a viral video.
A social media influencer, in a viral video had falsely claimed that NAFDAC advised Nigerians to avoid locally produced bread.
The content of the video stated that, “NAFDAC raises fresh alarm as most of the bread in the market are failing laboratory tests due to the use of saccharin instead of sugar, driven by the high cost of sugar.”
Prof. Adeyeye, in a press release refuted the claim, saying NAFDAC did not declare Nigerian bread unsafe at any time, particularly not during the stakeholders’ meeting held on 16 August 2024, which was referenced in the misleading video.
“At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria. The agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population.
“Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions”, she emphasised.
As a responsive regulatory agency, Adeyeye said, NAFDAC wishes to provide clarification that the content of the video on avoiding bread in Nigeria does not reflect the observation of NAFDAC, which was made during a stakeholders engagement held on 16 August 2024 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Saccharin, also known as benzosulfimide, is a non-nutritive artificial sweetener that is about 500 times sweeter than sucrose. Despite its sweetness, it has no food energy or nutritional value and is often used in products like drinks, candies, baked goods, and certain medicines.
About five decades ago, concerns were raised about saccharin’s safety when studies on laboratory rats linked high doses to bladder cancer. However, subsequent research determined that this effect was not relevant to humans. Subsequently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified saccharin, indicating that it is “not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.”
The NAFDAC boss emphasised that while saccharin is permitted in some products, its use in bread is strictly prohibited under both the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA). She noted that NAFDAC strictly adheres to these regulations to protect public health.
A cross-section of community pharmacists in a group photograph with the ACPN Chairman, Pharm. Tolu Ajayi, at the Iyana Ipaja Market, Lagos.
As part of the activities to commemorate this year’s PSN Pharmacy Week, an annual event celebrated by pharmacists and pharmacy students to raise awareness on the role of pharmacists in the healthcare sector, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos Chapter, in partnership with Goldmore Pharmaceutical Limited, organised a health outreach across seven strategic locations in Lagos State.
The ACPN Day of the PSN Scientific Week, themed, “The Imperative of the March Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: The Unique Place of Community Pharmacists,” featured free health screenings, preventive health talks, free drug samples, health insurance updates, and a lecture on the significance of vaccination. These activities were held concurrently at Sabo Market, Ikorodu; Ajah Market; Iyana Ipaja Market; Ipodo Market, Ikeja; Tejuosho Market, Yaba; Iyana Iba Market, Iba; and New Market, Ajara, Badagry.
Speaking to journalists during the exercise at the densely populated Iyana-Ipaja Market, one of the locations for the ‘Free Health Intervention,’ the Chairman of ACPN Lagos State, Pharm. Tolu Ajayi, commended Goldmore for their financial and material support, adding that it is high time the public embraced a preventive approach to healthcare.
Ajayi urged the public to prioritise regular health checks and to visit registered pharmacies for their medication needs, emphasising that community pharmacists across the state are working tirelessly to provide quality pharmaceutical care.
“Many people do what we are doing today for commercial reasons, so it is not every place offering health screenings is genuine,” he warned. “We are pharmacists, and we are genuine to the core. We want to encourage the public to take advantage of opportunities like this to know their health status. Any outreach you see organised by genuine healthcare providers, licensed by the government, you can rely on them.”
A cross section of beneficiaries during the health screening.
Ajayi also stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, stating, “Don’t wait until you are sick before you seek healthcare. Health is not merely the absence of illness; it is a state of complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.”
Pharm. Mrs Chinwe Emenike, the zonal coordinator of the IDEA Zone of the ACPN, also praised Goldmore for their partnership and highlighted the need for Nigeria to scale up its primary healthcare services. She emphasised that pharmacists are offering their knowledge and skills to help the entire country. “Regular health examinations and tests can help detect health problems before they become complicated and untreatable,” she noted.
Speaking in the same vein, Pharm. Tolulope Abiade, secretary of the IDEA Zone, added that health screenings are vital because many people are unaware of their conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are prevalent in society. “We are conducting screenings for non-communicable diseases, the most common in our community, including hypertension, diabetes, and others. We are also providing free product samples, and so far we have screened over 200 people which would be replicated in other centres” he said.
Beneficiaries of the programme, Mrs Lillian Amaefula and Mr Emmanuel Okechukwu, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity to learn about their health status, noting that the hustle and bustle of Lagos often deprives many of such opportunities.
Representing Goldmore Pharmaceutical Limited, Mrs Immaculata Ezogu, highlighted the company’s commitment to client relationships, stating that their experience has shown that solutions to health problems sometimes extend beyond medication to include lifestyle advice.
She added that the partnership with ACPN is part of Goldmore’s contribution to public healthcare and recognition of the pharmacists’ role in the sector as they celebrate this year’s Pharmacy Week.
Pharm. Tolu Ajayi, chairman, Lagos ACPN, (middle), flanked by Pharm. Oyekunle Babayemi, chairman, Lagos PSN, and Pharm. (Mrs) Mosun Dosumu, secretary, Lagos ACPN, at the Press Briefing.
Amid ongoing debates about the payment structure for professional services under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has criticized the current system, urging the NHIA to adopt a model similar to the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) by separating fees for professional services from capitation payments for other primary care services.
Speaking at a press conference held at its corporate office in Ogudu, Lagos, to commemorate this year’s PSN Scientific Week, the ACPN Chairman, Pharm. Tolu Ajayi, argued that the payment system must be simplified to move Nigeria closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Universal Health Coverage, saying the scheme must avoid complicating its payment system, if it is to remain sustainable and effective.
Ajayi, emphasised that direct payments to community pharmacy practitioners, as practised in Lagos, promote greater transparency and accountability, which are essential for the scheme’s efficiency and sustainability. He advocated for this model to be implemented nationwide, arguing that it would eliminate delays and ensure that pharmacists receive timely payments for their services.
“The fees for services rendered by pharmacists should be paid directly to them. When payments are routed through Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), it leaves pharmacists at the mercy of HMOs, who may delay payments,” Ajayi stated. “Financial delays can demoralize service providers, hinder their operations, and prevent them from replenishing their stocks. The solution is for all states and the national scheme to adopt the direct payment model used in Lagos.”
A cross-section of personalities at the press briefing
Ajayi also highlighted the need for an improved drug distribution system and called on state governors to replicate the Coordinated Wholesale Centre model established in Kano to combat the distribution of fake drugs.
He urged governors to collaborate with practitioners, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders to establish similar centres across Nigeria. “This initiative would ensure that medications within our patient care value chain are of high standard and quality, leading to better treatment outcomes,” he said.
On collaboration, Ajayi stressed the importance of a strong relationship between professional bodies and the government. “Where we see policies that don’t suit us, we will voice our concerns to the government. This is not out of malice, but out of a passion for improving the system,” he added.
“Currently, 322 community pharmacists are on board with the Ilera Eko Scheme, and I am confident that LASHMA will soon allow more community pharmacists to join.”
Speaking on this year’s PSN Pharmacy Scientific Week with the theme “The Imperative of the March Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: The Unique Place of Community Pharmacists” Ajayi said it’s an annual event celebrated by pharmacists and pharmacy students to raise awareness about the role of pharmacists in the healthcare sector and promote the profession.
Also speaking, Pharm. Anthony Bola Oyawole, a former presidential aspirant of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), called for greater recognition of community pharmacists, saying pharmacists are the closest healthcare providers to the public and are used judiciously in advanced countries.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies remained open, providing essential medication even when the rest of the nation was on lockdown. We continue to complement the efforts of the government and hope for stronger partnerships with community pharmacies.”
The ACPN Day of the PSN Scientific Week, featured free health screenings, preventive health talks, free drug samples, health insurance updates, and a lecture on the significance of vaccination. These activities were held concurrently at seven locations across the state, including Sabo Market, Ikorodu; Ajah Market; Iyana Ipaja Market; Ipodo Market, Ikeja; Tejuosho Market, Yaba; Iyana Iba Market, Iba; and New Market, Ajara, Badagry.
Dignitaries present at the press conference included Pharm. Mrs Bolanle Adeniran, former chairman of Lagos PSN; Pharm. Oyekunle Babayemi, chairman of Lagos PSN; Pharm. Taiwo Fakolujo, and Pharm. Mrs Mosun Dosumu, secretary of Lagos ACPN, among others.
The Osun State Government has confirmed two cases of monkeypox within the state. This was disclosed on Monday by the Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, during a meeting of the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) pillar in Osogbo.
“The two cases were reported in Ilesa West Local Government Area,” said Mr Akintola.
Providing further details, the State Epidemiologist, Omolola Adeagbo, stated, “A total of 47 suspected cases were recorded from EPI Week 1 to Week 34 across 13 local government areas. Laboratory tests confirmed two cases, both involving male patients aged five and 25 from Ilesa West.”
In response to the situation, according to him, the government has deployed its Rapid Response Team (RRT) to the affected areas. “We have started sensitisation campaigns in the Ogbon Alafia community, conducted active case searches within the community, and carried out retroactive health facility searches,” Akintola added.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government is actively managing the situation. “M-pox is a preventable disease, and with the EOC activated, we have scheduled weekly meetings to strategise on preventing the virus’s spread,” he said.
Akintola, in his recent visit to the FCT, discussed the state’s situation with the State Epidemiologist, who noted, “Osun has recorded only two cases in the last 34 weeks, compared to hundreds in other states.” He further added that public awareness campaigns are being aired on five radio stations to keep residents informed.
“There is no cause for alarm,” Mr Akintola reassured. “Our officers are fully prepared, and just as we prevented cholera, we will also prevent the spread of M-pox.”
In their remarks, Ojediran Oluwatoyin, the state coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Israel Solomon, the state coordinator for UNICEF, commended the proactive steps taken by the state government. They urged the government to continue sensitisation efforts across all local government areas, despite the absence of an M-pox vaccine in the country, and to strengthen surveillance and community engagement.
The Executive Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), Pharm. Frank Mounemeh
Pharm. Frank Mounemeh, the Executive Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), continues to reiterate his group’s readiness to host exhibitors from different parts of the world in what he terms another landmark event in the Nigerian Pharma industry. In this exclusive interview with Patrick Iwelunmor, he sheds light on the forthcoming Expo, stressing its significance to the local pharma manufacturing industry. EXCERPTS:
The 7th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ Expo is at hand. What should we expect?
The 7th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo is going to be another landmark event, showcasing the industry’s strength in capability, sustainability and effective partnerships. We anticipate the participation of key players in the pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem from Nigeria, West and Central Africa, Europe, and Asia. The event to be held in Lagos, Nigeria at the Balmoral Center Sheraton Hotels Towers Ikeja, will serve as a platform for networking, partnerships, and business-to-business opportunities.
Approximately 110 international exhibitors are expected to showcase cutting-edge processing machinery, pharmaceutical inputs such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and excipients, packaging machinery, water treatment systems, and analytical and biotech laboratory instruments. Local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies will also exhibit their finished products, demonstrating their capabilities. We are honoured to have high profile attendees, amongst which are the CEOs of National Regulatory Agencies (NRAs) from West and Central Africa, CEOs of turnkey facility consultants, development partners, country lead etc. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Padmashree Gehl Sampath, CEO of the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation and Senior Special Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank on pharmaceuticals and health infrastructure.
How timely do you think this expo is, considering the Nigerian pharmaceutical space?
This Expo is particularly timely as we mark 40 years of advocacy for medicine security, a journey that began on October 24, 1987, with 20 founding members commissioned by the then Minister for Health, Prof. Ransome Kuti. Today, we represent over 120 companies committed to closing the gap in access to medicine in Nigeria, NAFDAC database states 160 plus. Our theme, “40 Years of Advocacy: Fostering Partnership & Innovation to Unlock the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Value Chain in Nigeria, Central and West Africa,” reflects our achievements, challenges, and future aspirations. Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of “Unlocking the Value Chain in the Healthcare Sector,” the Expo will feature the Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare as the Special Guest of Honor. He will officially open the event and lead discussions on the opportunities arising from recent government policies aimed at stimulating the industrialization of the life sciences and pharmaceutical sector.
What can you say about attendance for this expo?
We are building on the success of #NPME2022, which attracted over 1,700 participants. We expect an even larger turnout this year. The event offers unparalleled business networking opportunities across the entire industry spectrum.
What really is the relationship between PMG-MAN and the Indian Partners – GPE Expo Ltd?
This is the 7th Edition and we have partnered with GPE EXPO ltd India in all the shows. We have a long-standing partnership with the firm, which also are the organizers of Asia Pharma Expo, Arab Pharma Expo, and Africa Pharma Expo (formerly East Africa Expo). Their technical support has been instrumental in ensuring the success of our events.
In what ways do you think this expo will impact the Nigerian pharma industry?
The Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ Expo is a key initiative of PMGMAN, designed to support the ambitious goal of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines from the current 65% to 30%. Our vision is to achieve self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical production, with 70% of medicines being produced locally. As you know, the expo is a biennial event, which plays a critical role in helping local pharmaceutical companies scale up production, upgrade their facilities, and capability to be able to produce quality-assured finished formulations, including biologics and innovative products.
In addition, the event also provides a platform for industry players to engage with turnkey consultants, suppliers, and contractors. High-level policymakers seizes the opportunity to make bold policy statements on trade and regulation, and to clarify topical policies, such as the PEO implementation, NAFDAC’s 5PLUSFive policy, and regional market access and technology transfer in Africa for Pharma and life sciences.
Most of the discussions in the Nigerian Pharma are tilting towards advancing the local manufacturing sector. What would you say PMG-MAN has contributed in this regard?
Our mission as a group has always been centered on advocacy, particularly in advancing local pharmaceutical manufacturing. We conceptualized the idea of “Medicine Security,” which became a buzzword post-COVID-19. This concept emphasizes the need to prioritize local pharma manufacturing across the entire value chain, from active ingredients to finished formulations and supply chain optimisation. We believe that without significant local input in this ecosystem, access to safe, quality, and affordable medicines, as well as the attainment of universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3, will remain elusive. Over the past 40 years, it will be right to state that the group has tirelessly advocated for a strengthened medicine security system, urging policymakers at both national and regional levels to mainstream local pharma manufacturing. Today, our members are upgrading their facilities to meet global standards, with a member company achieving WHO product prequalification and certification. Swiss Pharm (NIG) a member company between last year and this year got two of their products WHO prequalified – that is a huge milestone as they are the first to do that in some cases in Africa and more companies are in this journey, trusting that it will make a business case in future.
We are yet to start feeling the impact of the Executive Order on pharmaceuticals signed by the Tinubu administration. This is because Nigerians are still grappling with out of pocket expenses on medicines. Do you still believe that this Executive Order will yield any dividends?
The implementation framework of the Presidential Executive Order (PEO), which is aimed at increasing local production of healthcare products and reducing costs, we got to know, is currently being finalized – work in progress. This executive trade and investment policy instrument pronounced by the President, an Initiative led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, was born out of extensive consultations with the industry. The behind-the-scenes work is being coordinated by the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Value Chain in Healthcare (PVAC), led by Dr Abdu Mukhtar.
As an Alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive program on Leading Smart Policy Design, I was taught that the success of a policy is 10% design and 90% implementation. The challenge has always been implementation. The last administration of President Muhammed Buhari GCFR, introduced many policies with a view to stimulate local pharmaceutical production post-COVID-19. Their effectiveness has often been hindered by challenges in implementation by the government institutions charged with the responsibility. You and I are aware of the following extant trade and regulatory policies of the last administration: The VAT Modification Order 2021, which exempts VAT payment for pharma raw materials’ input, the supplementary Fiscal Measure (SFM) of Charter 99 that emphasizes on duty-free for machineries for manufacturing, the Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) waiver on tariff and duty for machineries and other key inputs for industrialization purpose. The question is: with all these policies, how did we fare with implementation? You know the answer. For us in the PMGMAN, PEO is about the political will to tweak these policies to avoid the many bottlenecks that makes them not to work; get it to be a seamless process, automated real-time. Get the systems automated with minimal human interface. I do not need to be visiting Nigeria Customs Office HQ, or commands, every now and then to solve disputes on a policy directive that is not ambiguous to interpret- unfortunately, that has always been the case, where HS Codes are misinterpreted to drive revenue. It messes the whole production cycle up and adds to the high cost of production, which ultimately will be paid by the patient whom today, still makes huge out of pocket expenses to access medicine. We hope that the current administration will prioritize seamless and automated implementation to avoid bottlenecks, reduce production costs, and ultimately benefit patients who currently face high out-of-pocket expenses for medicines.
Any word for pharmaceutical companies with regards to the forthcoming expo? Is PMG-MAN getting the support it requires from them?
This Expo is an event that every bona fide PMGMAN member company should proudly support. It offers a platform to demonstrate our capacity to fill the gap created by the exit of multinational. Companies looking to upgrade their facilities and scale up production will find this Expo invaluable.
Beyond PMGMAN members, traders interested in contract manufacturing or exploring backward integration opportunities will also benefit from this event. For those targeting regional market access, this Expo is an ideal platform, as it will feature CEOs of National Regulatory Authorities from West and Central Africa, as well as opinion leaders in development, who will share insights on regional manufacturing and funding opportunities. Diplomats and high commissioners will also be in attendance.
This comprehensive event is designed to unlock the value chain in pharmaceutical manufacturing across Nigeria, Central, and West Africa. Participation is free, and we encourage everyone to register for their access badge and QR code at www.pmgman.com or www.NigeriaPharmaExpo.com. #NPME2024. The event will take place at the Balmoral Convention Center, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Chairman Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi Esq, along with the entire PMGMAN Management and membership, looks forward to welcoming all visitors, buyers, exhibitors, policymakers, and development partners to the Expo.
The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. Moji Adeyeye has commended the management of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (SWIPHA), a leading pharmaceutical company in Nigeria, for its efforts and commitment to the highest standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing, demonstrated in its attainment of World Health Organisation (WHO) Pre-qualification for Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine, (SP) 500/25mg tablet for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy.
Prof. Adeyeye, explained that the WHO prequalification shows the company’s adherence to stringent quality control measures and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. This accomplishment serves as a beacon of excellence for other local drug manufacturers, encouraging them to pursue similar certifications and enhance the overall quality of pharmaceuticals available in Nigeria and the region.
“It is with great joy and delight that I have the privilege of informing our stakeholders and the teeming Nigerian public that the WHO prequalification unit has prequalified yet another product, sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine tablet from SWIPHA to its lists of prequalified product thus making Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited the first indigenous manufacturer in Nigeria to achieve this laudable feat in West and Central Africa”, she stated.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where pregnant women and children under five years of age are most vulnerable. Malaria in pregnancy poses severe risks to both the mother and the unborn child, including an increased risk of maternal anaemia, low birth weight, preterm birth, and maternal death. Preventive measures, including using SP during antenatal care visits, are essential in reducing these risks and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking on the milestone, the Managing Director of SWIPHA, Frederic Lieutaud, disclosed that the achievement of WHO Prequalification for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg tablet underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, life-saving medicines that meet international standards of safety, efficacy, and quality assurance. He noted that the prequalification also represents a significant step forward in the fight against malaria in pregnancy in Nigeria and across Africa.
“We are immensely proud to have received WHO Prequalification for our Sulfadoxine Plus Pyrimethamine Tablet for preventing malaria in pregnancy. This achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to improving maternal health and combating malaria, two critical public health challenges in Nigeria and beyond. We believe every woman deserves access to safe and effective preventive measures during pregnancy, and we are dedicated to making this a reality,” said Mr Lieutaud.
Also speaking on the milestone, Swipha’s Business Development & Licensing Director, Abbas Sambo stated that the achievement highlights Swipha’s belief in providing safe and effective medicines for all, particularly maternal and child health. “This certification enables us to offer the SP Tablet to organizations and governments worldwide, contributing to improved maternal and child health outcomes. We are actively seeking partnerships with global entities such as the Global Fund and USAID to tackle critical health challenges like Malaria,” Sambo added.
Pharm, Sambo further stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing these health issues, reiterating Swipha’s commitment to working with global organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to ensure essential medicines are accessible to all.
“This achievement emphasises the incredible teamwork and support from its valued partners and supporters. Servier Generic Group, NAFDAC, Unitaid, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the World Health Organisation (WHO), USAID, United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), and the USP-PQM+ program all played a crucial role in making this milestone possible. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in this success, reflecting a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and increasing access to essential medicines. We appreciate all these partners for their vital contributions to this achievement and remain committed to innovation and excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and will continue to pursue initiatives to improve public health in Nigeria and beyond”, he said.
The World Bank has announced an ambitious goal to deliver affordable healthcare to 1.5 billion people by 2030, highlighting the urgent need to close the global healthcare gap.
The World Bank President, Ajay Banga, disclosed this in a statement sighted by Pharmanewsonline as displayed by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 4.5 billion people lack full access to healthcare, largely due to a severe shortage of medical workers. The WHO projects a deficit of 10 million health workers by 2030, primarily affecting low- and middle-income countries.
President Banga emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal, stating that, “Providing a basic standard of care for people throughout their lives is critical for development. This ambition won’t be realised with a solo effort. It will require partners, a coalition of public and private sectors, working together to expand access to healthcare services.”
Research by the World Economic Forum (WEF) suggests that generative AI could help alleviate the workforce shortage by automating tasks such as transcribing patient visits, analyzing data, and providing health information. The WEF report indicates that AI can boost the productivity of existing healthcare staff, allowing them to handle more patients with limited resources.
In addition to tackling the workforce shortage, global initiatives are focused on closing the gender health gap and expanding treatment access for degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. These efforts are crucial as organisations work toward expanding healthcare coverage worldwide.
Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, and Director General, NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, at the signing of the MoU.
The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) and Covenant University (CU) formalised a strategic alliance through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, at the weekend. This collaboration aims to drive the development of natural medicine in Nigeria, leveraging the strengths of both institutions.
Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of NNMDA, emphasised the significant opportunities this partnership presents for the country. He highlighted the potential for natural medicine to generate employment, boost national revenue, and elevate NNMDA as a leading research institute in West Africa.
Emeje underscored that Covenant University would contribute its expertise in human capital development, while NNMDA would focus on research and development.
“This partnership is designed to achieve a level of collaboration where research institutes gain prominence on par with investors, similar to practices in other regions,” Emeje remarked.
The renown scientist stated the NNMDA’s recent achievements, including the launch of four new products and the development of 11 additional products, which are currently undergoing assessment by NAFDAC.
He projected that the natural medicine sector could create substantial job opportunities, with a single product potentially generating 3.8 million jobs. According to him, the global natural medicine market is expected to reach $347 billion by 2030, with plant-based medicines alone potentially generating $5 trillion by 2050.
Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stressing the need for the country to recognise and leverage its indigenous medicinal resources.
Adebayo argued that investing in these resources could lead to significant economic benefits, including funding national budgets. He drew comparisons to China, noting how Chinese research institutes are highly regarded and suggesting Nigeria should adopt similar models to maximize its natural product potential.
‘’Now having had a pinch of this during my training in China, I can let you know that even the institutes in China, and there are several hundreds of them, are more highly rated than the universities where they produce postgraduate training
“So, I want to admonish and recommend that our government begins to pay attention to this; let us fund the institutes, let’s fund the agencies”, he stated.
…As Former ACPN Scribe, Olatunji-Koolchap, Launches Legacy Books
A cross section of personalities displaying the launched books
For people to sustain the momentum of growth, improve relevance, bless future generations and leave behind a legacy that outlives them, they must embrace and imbibe a strong writing culture.
This was the submission of Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, vice-president, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), and publisher, Pharmanews, at the launching of Legacy Books, titled ‘History of Pharmacy Development in Nigeria’, and ‘The Essentials in Pharmaceutical Practice’, written by Pharm. Algreen Olatunji-Koolchap, a former national secretary, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), at Hall 36, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos.
Atueyi, an octogenarian publisher who also served as the event’s chairman, commended Olatunji-Koolchap for dedicating his time to writing these books. He noted that authors do not write for themselves but for others, as many future generations will benefit from their works, even after the authors have passed away.
“Through writing, you provide something valuable to others. The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. This is what we experience in writing books. When you write, you add value to people’s lives.” Atueyi said.
L-R: Pharm. (Engr) Algreen Olatunji-Koolchap, author of the launched books; Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, chairman of the occasionm and publisher, Pharmanews; Hon, Idowu Obasa, CEO Biomedical Limited, and chief launcher; and Otunba (Dr) Bode Tawak, director at Biomedical Limited, at the book launch.
He continued, “I am here today because of the books written by others, which I have read and learned from. As Benjamin Franklin once advised: ‘Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.’ It’s a legacy you leave behind. I started writing 20 years ago and have published 23 motivational books. They bring me joy. When someone tells me they enjoyed my work, I say, ‘Thank you very much.’ So, I congratulate Olatunji-Koolchap for joining our league.”
The book reviewer, Moses Akanmu, professor of Pharmacology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and pioneer dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, described the first book, “The Essentials in Pharmaceutical Practice,” as comprehensive. It is divided into several sections, each covering different aspects of pharmacy practice, including industrial pharmacy, public health, herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, and consulting.
He explained that the 537-page book is titled “Essentials in Pharmaceutical Practice” because it encompasses all aspects of pharmacy practice. This includes community, industrial, academic, and hospital pharmacy, as well as drug distribution guidelines and drug information services related to the Federal Ministry of Health. Prof. Akanmu encouraged everyone to obtain a copy, noting that both students and lecturers would greatly benefit from the knowledge contained in the book.
Speaking on the second book, “History of Pharmacy Development in Nigeria,” Akanmu noted that it is not just for pharmacists or pharmacy students; non-pharmacists should also be interested in how the pharmacy profession began in Nigeria. “The pharmacy profession in Nigeria is over 97 years old, established in 1927. I believe you would want to know how it started and what happened in 1922 in relation to pharmacy,” he said. “The book provides information about the pioneer dispensers who started the practice before pharmacists came into the picture. It also contains essential life quotes that enrich the reader.”
Speaking on the topic, “The Power of Purposefulness,” Prof. Udoma Mendie of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, emphasised the importance of writing. As a teacher and author, he shared his extensive experience, noting that he has over 3,000 books in his library and never skips a night without reading.
He advised the audience on living a purposeful life, stating that integrity is the first thing that drives purpose. “Integrity is the ability to do the right thing even when no one is watching,” he added. “It is a fundamental value that promotes trust, respect, and accountability.”
“We are here to launch these enterprising books by Olatunji-Koolchap due to his passion as an author. Although he is a pharmacist, he continues to pursue other skills to broaden his knowledge base and share it with everyone,” Mendie said. “Writing a book in Nigeria is a selfless act of philanthropy. Nonetheless, when you do good to others and impart knowledge, you become richer in your own enterprise.”
The author, Olatunji-Koolchap, who is currently the Pharmacy Director at Biomedical Limited, Ilorin, Kwara State, noted in his remarks that he was able to write the books through God’s grace and resilience, having compiled the manuscripts over 15 years.
He expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the event and explained that he began jotting down scripts from his past publications, articles, and both published and unpublished works over 15 years ago, while the books themselves began to take shape in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was initially supposed to be one book, but the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria then advised me to split it into two. That’s why you have two books today,” he said.
In his brief remarks before launching the books, Hon. Idowu Obasa, chairman and chief executive officer of Biomedical Limited, commended the author for his achievement in publishing the books, attributing it to his tenacity of purpose and passion for adding value to people’s lives.
Obasa also lamented the declining reading and writing culture and the removal of history from students’ curricula, describing it as a great disaster and tragedy. “They robbed our children of a lot when they removed history from the curriculum. Hopefully, sanity will return to our country one day,” he added.
Other notable personalities at the event include, Dr Margaret Ilomuanya, of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, who also doubled as the anchor of the event; Otunba (Dr) Bode Tawak, director at Biomedical Limited, Ilorin, Kwara State; Pastor Adebayo Olatunji Kelvin, MFM Mega Region, Lagos; Pastor (Mrs) Grace Ajibola, MFM, Mowe Branch; among others.
Coordinating Minister of Health and social welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate
The Nigerian government has launched four strategic policy documents aimed at reducing the impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are responsible for approximately 447,800 deaths annually, according to health officials.
Speaking in Abuja Thursday, while launching the policy documents at a ceremony themed “Revitalising NCDs Prevention and Control in Nigeria: Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration”, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, announced the introduction of these policies, designed to tackle the growing burden of NCDs in Nigeria.
According to Pate, these diseases account for 27 per cent of all deaths in the country each year, with many of these fatalities occurring among individuals aged 30 to 70.
Pate emphasised the urgency of addressing NCDs, citing unhealthy lifestyles such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diets, and physical inactivity as major contributing factors.
“The rising prevalence of these conditions necessitates immediate and comprehensive action,” he said.
The newly launched policies include guidelines for the prevention and management of hypertension, strategies for task-shifting and task-sharing among healthcare workers, and a national action plan for tobacco control covering 2024 to 2028. These documents, according to Pate, will guide the nation’s healthcare strategies and practices in the coming years, aligning with broader governmental initiatives like the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, Pate highlighted the government’s plans to bolster the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, including expanding cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities in six teaching hospitals. Additionally, the government is retraining 120,000 frontline health workers to better equip them with the skills needed to address evolving healthcare challenges.
Drawing on international examples, Pate referenced Finland’s successful North Karelia Project, which led to a 70 per cent reduction in coronary heart disease mortality through community-based interventions. He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s new policies could lead to similar improvements in public health outcomes.
Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality NCD services, improving health insurance coverage, and supporting local manufacturing of essential medicines.
“These policies are not just documents; they are a blueprint for a healthier future for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Bottle feeding of infant. Image source – Parents.com
A consultant paediatrician, Dr Aisha Mohammed says research has shown that 14 per cent of ear problems in infants are a result of bottle feeding.
Mohammed who works at the Paediatric Department, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, said that ear infection could affect the inner and outer parts of the organ.
The paediatrician made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi on Thursday, disclosing that bottle feeding could also cause dental caries in children.
She explained that dental caries, often called cavities, were erosions of the surface of the tooth, caused by combined effects of bacteria, acids, plaque and tartar.
Mohammed said dental caries are common in both children and adults and occur most often as a result of poor dental hygiene.
The expert advocated spoon and cup feeding of babies after introducing complementary foods.
She added that “the use of cup and spoon method should be adopted to mitigate ear problems and dental caries in babies.
“This is because the use of feeding bottles can affect the outer and inner ear of the baby due to either dripping from the bottle
or forced feeding.”
The paediatrician, who kicked against forced feeding of babies as practiced in some communities, said it could cause aspiration pneumonia, the inhalational acute lung injury that occurs after aspiration of sterile gastric contents.
She, therefore, advised mothers to adopt best practices in breast and complementary feedings to avoid choking in babies, noting that “choking can also result in aspiration pneumonia (stubborn pneumonia).
She also advised mothers to observe babies’ eating behaviours to know the likely meals to be adopted during complementary feeding.
“If the baby is refusing to take the provided food in a normal and gentle way, then something is wrong with the meal and the baby should not be forced”, she added.
If you are to chair a meeting, how much time do you spare to prepare for it? Do you meditate on the agenda and anticipate any likely controversial issues? Do you visualise the participants sitting and contributing ideas? Do you even anticipate what points a particular person might raise?
Do you see yourself in control of the meeting as regards the direction of the debates and discussions? Have you set out the time for closing the meeting? For any successful meeting, the chairman must have planned and prepared himself physically, emotionally, and spiritually in order to direct the meeting effectively.
In September 2004, I travelled to New Orleans in the United States for the FIP Congress. As a result of the activities of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Pharmanews held towards the end of August, I didn’t have enough time to prepare for that trip. My clothes were therefore sent to the dry cleaner during the week of my departure. Unfortunately, when I went to collect them on the evening of my departure, they were not ready.
I had no choice but to travel that night without the clothes I planned to wear for the week-long Congress and my holiday thereafter. I was unhappy that I would have to spend my limited dollars buying clothes I never planned for. But a miracle happened.
On arrival at the Logan International Airport in Boston, our son, who picked me up, excitedly told me that we were diverting to a shopping mall to buy some clothes because mom had phoned him that dad was arriving in Boston without clothes.
To the glory of God, I ended up acquiring some shirts and trousers and even a pair of shoes. The following day, I left for New Orleans in brand new clothes and shoes. My inadequate preparation could have cost me too much if I had flown directly to New Orleans for the Congress, but I thank God that it turned out to be a blessing. The Bible tells an interesting story of ten virgins at a wedding ceremony in Matthew, chapter 25.
Five wise virgins prepared well for the arrival of the bridegroom in the night by having adequate oil in their lamps. The other foolish five had lamps but not enough oil.
At midnight, the bridegroom arrived, but the foolish ones who had no oil in their lamps had to miss the ceremony because they went out to buy oil. Lack of preparation prevented them from being a part of the ceremony. Examine the lives of people who have succeeded in their endeavours, and you will not fail to see how they committed themselves to prepare for success.
It has been said that if you do not make plans and preparations, then you are planning to fail. Recall how many years Moses prepared himself before he could take up the responsibility of leading the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Recall how many years Jacob had to prepare to marry Rebecah, who was destined to be his wife.
Preparation made all the difference. Even Jesus used nearly his whole lifetime to prepare for the ministry of only three and a half years. Some time ago, I attended a business seminar on retirement facilitated by Dr. Pascal Ebohimien, the then Deputy Director of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC.
It was a very exciting and rewarding seminar that kept everybody thinking of retirement and old age. The question in everyone’s mind was how to prepare for retirement in order to enjoy a fruitful old age. Planning and preparation are the two key factors that were indispensable. Do you have a house of your own? What savings and investments are you making for the future? What provisions are you making for your children?
Can you be financially independent at the time you retire? These are mind-boggling questions for everyone. During the seminar, I was reflecting on the final retirement. Do you know that we may make adequate plans and preparations for retirement from jobs, but completely disregard preparing for the final retirement.
This is a very subtle but serious question. Where will you be when you retire finally? People may have an idea when they plan to retire from work because of age, but no one knows when the final retirement from life will be.
It could come accidentally when you least expect it. It might delay, but one thing is certain, it must surely come one day. Our life here on earth is a time to prepare for the life to come. Tragedies, trials, and temptation in this life help to prepare us for the next life. The fundamental step of preparation you can make while alive is to surrender your life to Jesus, if you have not already done so. Since nobody knows the time for the final retirement, the wisest thing to do is to be ready now.
Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa, former director general of Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been appointed as the Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of a global diagnostic body, FIND.
Director of Communications at FIND, Tia Jeewa, made this disclosure Thursday, through a statement sent to Pharmanewsonline.
Dr Adetifa, a seasoned pediatrician and accomplished infectious disease epidemiologist, while at the NCDC, played a pivotal role advancing Nigeria’s COVID-19 response. He also attracted substantial programme funds, managed significant budgets, and supervised a large team dedicated to combating outbreak and endemic pathogens.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Dr Adetifa stated, “I am thrilled to join FIND at such a critical juncture for global health and especially for diagnostics. I look forward to leading FIND’s team and collaborating with our global partners to drive diagnostic innovation and ensure these advancements reach those most in need.”
Dr Ayoade Alakija, chair of the FIND Board, highlighted the significance of this appointment, noting that the organisation embarked on a new and exciting transformative journey, and excited to welcome Adetifa to the FIND family as he takes on CEO responsibilities.
“His appointment marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first African CEO from the Global South that FIND was established to serve. I am particularly proud to welcome the first African Chief Executive into the Geneva Global Health Campus and the wider ecosystem. Rebalancing power is what will advance health for all, and I remain fully committed to ensuring that global health leadership reflects the diversity of the populations we serve.”
Dr Adetifa’s extensive experience includes work at the national, regional, continental and international levels on Lassa fever, vaccines and immunisation, respiratory syncytial virus, malaria, tuberculosis, and health systems. He is also currently a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
He received his undergraduate medical qualifications from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria and completed his paediatric residency at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, idi-Araba, Lagos, with the award of a Fellowship of the West Africa College of Physicians in Paediatrics. He then went on to obtain an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, and a PhD. (all in Epidemiology) from the University of Amsterdam. He also was an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at LSHTM prior to his appointment to the NCDC.
A recent study has brought to light the significant relationship between genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and the increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Given the rising incidence of thyroid cancer, the scientists emphasised that these findings are essential for raising public awareness and promoting prevention.
The research, published in the JAMA Network Open led by Xiuming Feng and colleagues, utilised data from over 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank, aged 40 to 69 years, who were monitored from 2006 to 2010. During a median follow-up of 11.1 years, 423 participants developed thyroid cancer. The study sought to determine how lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and weight control, as well as genetic risk as determined by polygenic risk scores (PRS), affected the incidence of thyroid cancer.
Feng also highlighted that individuals with a family history of thyroid cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Certain inherited genetic mutations can make thyroid cells more prone to becoming cancerous. He emphasised the importance of knowing one’s family medical history, as it can be a crucial factor in early detection and prevention of thyroid cancer.
Key findings revealed that individuals with high PRS and an unfavourable lifestyle exhibited the highest risk for thyroid cancer. More specifically, the risk was markedly increased in those with both high genetic risk and bad lifestyle choices (smoking, for example).
Smoking, in particular, was identified as a key risk factor, as chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage DNA in thyroid cells, increasing the likelihood of cancer development.
The study also points to lifestyle choices as significant contributors to thyroid cancer risk. Diets low in iodine, a vital nutrient for thyroid function, were associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency can lead to thyroid problems, including cancer. The findings suggest that maintaining a favourable lifestyle can reduce the impact of high genetic risk on thyroid cancer incidence, underscoring the importance of healthy behaviors in cancer prevention.
Another critical factor identified in the study is exposure to radiation, which includes both medical radiation, such as from X-rays and CT scans, and environmental exposure from sources like nuclear accidents. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to radiation, and exposure can damage cells, increasing the risk of cancer. The study suggests that individuals who have undergone frequent medical imaging or lived in areas with high radiation levels should be particularly vigilant about thyroid health.
The findings of this study underline the importance of a proactive approach to thyroid cancer prevention. Regular screening should be considered by those who have a family history of the condition or have been exposed to risk factors like radiation or smoking. The results of treatment can be greatly enhanced by early detection of thyroid abnormalities. A healthy lifestyle that includes giving up smoking and making sure you get enough iodine can also lower your risk of thyroid cancer.
All things considered, this research offers insightful information about how genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors interact to cause thyroid cancer. By understanding these risks, individuals can take steps to protect their thyroid health and potentially prevent the onset of this increasingly common disease.
The book reflects decades of teaching, research, regulatory service and or professional practice experience of the 31 contributing authors who are national and international experts, thus conferring their authority on the subject.
The book is presented in 26 chapters and in one volume of about 900 pages. The introduction is captivating enough to invite the reader, irrespective of background, vocation or profession. The chapter traces records of the methods used to accomplish beautification of the body from the ancient civilisations up till the early days of the modern industries, a few of which have brands that still exist till today. It also identifies five distinct practitioners associated with cosmetics application or therapy to educate against undue role conflict and charlatanism.
The other chapters of the book can be grouped into five main themes to wit: The skin, hair and nail; Product development, Manufacture and marketing; Choice of materials and their functions; Health and safety information; and Regulations, laws and the Consumer.
The skin, hair and nail
Three liberally illustrated chapters have been rightly devoted to the anatomy and functions of the skin (2) and the hair (5) as well as the nail which are the major targets of application of cosmetics to provide the reader with the understanding that while the expected effects on the skin and hair may be achieved, indeed, the effects may be more than skin deep. Please pardon my indulgence to emphasise that, among others, the book provides illustration of the chemical bonds that explain the shape of the hair, their relative strengths and susceptibility to all weapons of assault that we use in relaxing the hair such as alkali and heat and the predictability of the consequences with collateral damage to the skull, on misapplication.
Development, manufacture and marketing of cosmetic products
Eight chapters have been devoted to topics of interest to the cosmetic industry and potential investors, thus, addressing the technology, formulation, manufacture packaging, GMP, product stability issues, microbiology quality, product evaluation, and marketing strategies. These chapters provide basic technical information of interest to pharmacy students and students of industrial chemistry. It should also encourage entrepreneurship in the young graduates.
Choices of key materials and their functions
Some key components of cosmetics have been selected for detailed discussions in four different chapters which, respectively, address fragrances/essential oils/perfumes (11), antioxidants (12), natural products in general (13) and nutraceuticals (14). Chapter 9 is more elaborate on the chemical nature of cosmetics with a host of chemical materials and their functions described. These chapters should challenge the university academic to explore the abundant natural resources in the environment to develop useful and possibly superior and safer materials for the manufacture of cosmetics.
Health applications and health concerns
One chapter (7) has been devoted to the positive health application of cosmetic products to protect against harmful sun radiation while another chapter (8) addresses cosmetic surgery in response to psychological health demand to correct blemishes, improve appearance and self-esteem even in the absence of anatomical deformities which may otherwise require plastic surgery. On the other hand, four other chapters are devoted to harmful potentials and they specifically address skin bleaching (4), adverse reactions (21), endocrine disrupting chemicals (22) as well as implications in cancer (23). Although some essential technical and scientific items of information such as those on carcinogenesis, mutations and the associated complex signalling pathways are included, these chapters are very educative for the public in general.
Regulations, Laws and the Consumer
Chapter 24 provides detailed comparison of the global regulatory framework for the cosmetic industry. This chapter should be of interest to the manufacturer seeking to extend reach beyond national borders or the importer of finished products. Chapter 25 is as much for the manufacturer as it is for the consumer. It spells out the legal liability of the manufacturer or service provider on one hand and, on the other hand, the rights and the legal framework to seek redress by the consumer or client, in case of any harmful effects from a product or a procedure.
In general, all the laws, regulations and guidelines cited throughout the book are current. The book is well illustrated with appropriate tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures and chemical structures to make it reader friendly.
On the down side, there is some substantial overlap of information in a few chapters. However, appropriate cross referencing between chapters has been provided.
The book is a comprehensive treatise of the subject for the use of students, teachers, researchers, manufacturers and prospective investors. It is particularly simple enough but sufficiently educative to guide the public as the end-users of the products and services to make informed choices, be realistic about expectations, and guide against misapplication.
As the old saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating!
Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Stephenson Ojeifo, says the state has recorded three suspected cases of Mpox.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday evening, Mr Ojeifo, a medical doctor, said though none of the cases had been confirmed as positive, residents of the state should be vigilant.
He said: “We have three suspected cases of Mpox; two patients are in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, and one is at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.”
He explained that while the symptoms of Mpox resembled those of other skin rashes, the ministry was maintaining a high level of caution by isolating the suspected cases for proper management.
“We make sure that any suspected case is isolated, while we send samples to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for testing.
“So, until the results of the tests are out, we cannot say we have any case of Mpox,” Mr Ojeifo said.
He assured that the patients were not in critical condition but are being isolated as part of the state’s enhanced surveillance measures.
He also said the ministry had strengthened its surveillance across the state’s private, public, and primary healthcare centres.
“The ministry is also working with local government health educators to raise public awareness about the symptoms of Mpox.”
Mr Ojeifo noted that while Edo had managed cases of Monkeypox in the past, the current situation was being taken more seriously in line with the WHO and Africa Centre for Disease Control’s alert.
“We have had pockets of cases of Mpox in Edo in the past and we have always managed them and they get well,” he said.
Mpox is a viral disease and primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, or by touching contaminated objects.
It can cause serious complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, but most cases are mild and recover without treatment.
The disease is characterised by flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a distinctive rash that develops into small, fluid-filled blisters and eventually forms scabs.
Infection prevention and control measures for the disease include regular hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitiser
Other measures are disinfecting surfaces and objects, managing waste properly, and practising respiratory hygiene by covering while coughing and sneezing and using masks in crowded area.
Nigeria’s Resident Coordinator, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mohamed Fall, has said an urgent action is needed to save millions of children from malnutrition in north-east Nigeria.
Fall disclosed this recently when he visited the Stabilisation Centre, a hospital dedicated to treating malnourished children, in Yola, Adamawa State, as part of activities to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.
The theme of the 2024 celebration is #Act for Humanity.
According to the UN-OCHA, 4.8 million people are projected to be food insecure during the lean season, with 230,000 children at risk of life-threatening severe acute malnutrition.
A lean season response plan seeking $306 million to alleviate the crisis is only 30 per cent funded.
“It is only befitting that as we mark the 2024 World Humanitarian Day, we should all stand in solidarity with the little children whose lives are on the line.
“With mothers who are struggling to feed their children, boys and girls who are missing out on a childhood.
“Because they have been forced by circumstances to take on adult roles to help their families make ends meet, these people need our collective humanity,” he said.
He, therefore, called on partners to address the severe food insecurity and malnutrition affecting Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
The coordinator emphasised that stakeholders and agencies of government should mobilise resources to support humanity and help the children in need.
“I visited a stabilisation centre for malnourished children that is run by the government and supported by the International Rescue Committee and UNICEF here in Yola.
“The scenes I saw were heart-wrenching because I saw babies fighting for their lives. It is unconscionable that we should see this level of suffering today.
“We must stand together to act for humanity to make sure that we can put an end to their plight,” he said.
He expressed worries about the ability of families to bear the cost of treatment hence the need for collective action to support humanity.
He said, “Malnutrition also comes at an enormous cost to children’s physical and intellectual development, meaning that they may never reach their full potential.
“I met mothers who were both hopeful and worried. They are hopeful that
their children will get better soon but they are also worried that their children may get sick once again.
“Because they can’t access enough nutritious food to sustain their health and I share their worries.
“Our ability to support these efforts is rapidly diminishing because the resources that we saw mobilised for the COVID-19 response, and the global solidarity are no longer there.”
He, however, expressed optimism with the federal and state government’s support to address the situation.
”What gives me hope is that the state government working with development partners can bring hope to people in need.
“So, for me, the humanitarian space is one of the main spaces where humanity has its true expression.
“It is a space where you see humanitarian actors risking their lives to save other people’s lives, to reduce vulnerability, to protect and to help people get back on their feet,” he said
A medical practitioner in the centre, Sani Mohammed, who was part of the team that took the UN Coordinator around the facility, said the centre received an average of 96,000 patients annually within and
Pharm Ahmed Yakasai receiving the veteran award from KANET
The Kano Network of NGOs (KANET) has conferred on Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai, Kachallan Kano, the Veterans Award.
The award presentation ceremony took place at the Award Night Dinner, organised by KANET, on 18 August, 2024, at the Tahir Guest Palace, Kano.
KANET described the award as a recognition of Yakasai’s outstanding contributions and dedication to the development of civil society and community empowerment in Kano State.
Expressing his gratitude, the Kachallan Kano stated, “I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this award and for being made the keynote speaker and special guest of honour.”
L-R: Ex-Officio member of the society, Dr David Ehikhuemen; President of the Society for Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing of Nigeria (SPSMN), Pharm. Tunde Oyeniran; and the Managing Director/Publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, during the visit of the SPSMN duo to Pharmanews.
The Society of Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing of Nigeria (SPSMN) has concluded plans to hold its Annual Investiture/Induction of new fellows on 26 September, 2024.
The society will also honour some individuals who have contributed immensely to advancement of pharmaceutical sales and marketing, with awards. An award night will therefore take place in the evening on the same date.
The event will take place at the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Secretariat, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The theme of the event is “Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing in Nigeria: Professionalism and Thriving in Turbulent Time”; and the keynote address is expected to be delivered by a renowned marketing and sales consultant, George Thorpe.
The National President of the society, Pharm. Tunde Oyeniran, made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to Pharmanews Publisher, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, at the Pharmanews office, Monday. Pharm. Oyeniran visited the healthcare publishing firm in the company of the Ex-Officio member of the society, Dr David Ehikhuemen.
While giving a progress report on the coming event, Pharm. Oyeniran, said preparation is on top gear to ensure that the society records a successful outing.
According to Oyeniran, the award will be in three categories which are merit awards for pharma sales and marketing practitioners, the second category will recognise best pharma publication, best CEO, best distributors, best chief pharmacist. The third category is for the veterans, which is the lifetime award for sales veterans, leadership among others.
“We will shortlist three out of all nominees and ask people in the industry to pick the best”, he said.
Oyeniran noted that the pharmaceutical sales, marketing and distribution personnel are the key people that bring in money for pharma companies but they are not getting enough recognition; hence the society has decided to launch the award to recognise them.
Some notable personalities, he said have been invited to grace the occasion, among who are Pharm. (Sir) Atueyi as the guest of honour, Managing Director, SK Medicines, Mahesh Vaswani among others.
In his remark, Pharm. (Sir) Atueyi commended the society for coming out to be a voice for the pharmaceutical sales and marketing personnel in the country.
According to him, in view of the important roles that pharmaceutical sales and marketing personnel play in the pharma industry, recognising them with awards is a good gesture because people like to be recognised for their efforts.
Atueyi, who also gave the society a fatherly blessing, charged Oyeniran and his team to go all out and succeed.
Experts in malaria research have warned African governments about the surge in mosquito-borne infections, fuelled by extreme climate conditions. They stated that these conditions pose a significant threat to the continent’s public health systems if adequate measures are not taken to mitigate the effects.
The African scientists, who identified malaria, dengue, and yellow fever as the major mosquito-borne diseases, noted that the global community records 200 million malaria cases and 600,000 deaths annually, with African children and pregnant women accounting for most of these fatalities. Meanwhile, dengue fever has seen a dramatic rise, with cases increasing by 6 million from 2000 to 2023, as climate change is exacerbating pressure on public health.
Speaking during a virtual symposium on Monday, in a virtual forum in commemoration of the 2024 World Mosquito Day, Dr Phillip Chigiya, a medical doctor and secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance Youth Advisory Council (AYAC), emphasised the differences between malaria and dengue fever. Despite being transmitted by female mosquitoes, the two diseases are often misdiagnosed due to their different pathogens.
Dr Chigiya explained, “Dengue and malaria are two very different diseases caused by different pathogens and different mosquito species. Aedes mosquitoes transmit dengue, while Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria. Misdiagnosis between malaria and dengue is common and contributes to the prevalence of co-infection.”
Chigiya, who is also the secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), highlighted the challenges encountered in efforts to eliminate mosquitoes, which range from rising temperatures and gene mutations to resistance to insecticides. He stressed the need for investment in a climate-resilient future.
To curb the spread of disease-causing mosquitoes, he stated that enhanced environmental hygiene, universal access to treated nets, and research into the mutation patterns of mosquitoes would be required.
In advocating for a reduced disease burden in Africa, Dr Chigiya urged governments to invest in climate resilience by strengthening health systems, improving adaptation strategies, integrating climate and health policies, engaging with communities, and promoting education, among other measures.
Demystifying the differences between the two mosquito-borne infections, Dr Charles Guissou, a public health physician, noted that dengue infections are caused by four closely related viruses—DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. In contrast, malaria is caused by five Plasmodium parasite species, with P. falciparum and P. vivax posing the greatest threat. He emphasised that P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent in Africa.
Guissou, who is also the co-principal investigator for Target Malaria Burkina Faso (Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé), listed the symptoms of dengue fever as high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash, affecting infants, young children, and adults. He noted that dengue often requires hospitalisation, with recovery typically taking one to two weeks. In contrast, malaria symptoms begin within 10–15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms range from mild to life-threatening and include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
For treatment, Dr Guissou stated that while there is no specific treatment for dengue, appropriate medical care can frequently save the lives of patients with severe dengue. Early detection and proper medical care reduce fatality rates to below one percent. On the contrary, he noted that malaria has treatment options, with antimalarial drugs being administered after confirmation of the disease through WHO-recommended parasite-based diagnostic testing.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,Dr Muhammad Ali Pate
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has strongly decried the kidnapping of 20 medical students and a house officer in Benue State. The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were enroute to a conference in Enugu State when they were ambushed by gunmen in Otukpo, Benue State.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has also ordered the immediate deployment of substantial human and technical resources to augment the strength of Benue State Command towards the swift rescue of the students.
Some of the resources deployed by the IGP, according to the Police PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, were tactical units, advanced helicopters, drones, and specialised vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
In a statement released on its official platform, the Federal Ministry of Health expressed concern and called for the immediate release of the captives.
“The ministry condemns this act of violence in the strongest terms and demands the unconditional release of the abducted students. Their safety and well-being are our top priority.
“We urge security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. We also call on those engaged in such criminal activities to cease and respect human life.
“The kidnapping of medical students hinders efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce,” FMoH decried.
The statement, signed by Ado Bako, assistant director, information & PR, FMoH, highlighted the need for a safe environment for healthcare professionals and expressed solidarity with the families of the kidnapped students.
The FMoH assures of its efforts in monitoring the situation closely and taking necessary measures to ensure their safety and security.
L-R: Senior Trade Commissioner, Deputy High Commission of Canada, Dindembolo-Zaya Kuyena; Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; CEO of Sygen Pharmaceuticals, Charles Ogunwuyi; CEO of ORx Pharmaceuticals (Canada), Dr Alexander MacGregor; and Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission(NIPC), Aisha Rimi, at the event.
In what can be described as one of the most strategic joint ventures to happen in the international pharmaceutical landscape, Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited Lagos, Nigeria and ORx Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Ontario Canada, have come together in a synergistic partnership known as Sygen-ORx Biosciences with the aim of revolutionising healthcare and addressing pharmaceutical drug security challenges through collaborative innovation.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the joint venture on Friday, 16 August,2024, CEO of ORx Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Dr Alexander MacGregor, said Sygen-ORx Biosciences would leverage the pedigree of excellence already built by Sygen and ORx in a new era of healthcare innovation.
“With a shared commitment to scientific excellence and integrity, Sygen-ORx Biosciences is positioned to make a significant impact in the healthcare landscape, shaping the future of medicine for generations to come,” he said.
On his part, the CEO of Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr Charles Ogunwuyi reiterated the commitment of Sygen Pharmaceutical Limited towards sustaining the culture of strategic collaborations in its mission to engender innovative outcomes in the healthcare space.
“Collaboration is at the heart of our mission at Sygen Pharmaceuticals and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey with ORx Pharmaceuticals. Together as Sygen-ORx, we have the opportunity to amplify our impact and drive innovation in healthcare, ultimately improving the lives of patients in Africa and beyond.
“Through our partnership with ORx Pharmaceuticals, we can leverage our collective strengths to deliver meaningful solutions that address critical medical challenges and advance patient care,” he said.
During her keynote address, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, extolled the partnership between Sygen Pharmaceuticals and ORx Pharmaceuticals.
She added that NAFDAC had always worked towards creating the enabling environment for synergies that would enhance the healthcare space in Nigeria, especially by ensuring that Nigeria depends less on foreign sources for its medicines.
She also pointed out that what is happening between Sygen and ORx is one of the manifestations of some of the steps that had been taken by the apex food and drug regulator.
“The impact of what is happening today will be hugely felt in about 4 to 5 years from now. NAFDAC started an inward-looking journey 6 years ago. We wanted to become less addictive to foreign drugs and so we started different regulatory directives to encourage local manufacturing.
“Changes being witnessed in the industry today are manifestations of changes that took place in NAFDAC,” she added.
The joint venture between Sygen and ORx represents a powerful unio of vision, expertise and commitment to improving patient outcomes and tackling pharmaceutical drug security challenges.
By combining resources, knowledge and capabilities, Sygen-ORx aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge therapies, addressing unmet medical needs and improving healthcare access for patients worldwide.
The joint venture company will focus on the development of improved formulations of generic pharmaceuticals, focusing on products with established clinical efficacy, which have already received regulatory approval and achieved substantial commercial success.
It will also advance innovative drug discovery programmes into regional and global pharmaceutical market place and reduce cost and increase access to high quality branded generic medicines in Africa.
Renowned pharmaceutical scientist and scholar, Professor Adeboye Adejare, has been honoured by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) with the National Diaspora Merit Award.
The award recognises Adejare’s selfless service and contributions as a Nigerian in the diaspora, particularly in the fields of medicine and healthcare.
At the presentation ceremony, which took place on 25-26 July 2024, Adejare, along with other distinguished individuals from various fields, was celebrated for his “unflinching love and contributions” to national development.
In his keynote address, Engr (Dr) Sule Yakubu Bassi, secretary of NiDCOM, highlighted that the National Diaspora Merit Award is part of an ongoing initiative to honour Nigerians in the diaspora who excel in their respective fields.
Professor Adejare, who earned his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1985 and conducted postdoctoral studies at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, is currently a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) of Saint Joseph’s University. PCP, the first school of pharmacy in North America, is a key player in pharmaceutical education and industry.
His research, which has received funding from the NIH, the Office of Naval Research, state agencies, and several pharmaceutical companies, has resulted in over 60 publications, five patents, and more than 110 presentations at conferences. Adejare has also served on several national panels, including grant review panels for the NIH, the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, the Veterans Administration, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
As the editor-in-chief of “Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,” widely regarded as a leading global textbook in pharmacy education, and the editor of “Drug Discovery Approaches for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Alzheimer’s Disease,” Adejare has made significant contributions to understanding neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, and to cancer research. Many of his former students are now prominent figures in the pharmaceutical industry and academia.
Beyond his success in the United States, Professor Adejare has been instrumental in advancing research and healthcare in Nigeria. He was selected twice for the prestigious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship (CADF), first in 2014 at the University of Ibadan and later in 2018 at the University of Lagos. During these fellowships, he collaborated with faculty and students to enhance research efforts, significantly impacting academic development in the country.
His commitment to Nigeria extends to the practice of pharmacy, where he has played a pivotal role. In May 2023, he hosted the leadership of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy for a one-week study tour, providing them access to world-class facilities and expertise. This initiative is expected to leave a lasting impact on the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Adejare’s contributions to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry include his role as a resource person for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). His involvement is anticipated to have a significant positive effect on the global availability of pharmaceuticals produced in Nigeria.
In addition to the NiDCOM Merit Award, Adejare has received numerous other accolades, including The Ohio State University’s Jack Beal Award (2022) and the Igbobi College, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria, Old Boys Association’s Award of Merit (2017).
Editor’s note: In concluding this series of reminiscences, this and the next edition contain the accounts of two of the Igbo students who did not return to Ibadan with others, as they were not in their final year.
Tension began to rise when the Aburi Accord failed, and Ojukwu asked non-easterners to leave the east, as he couldn’t guarantee their safety, given the mood of the people. Students in institutions in the east had to leave. As a result, many students of eastern origin left the Universities of Lagos and Ibadan to relocate to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The pharmacy students at the University of Ife, Ibadan Campus, were stuck in Ibadan as there was no pharmacy course at Nsukka. Thus, after Col. Ojukwu’s early morning broadcast on 30 May, declaring Biafra and making us foreigners in Nigeria, it became necessary for us to seek protection!
We gathered at the Porter’s Lodge. This togetherness encouraged everyone. We all moved to the vice-chancellor’s lodge. The VC, Prof. Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, met with us and showed understanding and concern for our dilemma. He immediately got in touch with the military governor of the Western Region. Within a short time, arrangements had been made for two buses with police escorts to take us to Benin, the capital of the Midwest Region. We left the VC’s place to pack our luggage.
For me, I couldn’t leave Ibadan without my niece at the nursing school at UCH Ibadan. I had to go and bring her along with two of her friends to join us.
Exit from Ibadan
When we eventually boarded the vehicles to depart, some other students came to say goodbye. Most of them were ladies. We left the campus in two luxury buses, but Eugene Okonkwo, Bona Obiorah, and Moses Azuike had their own cars and gave lifts to some of us.
Change of mind
As the saying goes, “There is no point in having a mind if you can’t change it.”
By the time we reached Ore to refuel and refresh, a few students including Felix Agwaniru and Felix Anazodo decided to return to Ibadan that night.
For the rest of us who continued the homeward journey, when we arrived in Benin, we were handed over to the Midwest police command, which had been duly informed of our arrival. Our police escorts from Ibadan bade us goodbye and left. The Midwest command assured us of our safety, consequently, we required no escorts to travel through their territory to Asaba.
From Asaba the final year students returned to Ibadan in a hired vehicle. These students were Ifeanyi Atueyi, Eugene Okonkwo, Bona Obiorah, Pius Ogwueleke, Dennis Okolo and Moses Azuike.
At Asaba, we found that the Niger Bridge had been blocked to any form of vehicular movement. To cross to Onitsha, we carried our bags with the help of some hirelings.
Those involved in this ordeal included Dick Nwoke,Isaac Onyedum, Dave Ifudu, Ignatius Onaga, Evans Chidomere. The ladies were Mercy Uzuegbu, Kate Nwagbogu, Rose Atako, Stella Onyeike, Chinelo Ofodili, and others.
Once at Onitsha, everyone found their way to their respective destinations.
1.1. Identifying and nurturing your unique talents
Every person has unique gifts and talents, and there is always something unique that can be used for other people. It is essential to know our unique talents because by identifying our talents, we can get to our maximum potential. The uniqueness that talents give empowers us in a way that helps us and those around us, be it neighbours, classmates, or people on the other side of the world.
There are many different types of talents, and people find them in various ways. Some individuals’ talents are so strong that they come naturally, and some are challenging. There many different types of methods and tests that can be used in helping people to find and cultivate their talents. One of such tests is the “Meyers Briggs Type Indicator” test. This test is based on Jung’s theory of psychological types. It measures a person’s personality, which is divided into introvert (I), extrovert (E), thinking (T), feeling (F), sensing (S), intuitive (N), judging (J) and perception (P).
I have taken this test once, and the result was that my personality type is ENFP – 22 per cent for extrovert and 14 per cent for introvert; 10 per cent for intuitive and 9 per cent for sensing; 24 per cent for feeling and 12 per cent for thinking; 19 per cent for perception and 10 per cent for judgment.
The test result also showed that I am a “catalyst” type, which means I am innovative and creative. It also showed that I can work well with intuition and feeling. I was shocked when I saw the result, and I retook the test to check whether the result would be the same. It was still the same, and then I took a further test that helped me find my unique talents according to my personality type.
My leading talent is in creating new ideas and new methods. With my talents, I have a lot of opportunities to serve other people’s needs.
1.2. Utilising your gifts to impact others
Mother Teresa’s life story is a testimony to this. Her acts of goodness and the impact that she made on so many lives resulted from her choice to utilise her gift, which, in turn, gave her a chance to change not only others’ lives but her own life as well. By using what she held dearest to serve a purpose greater than herself, she found a unique joy and fulfilment built upon the value of sacrificing her time and energy to make a difference in the world. She allowed her life to be shaped by the needs of people and the potential of her gift, which made her time genuinely extraordinary.
When you take the initiative to use what you have been given to make a difference in someone’s life, you may soon find that your passion becomes not just a lifestyle or a favour to others but a powerful tool, not only for making a real and positive impact to society but also for shaping you into the person you are meant to be.
Creative and meaningful work that utilises our gifts can excite, inspire and fulfil us, opening our hearts to help others, while stimulating personal growth and self-discovery. A life truly lived in the service of others brings a unique and profound kind of happiness and contentment that is hard to find anywhere else.
The thing about utilising your gift to impact others is that it doesn’t necessarily have to involve a grand-scale missionary project. It can be anything from helping a colleague with his workload, when you know your gift and expertise in doing such work could lighten his stress; to creating something that uplifts and instils hope in people’s hearts, such as music, literature or art, or to find a way to translate your passion and talents into actions that help a local community. Whatever form it may take, the heart of utilising your gift to impact others lies in discovering the intersection between what you love to do and what others would benefit from and then finding ways to devote that particular skill to those in need in some way.
One great example of a person using their unique gift to impact others is Mother Teresa. Known for her ability to provide encouragement, support, and a sense of hope to many people, Mother Teresa selflessly used her gift of compassion to offer hands-on service and advocate for those who could not help themselves. As a result of her decision to take action and utilise her gift, her life went on to make a difference in our world far beyond the time she spent on earth. And she is globally celebrated today for her acts of goodness.
1.3. Embracing the power of uniqueness
Differences should not be considered simply better or worse but different. Every individual has a unique perspective; we can solve problems in other and better ways. It is not diversity that makes a difference in the working world; it is each person’s uniqueness. Diversity of thought – not of race, gender or sexual orientation – is the key to an innovative, exciting and inspiring workplace. Valuing individual differences and developing an inclusive work culture will enable organisations to succeed.
It is important to embrace diversity and make it part of your everyday life. To do this, you must encourage and foster an environment where people feel safe and supported; everyone’s best and most authentic self can be realised. You can start by getting to know your colleagues and learning from their unique experiences, working styles, and opinions. Purposefully seek out views other than your own and be open to new and alternative ways of solving problems.
The broader the input into a project, the more exciting and multidimensional the outcome will be. Remember, to become successful, you need to work with others to make the workplace a place everyone can feel proud to be part of. You can create something new and game-changing by understanding how different people interpret the world and then using this to make unique and considered decisions.
Embracing a positive and inclusive culture on a personal level and encouraging this culture in your workplace means you get to work alongside various unique people every day, and the quality of the work produced is much better. Our personal and professional experiences shape us. By seeking understanding and mutual respect, you can continue to grow and inspire others through your work in ways that benefit you and your colleagues in the present and change the future. And that’s truly extraordinary.
Heart: The seat of passion
Trial-and-error attempts to find what ultimately brings us joy and satisfaction are valid. We may find something that satisfies us and then want to commit to that joy.
First and foremost, spending time with loved ones can contribute to our search for passion. We can note what makes us happy, such as helping our friends and families, and try to do these activities more frequently. Doing so will launch a personal investigation into the most crucial aspect of ourselves and show us the activities we are genuinely passionate about.
How do we find our passion? Sometimes, our passions are apparent, while we need help other times. Passion is an intense and overwhelmingly emotional experience that leads to utter satisfaction in one’s life. It is important to note that we will only achieve the final product of satisfaction after some time, but we will know if we are getting closer to our goals.
As Steve Jobs points out, passion is the driving force behind fulfilled and successful lives. Are all of us born with passion? Not necessarily, though people may possess different capabilities of passion being incubated. Since passion is an intense and overwhelming emotional experience, it cannot be forced upon or created at a whim. The reality is that sometimes people need to find their passion, which means that certain mental and spiritual fevers can catalyse passion’s appearance on a selective basis.
According to Jobs, passion is a powerful and essential tool in experiencing success. Jobs explains that work is a large part of our lives, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what we believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what we do. If we have yet to find it, we must keep looking and not settle. Once we see what we love, we will know when we get there because our work will show it.
The heart is not merely a muscle that pumps blood through our bodies or a clichéd symbol of love and affection. It is the epicentre of our being, driving life and purpose.
2.1. Discovering and Igniting Your Passions
Indeed, discovering your passions and what makes you unique is an essential and transformative process. However, it is also worth noting that this process is not just about self-discovery. Instead, discovering your passions involves many personal and professional exposures.
To start, let’s talk about the types of passion. There are various types of passion, such as internal or external, instant hit or long-term, and even hub passion. Yet, how do we define passion? In the context of career or work, career experts tend to define passion as a positive and strong emotion that combines (a) enthusiasm for one’s work that provides contentment and (b) a sense of strong meaningfulness in the work. This is different from what we find in research studies that are strongly related to the experience of discovery of the inner passion within.
A research in the Journal of Vocational Behaviour reported a significant positive relationship between work passion and intrinsic career success. Yet, many of us may not even find one of those passions that experts have defined throughout our lives. This is because there is another level of perception towards the term passion.
Another study from the American Behavioural Scientist addresses complications in defining passion in research. The study explains that passion is often assumed to be a driving force of willpower, and it is contrary to a contemporary understanding of the emotional connotation of the words “passion”. As the study has addressed, passion is often defined as “a stand for the prevailing emotional self-compact, a blend of strivings and gratifications of the genuine desires and consistent networks of interest, when, and mentally and physically limited and capable.”
In simpler terms, passion comes from complex networks of emotions and passions for different daily life activities or long-term passions. It is active in a cognitive and emotional process. (Yukhymenko-Lescroart & Sharma2022), (Liu et al., 2021), (Hussain et al.2023), (Zhang et al., 2023), (Nilawati et al., 2021), (Luksyte & Carpini, 2024), (Chen et al., 2020)
By Prof. ‘Lere Baale, FPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FNIM
Fermented maize gruel, popularly known as Pap, is a beloved food in many Nigerian households. It goes by different names according to the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. In western Nigeria, it is called ‘Ogi,’ in the eastern part of the country, it’s known as ‘Akamu,’ and in northern Nigeria, it’s referred to as ‘Koko.’
Traditionally made from maize, sorghum, or millet, this smooth, paste-like food is not just a breakfast favourite, but also a common weaning food for infants in Nigeria. Pap is a lightweight meal with numerous health benefits. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a go-to food for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Recent studies have explored the health benefits of maize. Let’s delve into the benefits of pap, and why it deserves a regular place in your diet.
May help regulate blood pressure
Pap offers significant benefits for individuals managing high blood pressure. Rich in potassium and low in sodium, pap helps maintain a proper balance of sodium levels in the body, which can alleviate discomfort in blood vessel walls and reduce blood pressure. A study by Taiwo O. Osungbaro, published in the African Journal of Biotechnology, emphasises that the potassium content in fermented maize products like pap plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health .
A good source of energy
Pap is a carbohydrate-rich food that provides the essential energy needed throughout the day. Its role in sustaining mental sharpness and overall energy metabolism is well-documented. According to a study by Tajamul Rouf Shah in the Journal of Cogent Food and Agriculture, traditional fermented foods such as pap are excellent sources of carbohydrates, contributing significantly to daily energy needs.
Easy to digest
One of pap’s notable advantages is its easy digestibility. The fermentation process involved in its preparation breaks down complex carbohydrates, making pap gentle on the digestive system. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive disorders. Studies have revealed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. reuteri, common organisms in Nigerian fermented foods like ogi and kunun-zaki, could improve digestibility, making pap a suitable food for those with gastrointestinal concerns.
Suitable for babies and toddlers
Pap is widely used as a weaning food in Nigeria due to its nutritional value and ease of preparation. Brown pap, made from a blend of millet and guinea corn, is especially suitable for infants. A study by Oricha Kokori Audu and Ohiare Adams from the Federal College of Education, Okene, supports the use of pap in early childhood nutrition, noting its benefits for growth and development during the weaning phase.
Rich in minerals
In addition to its energy-providing properties, pap is also a rich source of essential minerals. A recent study by the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture confirms pap’s mineral composition, which includes calcium, magnesium, vitamin B, and iron. This mineral content supports bone health and red blood cell formation, enhancing pap’s overall nutritional profile.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 39 cases of Mpox across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with Bayelsa State leading the count.
NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Thursday during a briefing, noting that no deaths have been recorded from the confirmed cases so far.
He stated that Bayelsa has reported the highest number of cases with five, followed by Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, each recording four cases.
The briefing followed the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC).
Dr Idris highlighted that the NCDC has intensified its surveillance across Nigeria, putting all port health services on high alert at five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land borders.
Idris also mentioned that Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, which will be administered to high-risk groups as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The NCDC DG described Mpox as a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic in several African countries, with symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. He advised the public to avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus and to adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
He also urged anyone experiencing symptoms to report to the nearest health facility or call the NCDC toll-free line on 6232.
The Author, Prof. Poly Emenike (5th left); Mr Peter Obi (6th left) and other prominent personalities at Prof. Emenike’s book launch on in Lagos.
Prominent personalities from the pharmaceutical industry, academic space and also from the Eastern part of the country gathered at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, to celebrate the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Neros Pharmaceutical Limited, Professor Poly Emenike, for his feat in the art of writing, as he launched four books.
The four books, titled, “The Mental Emancipation”; “Shrines as Arbiters”; “the Economic Trajectories of the Igbos after Nigeria-Biafra Civil War,” and “15 Writing Principles on How to be a Celebrated Author” were unveiled by the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party at the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi.
While speaking shortly before unveiling the books, Obi commended Prof. Emenike for his ability to have published the books, stressing that the Neros Pharma boss is a symbol of productivity, which he has been preaching whenever he has the opportunity.
He said “one wonders how Prof. Emenike has been doing it to write many books with other engagements. It shows that he’s productive. Productivity is what I have been preaching when I have the opportunity. It is very important to change the nation from consumption to production.
Some of the dignitaries at the book launch.
The former Group Managing Director/CEO of the defunct Diamond Bank, Mr Emeka Onwuka, who was the chairman of the occasion, described Prof. Emenike as a very disciplined person and a motivation to many people. He urged everyone to read his books.
Also speaking at the book launch, the Managing Director, Embassy Pharmaceutical & Chemicals Limited, Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi, commended the author on his effort to write all the books. “I commend Prof. Emenike. He is a self-made man and good lesson to others”, Pharm. Obi said.
The Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The Sun Newspaper, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, who is the book reviewer, described the four books as great academic works. He recommended the books for learning, research and other good purposes.
In his remark, the author noted that everyone can achieve his or her heart desire that is not against the will of God, if one sincerely pursues such desire. He urged all Nigerians to read his books.
Professor Poly Emenike has written 17 books within 12 years. He is an alumnus of University of Lagos, International School of Management, Paris, France; Lagos Business School, as well as Harvard Business School, America. He is a recipient of the Napoleon Hill Foundation Gold Medal Award and Plaque, becoming the fourth person to receive the award. He is also the only existing recipient of the award, as the other three have died.
Some prominent personalities in the pharmaceutical industry that attended the event include the Publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi; the Managing Director, Oculus PharmaCare Limited, Pharm. Valentine Ezeiru; the Managing Director, Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Chief Donatus Dunu; the Managing Director, Embassy Pharmaceutical Limited, Pharm. Nnamdi Obi; to mention but a few.
Recently, I had the privilege of reading the book, “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration”, by Dr Weston Price, a dentist from North America, who wrote it in 1939. Price and his wife travelled to 14 countries across all continents in search of healthy populations, and his findings were remarkable.
Consistently, he observed perfect health, bone structure, dental health, immunity, and more among indigenous people who maintained their traditional diets.
I also had the privilege of reading the ground-breaking book, “The China Study”, by T. Colin Campbell. In this book, Campbell unequivocally states that rural folk who consumed their native meals were healthier than those who migrated to urban areas and often transitioned to Western-style nutrition, especially high animal protein foods.
During my specialty training in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University, I had professors who had travelled extensively, including to Africa, South America, and Asia. I recall Professor Greenough, who often asked me what we used in Nigeria for various ailments. He advised repeatedly that there is knowledge in those ancient cultures and encouraged me to go back and retrieve it.
He travelled to Senegal and the Far East, including Indonesia and the Philippines. He noted some similarities in how indigenous people treated diarrhoea in children, such as preparing rice water with added salt. Despite being geographically distant, these cultures had similar practices. He consistently encouraged me to explore the wisdom of these ancient cultures and retrieve that knowledge.
Little did I realise he was planting the seed for me to awaken others and myself who would listen. There is tremendous health in ancestral knowledge and nutrition. He praised the wisdom that existed among ancient people.
Several years ago, I travelled to Indonesia. At a nice upscale restaurant, I observed something strange yet familiar. Next to the sink where patrons washed their hands before meals was a huge clay pot, similar to the kind I had seen at my grandmother’s home. In my childhood, during visits to the village, I saw my great-grandma and grandma drink from such pots. This large clay pot had a tap and spout built into it to allow water to flow out.
National Geographic published a study in the early 2000s that examined cultures around the world to identify those with the least health problems and longest lifespans. These communities and geographic areas, now known as Blue Zones, maintain traditional agricultural and nutritional practices. For instance, they consume only original heirloom wheat cultivated traditionally, without chemicals or GMOs. They also follow natural rhythms, such as aligning sleep cycles with the moon and sun.
All these different sources of exposure and knowledge consistently tell us that if we want to be healthy, we should adhere to natural, organic, ancestral, or traditional agricultural and nutritional practices. These sources, including the books mentioned, observed that people who abandoned these practices and adopted the Western diet and modern agricultural and nutritional processing practices experienced more health problems. They became sicker, less healthy, and even had shorter lifespans.
The evidence is clear: the more we follow the so-called Western modern conventional practices in agriculture and nutrition, the sicker we become and the shorter our longevity. A word to the wise: say no to GMOs, as they are part of these destructive Western agricultural and nutritional practices. They pollute the soil and are detrimental to our health, the environment, bees, and soil microbes.
Your health was excellent before the mediocrity of the modern Western onslaught into our agriculture and nutrition. Reclaim your health and wellness. Reclaim your health and longevity through ancestral practices—natural, organic, chemical-free, and GMO-free agriculture and nutrition.
Dr Margaret Ilomuanya is the acting dean of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos. She is the chief investigator in the collaboration between Population Council, New York; Jaiven Pharmaceuticals Consulting, New Jersey; and the University of Lagos—a project that resulted in the establishment of the General Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory, housed in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos. In this exclusive interview with Patrick Iwelunmor, she discusses the significance of the GMP laboratory and how academia can collaborate with industry to maximise the potential of local manufacturers in Nigeria. Excerpts:
Kindly tell us about the MED-AFRICA GMP laboratory. How did it come about?
The GMP laboratory came about as a result of collaboration between Population Council, New York, Jaiven Pharmaceuticals Consulting, New Jersey and the University of Lagos with me being the Principal Investigator. With the long-standing collaboration I have with Population Council, New York, I secured research funding from Jaiven Pharmaceuticals. They established the MED-AFRICA Foundation Fund, which financed the construction of the GMP laboratory. The GMP laboratory is designed to produce clinical trial batches for HIV prevention products.
What is the significance of academia-industry collaboration?
The bedrock of innovation lies in academia. If we can foster a cohesive academia-industry synergy, we can achieve translational research. This means that innovations developed in academic settings can be scaled up in facilities like the MED-AFRICA GMP laboratory. Once we demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing on a pilot scale, we can scale up to larger productions, where big pharma can get involved. This pathway allows us to develop home-grown solutions, making university-developed products available for Nigerians.
Do you believe that maximizing local manufacturing could address challenges regarding access to quality medicines in Nigeria?
Local production might be expensive initially, but it will become more affordable as we reduce dependency on imports and manufacture everything locally. For example, currently, 99% of APIs used in Nigeria are imported. Imagine a Nigeria that manufactures its APIs and finished pharmaceutical products. This would lower overall product prices, increase availability, and ensure that locally produced medicines meet high regulatory standards, given the proximity of manufacturers and regulators.
With Nigeria’s abundant flora and fauna, why aren’t we producing our own APIs?
We can produce APIs, but the government needs to support manufacturers with the costs of machinery and power. Power is a primary challenge in local manufacturing. Without power issues, production would be more seamless.
Do you think the challenges you’ve identified pose a serious threat to producing our own APIs?
We shouldn’t let today’s challenges stop us from starting. The GMP facility at the University of Lagos is the first of its kind in Nigeria and the only one in West Africa housed in a university. We should begin and address challenges as they arise.
What major challenges do researchers in academia face?
Innovation in cutting-edge technology and pharmaceutical products requires funding for materials, equipment, infrastructure, personnel, and principal investigators. If the government is serious about innovation, it should fund our universities and educators at all levels. This would nurture capable, brilliant minds who can become innovators.
Where there is a funding gap, two things happen. The first is brain drain, where we have people taking knowledge outside. You can see how Nigerians are being innovative and making their marks everywhere around the globe. The second thing is that those who remain in the system would decide to work with foreign entities who fund their research; or they may choose to be redundant, giving the system just as much as what the system is giving to them. If we are serious about innovation, education has to be prioritised. If we want cutting-edge technology, our laboratories must be cutting-edge. If you come into our GMP laboratory and see cutting-edge research, it is because someone has funded a cutting-edge facility for us.
There are many research institutes in Nigeria, yet we still struggle with access to quality medicines. Why is that?
While some research institutes, like NIPRD, have products, we need to make these products more mainstream. The issue isn’t the number of research institutes but proper regulation and utilisation of their research. Collaboration with universities could improve outcomes.
Do you think NAFDAC is focusing more on revenue generation than its core regulatory role?
As an academic, I don’t have a specific perspective on this. While NAFDAC is aware of our GMP laboratory, we have yet to formally invite them as a regulator. We need more synergy to move forward, creating rules that cater to our needs, and the need of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry right now is the provision of quality medicines at affordable prices. Anything that would hinder a company from providing good quality medicines at affordable prices should be looked into, to ensure the Nigerian populace get benefits.
Is NAFDAC meeting expectations as a regulator?
The issue often lies in balancing regulatory and business needs. As a government agency, NAFDAC operates within certain constraints. The current administration has taken steps, like waiving taxes on imported items, to reduce medicine costs. I hope similar issues within the pharma sector and NAFDAC will be addressed. NAFDAC is doing its best, and like everything, there’s room for improvement.
What motivates you in your pursuit of better outcomes for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector?
I graduated from the University of Lagos at a time when the laboratories were very good, when the classrooms were not crowded, and when the living accommodation was optimised and comparable to those of other universities around the world. My motivation stems from the desire to bring such facilities to the younger ones we are training.
It was the impact of the kind of training I had that is enabling me do the kind of research I am currently doing. During my PhD, I had the opportunity to work in the UK and the US, where such facilities abound and that also fuelled my motivation that if this can happen, then there must be something, no matter how little, I can do to replicate same in Nigeria.
What challenges did you encounter in realising the GMP laboratory project?
I faced challenges but focused on possibilities and the unexpected champions who supported my vision. Dwelling on challenges won’t get us anywhere, so I chose to focus on positive aspects and supporters.
How did you balance family commitments with your professional responsibilities, especially during travel for your fellowship?
My family has been my backbone, especially my husband, who is my biggest champion. He is the one that encourages me when I am faced with difficult situations. Without him being there to help out, it would have just been impossible to achieve some of these things. He runs his own company and when he needs to travel, I am available to take care of the home. Sometimes, when the need arises, we even travel together. It is more like a tag-team. We have found a way to make things work and I think it is all about understanding.
What are your most urgent needs to sustain the GMP laboratory?
We need collaboration with big pharma for contract manufacturing and clinical trials. We also require regulatory agency support to test for quality. We are open to collaborations at all levels of drug development.
Then, we can also look at collaboration with the regulatory agencies where they can give us some equipment that we can use to test. So, this point will be a point for testing for quality. We are open to collaboration at all levels of drug development.
What advice would you give the government to create an enabling environment for local manufacturers?
For local manufacturers to thrive, government must provide power. They must also provide security. Once these two are sorted out, every other thing will sort itself out.
Professor Abubakar Muhammad Amali is the current dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). A professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, he is an expert in pharmaceutical care, patient education and counselling, academic research, teaching and mentorship, with a high sense of responsibility and dedication.
Amali attended Waziri Ward Primary School, Sokoto, and Federal Government College, Sokoto, for his primary and secondary education, respectively. He later proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Pharmacy and obtained his B.Pharm in 2002. He subsequently bagged MSc. in Pharmacology from UDUS, in 2009.
In 2015, Amali bagged his PhD in Pharmacology from Universiti Putra, Malaysia. In 2020, he obtained a professional certificate in Public Health, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, from the Royal College of Public Health Technology, Osun State, Nigeria. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH), from Maryam Abacha American University, Kano State, Nigeria.
Until his emergence as dean a few months ago, Prof. Amali was the deputy dean of the faculty, from 2020 to 2023. He has been the faculty postgraduate programme coordinator, UDUS, since 2022. He has also been the secretary, State Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee, Sokoto State, from 2006.
Amali was the pioneer head of Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UDUS, from 2008 to 2010. He was pharmacist 1 at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto from 2003 to 2006 and senior pharmacist at the hospital between 2006 and 2007. He was senior pharmacist at the Hospital Services Management Board, Sokoto, between 2006 and 2007. He was also the state drug safety and monitoring officer, Sokoto from 2005 to 2007. He was also the acting head, Pharmaceutical Services, Hospital Service Management Board, Sokoto, between 2006 and 2007.
Amali was the Chairman of the Drug Revolving Fund Monitoring Committee, Sokoto State, between 2006 and 2007. He later switched to academia, when he joined UDUS, in 2008, as lecturer 2 and steadily rose to the post of associate professor in 2020.
Prof. Amali has over 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has also written and delivered many research papers at various academic seminars, conferences and workshops. He has over 350 Google Scholar citations as of November 20, 2021. He has also supervised several undergraduate and postgraduate projects to completion.
A professional to the core, Amali is a member of many professional and academic bodies. He is a member of the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the National Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN). He won the Gold Medal at the Research Invention and Innovation Competition (PRPI) in 2014. He is also a Merit Award Winner, of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sokoto Chapter (2015).
Prof. Amali, who loves reading, writing and mentoring, is married and blessed with children.
L-R: Mr Goerge Agyemang, managing director, Georita Healthcare Limited (the sole distributor of ECOLAB products in West Africa); Mr Sylvester Manana, regulatory affairs manager for Sub-Saharan Africa and Mr Victor Anitche, infection control specialist, ECOLAB, during the visit to Pharmanews.
A delegation from ECOLAB, a leading manufacturer of biocides in West Africa, has announced its bold entry into the Nigerian market with the aim of combating hospital-acquired infections.
During an official visit to Pharmanews on Tuesday, the delegation, which included Mr Sylvester Manana, regulatory affairs manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr George Agyemang, managing director of Georita Healthcare Limited (the sole distributor of ECOLAB products in West Africa), and Mr Victor Anitche, infection control specialist, reaffirmed ECOLAB’s commitment to eradicating hospital-acquired infections across West Africa.
Manana explained that the visit was necessary to ensure compliance with the operational requirements of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“We are here in Nigeria to ensure that our products meet NAFDAC’s requirements. Regulations are not static; they evolve over time. We have been in contact with NAFDAC, and we have shared documentation and are actively working to meet their standards,” he said.
Manana also provided insight into ECOLAB’s product range, which aims to set new standards for microbial disinfection in Nigeria. “We manufacture a variety of products, including disinfectants and biocides, which are classified as medical devices in many countries. These biocides are crucial in eliminating hospital-acquired infections caused by viruses or bacteria. Our products are produced in the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, and the United States, taking into account that individuals entering and leaving hospitals may carry different ailments. Hence, proper disinfection is essential. Our products help ensure a world free from disease-causing microbes,” he added.
Mr Agyemang, managing director of Georita Healthcare, emphasised that ECOLAB products have undergone successful trials and are prepared to compete with Nigerian products.
“We have conducted several trials and are confident in the effectiveness of our products, which meet international standards. Our range of disinfectants is truly a game-changer. We are focused on delivering quality rather than just competing.
“ECOLAB entered Africa through Ghana. However, given Nigeria’s larger population, any innovation that succeeds in Ghana is likely to find a place in Nigeria. We view Ghana as an integral part of our broader African strategy. We are committed to assisting Nigeria in the fight against hospital-acquired infections,” he said.
Regarding distribution, Agyemang noted that ECOLAB is partnering with a logistics company to ensure efficient distribution across Nigeria.
“Our distribution is managed through refrigerated containers and air-conditioned boxes to maintain the integrity of our products,” he added.
Highlighting the unique selling points of ECOLAB biocides, Agyemang stated, “Our products are essential in every village, clinic, and restaurant where bacteria may be present. They will help prevent the spread of microbes and reduce the need for antibiotics in Nigeria.”
Understanding the socio-economic and political dynamics of cholera outbreaks in Africa requires examining the interplay of factors that contribute to the spread and impact of this infectious disease. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and transmitted through contaminated water and food, continues to pose significant public health challenges across the continent. This essay explores the historical context, socio-economic determinants, political influences, and critical dates associated with cholera outbreaks in Africa.
Historical context and early outbreaks
Cholera has been a recurring health threat in Africa since the 19th century, coinciding with European colonial expansion and trade routes. Increased movement of people and goods, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and crowded living conditions in urban centres and trading posts facilitated the introduction of cholera to Africa during this period.
Important dates:
1830s – Introduction of cholera: Cholera is believed to have first arrived in Africa during the early to mid-19th century through major port cities and trade routes. Initial outbreaks were reported in coastal areas, including ports along the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean.
Late 19th to early 20th century (colonial era): During the colonial period, cholera outbreaks were frequent in urban centres and areas under colonial administration. European powers focused on quarantine measures and improving sanitation in port cities to mitigate the disease’s spread.
1961 – Ongoing: Modern era challenges: In recent decades, despite advances in healthcare and infrastructure development, cholera outbreaks persist in Africa. Factors such as rapid urbanisation, inadequate water and sanitation facilities, political instability, and climate change exacerbate the vulnerability of populations to cholera.
Socio-economic determinants of cholera outbreaks
Poverty and inequality: Poverty is a significant determinant of cholera outbreaks in Africa. Impoverished communities often lack access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases like cholera. Inadequate hygiene practices and overcrowded living conditions further contribute to disease transmission.
Urbanisation and informal settlements: Rapid urbanisation has led to the proliferation of informal settlements or slums in African cities. These areas often lack basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation infrastructure, and healthcare services, creating ideal conditions for cholera outbreaks to occur and spread rapidly among densely populated communities.
Climate change and environmental factors: Climate variability, including extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, can impact cholera dynamics in Africa. Flooding, for instance, can contaminate water sources and disrupt sanitation infrastructure, increasing the risk of cholera transmission in affected communities.
Healthcare access and infrastructure: Weak healthcare systems in many African countries pose challenges in cholera prevention, detection, and treatment. Limited healthcare facilities, medical supplies, trained personnel, and surveillance capacity hinder effective response to outbreaks, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates among affected populations.
Response and mitigation strategies
Addressing the socio-economic and political dynamics of cholera outbreaks in Africa requires comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches:
Water and sanitation infrastructure: Investments in water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion are crucial for preventing cholera transmission. Improving access to clean water and promoting hygienic practices in communities can reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.
Health system strengthening: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity, and emergency response capabilities enhances the ability to detect and respond to cholera outbreaks promptly. Training healthcare workers in cholera management and surveillance improves clinical outcomes and reduces mortality rates.
Community engagement and education: Engaging communities in cholera prevention through health education campaigns, community-led interventions, and behavioural change communication fosters sustainable practices. Empowering local leaders, volunteers, and health promoters enhances community resilience and supports effective outbreak response.
Political commitment and governance: Political commitment to public health, effective governance, and institutional capacity building are essential for cholera control. Policies that prioritize healthcare infrastructure development, sanitation improvements, and disaster preparedness contribute to reducing the socio-economic burden of cholera outbreaks in Africa.
Emotional intelligence (also known as emotional quotient or EQ) emerged as a revolutionary concept, challenging the conventional wisdom that intelligence quotient (IQ) alone determines success. Surprisingly, individuals with average IQs often outperform those with the highest IQs, highlighting the pivotal role of EQ in achieving favourable outcomes. Research indicates that 90 per cent of top performers possess high emotional intelligence, underscoring its critical importance in personal and professional success.
Despite its undeniable importance, assessing and enhancing emotional intelligence can be challenging, due to its intangible nature. While scientifically validated EQ tests offer valuable insights, they are not always readily available. However, by analysing data from EQ assessments, we can identify common behaviours associated with low EQ, providing valuable guidance for improvement.
Stress management is a fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence, enabling individuals to recognise and effectively manage stressors. Those lacking EQ often struggle to cope with stress, leading to heightened anxiety and tension. By developing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and time management, individuals can enhance their EQ and improve their overall well-being.
Assertiveness, coupled with empathy, is crucial for conflict resolution. Emotionally intelligent individuals strike a balance between assertiveness and understanding, avoiding passive or aggressive responses that can exacerbate conflicts. By practising active listening, considering others’ perspectives, and communicating assertively yet respectfully, individuals can foster healthier relationships and navigate conflicts more effectively.
Emotion identification is a hallmark of emotional intelligence. Individuals with high EQ can accurately label their emotions, providing them with greater insight into their feelings and behaviours. This self-awareness allows them to make more informed decisions in order to navigate complex social situations effectively. Through practices such as journaling, self-reflection, and mindfulness meditation, individuals can enhance their emotional self-awareness and develop a deeper understanding of their emotions.
Quick assumptions and confirmation bias are common pitfalls for those lacking emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent individuals take the time to consider different perspectives and weigh evidence before forming opinions, reducing the likelihood of biased or irrational decision-making. By cultivating a mindset of curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking, individuals can overcome confirmation bias and make more objective judgments.
Holding grudges can have detrimental effects on mental and physical well-being. Emotionally intelligent individuals understand the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past grievances, leading to improved overall health and well-being. By practising forgiveness, empathy, and compassion, individuals can release the burden of resentment and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Learning from mistakes is essential for personal growth and development. Emotionally intelligent individuals acknowledge their mistakes without dwelling on them, using them as opportunities for learning and improvement. By adopting a growth mindset, embracing failure as a natural part of the learning process, and seeking constructive feedback, individuals can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Individuals with high EQ are adept at expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly and concisely, minimising misunderstandings and conflicts. By practising active listening, empathy, and assertive communication, individuals can enhance their interpersonal communication skills and build stronger connections with others.
Understanding triggers is vital for managing emotions and reactions. Emotionally intelligent individuals recognise their triggers and take proactive steps to avoid situations that may provoke strong emotional responses. By identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, and practicing self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualisation, individuals can manage their emotions more effectively and respond to challenging situations with greater composure.
Authenticity is valued in emotional intelligence. While positivity is important, emotionally intelligent individuals recognise the importance of expressing negative emotions when appropriate, fostering genuine and meaningful connections with others. By embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional honesty, individuals can build trust, empathy, and rapport in their relationships.
Taking responsibility for one’s emotions is a key aspect of emotional intelligence. Blaming others for how we feel only serves to disempower us, while accepting responsibility empowers us to take control of our emotions and responses. By practising emotional self-awareness, accountability, and self-regulation, individuals can cultivate a sense of agency and autonomy in managing their emotional experiences.
Building resilience is essential for navigating life’s challenges. Emotionally intelligent individuals develop resilience by cultivating self-confidence and self-assurance, allowing them to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. By reframing setbacks as learning opportunities, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking support from others, individuals can strengthen their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in personal and professional success. By cultivating emotional intelligence and practising behaviours that promote self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate complex social dynamics, manage stress, and build meaningful relationships. As Jack Welch aptly stated, “You just can’t ignore” the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and life.”
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. 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
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new national policy aimed at curbing the migration of healthcare workers from Nigeria, commonly referred to as the “japa” syndrome.
Announced Monday by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, the policy seeks to improve working conditions and retain health professionals across the country.
Dr Pate, through a statement on his X account noted that the policy goes beyond merely responding to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; but it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health workers migration. It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.
“The new policy introduces the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which will regularly assess and improve the working environment for healthcare workers.
“Central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria,” he stated.
Pate also emphasised the guidelines focus on using digital health technologies, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and telehealth services, to enhance healthcare delivery nationwide.
“In an increasingly digital world, integrating advanced health technologies is essential. The policy’s focus on digital health infrastructure—including Electronic Medical Records, telehealth, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry—marks a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system. These innovations will streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the equitable distribution of health workers, ensuring access to quality care for all Nigerians.” Pate said
According to the minister, the blueprint will address the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora. He also noted that it champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria.
“By establishing streamlined registration processes and providing attractive incentives, the policy not only encourages the return of our talented professionals but actively reintegrates them into our health system. This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector.
“These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.”
Recognising the importance of work-life balance, he explained that the strategy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors.
Garden eggs, scientifically known as Solanum melongena, come in different shapes, sizes and colours. They vary from small and oblong to long and thin, and from shades of purple to white and green. They have been regarded as a nutritional powerhouse, due to their nutritional advantages, especially their high fibre content.
In a recent study conducted by scientists from the University of Lagos, they found that garden egg leaves extract possess antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties, as experimented in wistar rats. The findings, published in the Journal of Annual Research and Review in Biology, revealed that the health benefits of garden egg leaves transcend glucose lowering to protection of liver and kidney functions.
The lead author of the study, Henry Kenechukwu Okafor, explained the experimental procedure, noting that garden egg leaves were tested for their effects on diabetic male wistar rats. He said they investigated if an 80 per cent methanol extract of the leaves could reduce blood glucose levels, improve liver and kidney function, and positively impact lipid profiles.
The study’s findings are noteworthy, as they suggest that garden egg leaves could play a crucial role in managing diabetes and its associated complications.
According to Okafor, “The research involved inducing diabetes in male wistar rats using streptozotocin, a compound known for its ability to damage insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The rats were then divided into five groups. Two control groups received distilled water and glibenclamide, a common antidiabetic drug, respectively.
“The remaining three groups were given different doses of garden egg leaf extract. Blood glucose levels were closely monitored, and blood samples were analysed to assess liver and kidney function, as well as lipid profiles. Additionally, we examined the rats’ pancreatic tissues for any changes resulting from the treatment.”
The results were promising. The garden egg leaves extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, indicating its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent. This reduction in blood sugar was comparable to the effects observed in the group treated with glibenclamide, highlighting the efficacy of the garden egg leaf extract.
Moreover, he said the extract showed protective effects on liver and kidney function, both of which are often compromised in diabetic conditions. Improved liver and kidney profiles suggest that the garden egg leaves extract has a broad range of health benefits beyond its blood sugar-lowering effects. The extract also effectively reduced lipid levels in the blood, addressing hyperlipidaemia—a common and dangerous complication of diabetes that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The findings of this study highlight the potentials of garden egg leaves extract as a valuable natural remedy for managing diabetes and its related complications.
Given these promising results, including garden eggs and the leaves into your diet could offer multiple health benefits, as the plant is a versatile and nutritious option that could support your health in meaningful ways.
In conclusion, further research, including human clinical trials, is needed to fully understand the potentials of garden eggs in diabetes management although the current findings are promising.
Photo source – Global Polio Eradication Initiative
The Bauchi State Government has created a budget line for routine immunisation in 2025 to curb zero-dose situations in the state.
Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, made this known on Friday while receiving members of the Committee of Practice Premium Hub in Bauchi.
He said the board would strengthen its accountability mechanisms on activities geared towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“We must request a budget line for immunisation to address zero doses in children.
“We have also added N870 million to the 2025 budget as a basket fund for immunization.
“According to our MoU, the state government in 2025 will fund the basket 100 per cent,” he said.
Earlier, the state focal person for COP, Dr Hassan Shuaibu, said the team’s visit was to advocate for adequate immunisation funding in the 2025 financial year.
He further called for deploying outreach and mobile teams to underserved communities to fight childhood diseases in the state.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Bauchi State Network for Civil Society Organisations, Mr Jinjiri Garba, pledged the network’s commitment to continue to advocate to stakeholders to ensure prompt releases of budgeted funds to the board.
He told the meeting that civil society organisations would monitor implementations of primary healthcare services and raised concerns in areas to be improved.
He reiterated the commitments of the network to addressing issues of noncompliance in the uptake of immunisation in communities to improve healthcare induced in the state.
Stakeholders for the advancement of family planning in Nigeria have reiterated the need to use contraceptive concept to regulate the explosive population growth in Nigeria.
The stakeholders said this in Abuja at the 5th Local Organising Committee meeting on the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference which is scheduled to hold in December.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the stakeholders comprised of some Civil Society Organisations government agencies and the media.
A member of the LOC, and the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria , Dr Okai Aku, said that the conference was a biennial event.
Aku said the it would discuss modalities for promoting family planning concepts for the economic benefit of Nigerians.
According to him, the conference will be discussing so many things on family planning, ranging from policies and remodelling of policies towards the concept.
“The population crisis is actually facing us now, we have to think of the best investment in terms of managing our population with the application of the concept of family planning or child spacing.
“We are not saying that people should stop giving birth, but when you have a manageable population you will know how to provide essential services.
“We will also be speaking to decision makers as it relates to policies on family planning; and also sensitise service providers on the need to provide quality services for the people, ” he said.
Aku said that the stakeholders would also try to demystify misconceptions and myths about family planning.
”We will sensitise Nigerians on the need for everyone to embrace family planning, and how it can be used for planning and development of a country,” he said.
He said that family planning concept could also alleviate poverty, assist in budget planning and in the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals
Aku said that Nigeria would be better off investing in the family planning concept.
He said that Nigeria had committed itself to the promotion of family planning since the 2012 London summit, adding that there was need for the country to meet up with its commitment.
The Chairman of the LOC, Dr Ejike Oji, said that the conference would look at government effort through the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, to transform the healthcare sector.
Oji said that the conference would also focus on happenings in the global arena as regards commitment made by Nigeria.
