The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Adewale Oladigbolu and other eminent personalities have extolled Vanguard Pharmacy Limited on the opening of a new branch in the densely populated Akobo Community, Ibadan, Oyo State, saying the government and people of the state are proud of the achievement.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new branch, which was held recently along the popular Akobo road, Gov. Makinde who was the special guest of honour, reiterated his administration’s commitment towards the delivery of quality healthcare, as well as infrastructural development in the state, saying Vanguard Pharmacy has displayed a high level of professionalism so far and has endeared itself to the heart of people in the state.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Oyo State, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, noted that in 2019 when he assumed office, his administration brought up the roadmap for accelerated development which focuses on crystalizing Oyo State's development under four major pillars, economic development, health, education as well as security, adding that its economic expansion agenda paves way for Vanguard Pharmacy and others to operate smoothly.
In his speech, Pharm. Oladigbolu, commended the couple, Pharm. Taofik Odukoya and Mrs Kawthar Odukoya, the CEO and executive director respectively, for not letting the guard down and for expanding the dream in fulfilment of the vision of the company, adding that Vanguard Pharmacy has become a household name in the state and the country at large.
While describing the establishment of the new outlet as a strategic decision, Oladigbolu noted that any community that lacks the presence of a community pharmacist is being shortchanged because the pharmacist is responsible not only for drug information but for the reduction of harm to the patient.
In their speeches, the duo of Mrs Roseline Ajayi, south-west zonal director, NAFDAC, and Pharm. (Mrs) Adenike Ogunlola, south-west zonal director, PCN, commended the founders of the Vanguard Pharmacy for putting the building together and meeting up to the standard, adding that the issue of drugs is a professional thing and shouldn’t be considered ordinary business.
According to Ajayi, who was represented by Pharm. Samuel Adeyemi, assistant director, south-west, NAFDAC, “As an agency, we associate with stakeholders who play the rule by the game because the fight against counterfeit drugs is collective, safeguarding the health of the people is a collective effort too, so we encourage Vanguard Pharmacy not to let down the guard and to continue to play the game by the rules.
In her goodwill message, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Prof (Mrs) Titilayo Fakeye, urged pharmacy students to follow the good example of the Vanguard founders, adding that great things start small. “The level of professionalism and mode of operation in all their branches amazes me and I make bold to say it's rare, so I encourage you not to lower the standard and keep giving us the best”, she stressed.
Corroborating the university don, the duo of Pharm. (Alh) Lukman Akinwande, director of Pharmaceutical Services, Oyo State, and Rtd Brig Gen Dada Adekola, chief consultant cardiologist and former CMD, 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, lauded the couple for having foresight and for being good role model to the younger ones.
In his speech earlier, Pharm. Odukoya described the opening of the eleventh branch as a new milestone in the 17-year journey of the enterprise to transform healthcare in Nigeria, adding that they have set ambitious goals for 2030, which is to become a national and West African retail brand, a top employer within the pharma industry, and consistently customer-centric.
His words, “At Vanguard Pharmacy, we don't just provide medicines, we empower our customers. That's why we've integrated a pharmacy, veterinary, supermarket, and bakery under one roof, a testament to our core values of excellence, innovation, and a customer-centric approach. Alongside quality products, we focus on preventive care, helping our communities lead healthier lives.
While commending the Oyo State government for his tireless work in building infrastructure and improving lives, he however requested a swift completion of ongoing road projects to ease the flow of business.
He further sought the federal government’s intervention in ensuring stable forex markets and curbing inflation which he said are necessary to ensure that life-saving medications remain accessible for all Nigerians.
In the same vein, Mrs Odukoya, the co-founder and executive director of Vanguard Pharmacy, expressed happiness over the success recorded so far, adding that the mission is to create smart health benefits for people to succeed and thrive. “With a foundation built on excellence, customer experience, innovation, simplicity, and sustainability, we remain steadfast in this pursuit”, she stressed.
Other dignitaries at the event include His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufai Adeleke Odumesi, the Lemo of Ode Lemo, Ogun State; Olori (Alh.) Folasade Odumesi, wife of Kabiyesi; Alhaji Abiodun Odukoya; Prof. (Mrs) Amudalat Bolanle Olaniyan; Pharm. Colonel Victor Ajanaku (Rtd), chairman, PSN, Oyo state; Alhaja Fatimah Dele; Pharm. Duke Otite, former chairman, ACPN, Edo State; Pharm. (Chief) Hamidu Oluyedun, retired director, Pharmaceutical Services, Oyo State, among many others.
