…To hold AGM, Investiture Sept 6, 7
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) will hold its 9th Annual General Meeting and Investiture of new Fellows on 7 September, 2023, where a robust discussion that will focus on the future of the pharmaceutical ecosystem is expected to take place, with a view to repositioning the industry for better healthcare delivery .
The theme of the event which will take place at J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos is “The Nigerian Economy and the Future of the Pharmaceutical Ecosystem”. The keynote speaker for the event is Pharm. (Mrs) Clare Omatseye, a renowned pharmacist, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of JNC International and also a director at the Development Bank of Nigeria.
Disclosing this at a press conference heralding the AGM and Investiture on Friday in Lagos, the Chairman of the AGM/ Investiture Committee, Pharm. (Prince) Paul Enebeli, said the Academy will induct 14 new Fellows at the event, which will bring the aggregate number of the Fellows of the academy to 119.
He stated that the selection of the theme becomes necessary as the nation has continued to face the challenges of insecurity, fuel subsidy removal, and exchange rate reform, among others which have continued to impact negatively on the business environment.
Although the nation’s economy is not doing well enough, Pharm. Enebeli said the country’s large population, increasing healthcare spending, emphasis on local manufacturing, regulatory reforms, innovation, and regional integration provide a strong foundation for growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
According to him, if the challenges bedeviling the industry are addressed and opportunities are harnessed and fully tapped, Nigeria can strengthen its pharmaceutical ecosystem, and improve healthcare delivery in such a way that it will contribute more to sustainable economic development.
Pharm. Enebeli pointed out that NAPharm, since its inception, was conscious of the potentials of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry and that is why it has been working round the clock to advance pharmaceutical practice and contribute to the overall healthcare sector.
Apart from policies and engagement initiatives, Pharm. Enebeli explained that the academy has consistently prioritised research and innovation to drive advancements in the pharma sector. He said “In line with their commitment, the NAPharm established research grants and scholarship programmes to foster scientific inquiry and support cutting-edge research initiatives”.
By encouraging innovation, Pharm Enebeli noted that the Academy has played vital roles in improving pharmaceutical practices, drug discovery, and the development of new therapeutic approaches. He added that the Academy has also focused on nurturing and developing future leaders, while also making significant strides in promoting professionalism and upholding ethical standards within the Pharmacy profession.
Pharm. Enebeli who is also the chairman of New Height Pharma Limited, however urged the Nigerian government to strengthen the pharmaceutical industry and also encourage pharmacists because they are the closest to the people in healthcare delivery.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General, NAPharm, Prof. Lere Baale, pointed out that the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry is filled with potentials and if well tapped will boost the nation’s economy immensely. He charged the Nigerian government to strengthen primary healthcare, saying such a move would enhance quality healthcare delivery in the country.
In his remarks at the event, the Director of Programmes of the Academy, Pharm. (Dr) Lolu Ojo, pointed out that the pharmaceutical industry can contribute immensely to the advancement of the Nigerian economy if the government can sincerely support the sector, adding that for the industry to thrive, there must be patronage from the government.
