–As Oby Ikwu wins ACPN Secretary Poll, Akwa Ibom tops state dynamics
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has commended community pharmacists for their contributions to healthcare delivery and national development, urging them to remain diligent and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Keyamo, who was represented by Barrister Arinze Solomon Egbo, at the closing banquet of the 48th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) in Abuja, described pharmacists as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the event, which marked the end of the conference themed, “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems,” the minister said pharmacists play a vital role in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare delivery across the country.
He applauded the profession’s commitment to quality healthcare and assured the association of the Federal Government’s support in advancing pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria.
Egbo, who conveyed Keyamo’s apologies for his inability to attend the event, noted that the minister holds the pharmacy profession in high esteem and appreciates its contributions to national development.
The banquet also featured the announcement of the results of the ACPN State Dynamics assessment, with Akwa Ibom State emerging overall winner. Lagos State came second, while Rivers and Edo states finished third and fourth, respectively.
Speaking on the initiative, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Igwekanma Ambrose, said the assessment was designed to encourage state branches to align their activities with the association’s national objectives and deepen community engagement.
He commended the participating states for their efforts and urged them to sustain programmes that promote the growth of community pharmacy practice at the grassroots.
The climax of the conference, however, was the keenly contested election for the office of National Secretary.
In a tension-soaked contest, Pharm. Oby Ikwu secured 302 votes to defeat Pharm. Mosunmola Ajayi, who polled 117 votes.
Other positions were returned unopposed.
The week-long conference attracted community pharmacists, regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on issues bordering on healthcare delivery, digital transformation, local pharmaceutical manufacturing and the future of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria.
