-As Foundation celebrates NBCC boss
In recognition of their outstanding contributions in their respective fields, Dr John Nwaiwu, chief executive officer of JB Pharmaceuticals Limited along with nine other professionals were recently inducted as Distinguished Fellows of the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON).
The induction and investiture ceremony held at the Hotel Victoria Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos on 15 February, 2018, attracted bankers, surveyors, pharmacists, technocrats and career professionals from all walks of life.
While presenting Nwaiwu with the distinguished fellowship award, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman, PEFON Board of Trustees patted him on the back saying he was being given such enviable recognition for being a consummate professional.
The remaining nine distinguished Fellows were Babatunde Ruwase, president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Abdulrazaq Shittu, group managing director of Intertel Nigeria Limited; Adekunle Awolaja, chairman, African Real Estate Society (West Africa); Prince Adedapo Adelegan, managing director of Celtron Group; Adetunji Adetunji, chartered surveyor; Victor Alonge, senior partner, Nelson Thorpe Alonge Estate Surveyors and Partners; Olumide Ologun, managing director of Wemabod Estates Limited; Stuffman Ayo Faisal, managing director,VAS2Nets Technologies Limited and Ayodele Olaiya, principal partner, Dele Olaiya & Associate.
Ruwase who spoke on behalf of the 10 awardees expressed appreciation to the Foundation visioner and trustees, while equally pledging that they would keep PEFON flag flying.
Reacting to the award, the JB Pharmaceuticals boss admitted that he was elated to be associated with a professional body like PEFON.
“The vision and motive is okay. In fact, it is what every professional should look up to and see how they can contribute to the welfare of the society,” he said.
Nwaiwu also expressed his worry about the slow pace at which companies are picking up after the federal government’s declaration that the country is technically out of recession.
“I don’t think it is correct to say that we have not completely come out of the economic recession. Prior to recession, the dollar was around N185 to one dollar. Now that we are told the country is technically out of the drop zone, the exchange rate is N360 to one dollar.
“This is not good for businesses especially importers of equipment and raw materials. Don’t forget that these people purchased them in foreign currencies. Everybody including local manufacturers are affected. Hopefully, things may improve by next year,” he opined.
In his vote of thanks, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, vice chairman, PEFON Board of Trustees (BOT) applauded participants for making out time to grace the occasion.
“Let me appreciate all the families and friends who came to show support to the awardees. I must not also fail to mention the founder – Dr Dipo Bailey. We are, of course, aware of the health challenge that confined him to a wheel chair.
“The recent death of his wife was a cause to keep him down. But I believe God has a special purpose for keeping him alive. That is why he continually gives him courage and strength to carry on with this foundation,” he stressed.
In a related event, the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria also took out time to honour one of his distinguished member – Akinola Kayode Olawore, the 15th president of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) who was recently decorated among 150 champions of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), United Kingdom.
Presenting him with an award, the BOT chairman declared that only those who know his worth can truly celebrate him.
“This is why PEFON deemed it fit to honour you with this plaque. You are successful today because you are a man of character and a responsible professional (to the society), husband (to your wife) and father (to your children),” he noted.
Other distinguished Fellows of the Foundation include the following pharmacist: Dr (Mrs) Stella Okoli, chairman, Emzor Pharmaceuticals; Dr Nelson Uwaga, former PSN president; Pharm. Olakunle Ekundayo, managing director of Drugfield Pharmaceuticals; Sir Nnamdi Obi, managing director, Embassy Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Uche Nwana, managing director, Sylken Pharmacy; Dr U.N.O Uwaga, former president, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and PSN; and the current President of PSN, Pharm. Ahmed I.Yakasai.
