– As Pharmanews Presents Plaque, Cash Prize to him
The 97th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, became a memorable occasion for Jumbo Nengi, a final year Pharmacy student of the University of Uyo’s Faculty of Pharmacy, who recently graduated, as he received the prestigious Pharmanews PANSite of the Year Award.
The Award Plaque was presented to him by the Octogenarian Publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, who is a longstanding figure in Nigerian Pharmacy.
Nengi, who is fondly referred to as “Uncle Nengi” by his peers, shared that his journey to this moment was marked by years of dedication, strategy, and passion. “This was always one of the awards I aimed to win,” he said. “I discovered it in my 200 level and began preparing then, getting involved in public health and taking on roles that allowed me to make a difference.”
Reflecting on his time at the university, Nengi recalled his leadership roles, especially within the Anti-Drug Abuse Programme (ADMAP) at UNIUYO. “Throughout my university years, I held prominent positions that enabled me to advocate against drug misuse, which became a cornerstone of this mission,” he said, adding that his experiences in public health and as a leader within the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) were instrumental in his journey.
Despite his years of preparation, Nengi admitted he was taken aback by the overwhelming support he received from students nationwide. “I didn’t expect this level of backing from PANSites across Nigeria,” he expressed. “Winning this award, especially with someone else from my university also in the race, truly touched me.”
In his response, Sir Atueyi commended him and all previous recipients of the PANSite of the Year Award, which he described as a recognition of excellence, resilience, and service among pharmacy students across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Atueyi stated, “The PANSite of the Year Award was born out of a desire to recognise the exceptional talents, leadership, and dedication among young pharmacy students across this nation. This award is not merely a plaque or a title; it represents an acknowledgment of the tireless work, selfless service, and enduring commitment of each recipient towards advancing the noble goals of Pharmacy and healthcare in Nigeria.”
He continued, acknowledging the achievements of past winners and their contributions to the profession. “Over the past five years, we have seen outstanding young individuals who have inspired us with their ambition, their willingness to serve, and their passion for making a difference. Each awardee, in their unique way, has embodied the principles that we hold dear in this profession,” he said.
Listing the past winners such as Yusuf Hassan Wada from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto; Izukanne Emembolu from Nnamdi Azikwe University; Martin Chukwunonso Nwofia from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University; Jennifer Ekuma from the University of Uyo; and Ahmed Olasunkanmi Ajilaran from the University of Lagos, Atueyi welcomed Nengi into the distinguished group of Pharmanews Ambassadors.
“Today, we welcome a new member to this esteemed family: Jumbo Nengi. His journey, his commitment, and his achievements are a testament to the spirit that this award seeks to celebrate. His planning, dedication, and resilience exemplify what it means to be a true PANSite of the Year, and we are confident that he will continue to make a positive impact in our profession.”
Sir Atueyi concluded by urging pharmacy students and young pharmacists to strive for excellence, describing pharmacy as “a calling, one that requires diligence, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning
While speaking, Mrs Temitope Obayendo, online editor, Pharmanews, who joined virtually, said the event was not meant to celebrate just Nengi’s accomplishments, but the spirit of resilience and determination embodied by all awardees, saying Nengi’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved through focused ambition and a heart for service.
She hinted on the ongoing nomination for the Young Pharmacist of the Year 2024, saying it is another opportunity for young pharmacists committed to healthcare innovations to emerge among contestants for the online poll, among whom a winner will eventually emerge. She thus urged pharmacists and pharmacy students, who are yet to make their nominations through the Pharmanewsonline.com to do so in time, as the exercise closes on 13 November, 2024.
Jumbo Nengi, 2024 Pharmanews PANSite of the year award winner, receiving his Plaque from Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director, Pharmanews Limited.
Jumbo Nengi, 2024 Pharmanews PANSite of the year award winner.
Congratulations Uncle Nengi