– Beats Guardian, Vanguard, Afrihealth to Clinch 7th Print Media Award
In a remarkable show of resilience and excellence, Pharmanews has reclaimed its position at the pinnacle of healthcare journalism by winning the 2025 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) for Print Media of the Year — marking its seventh historic win.
The victory, which saw Pharmanews edge out strong contenders including The Guardian, Vanguard, and Afrihealth Magazine, comes as a powerful comeback after a narrow miss in 2024. It has been widely celebrated by healthcare leaders such as Dr. Femi Olugbile, Pharm. (Mrs) Bisi Bright, and Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, who hailed the achievement as a well-deserved recognition of consistent media excellence.
Speaking after the presentation of the award, Dr. Femi Olugbile, former Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and ex-Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, described the feat as a victory for enduring commitment to quality health reporting.
Olugbile, who also served as Chairman of the African International Division, Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“I read the e-version of Pharmanews constantly, and I find the content both informative and entertaining. It’s a well-deserved award. The healthcare world is proud of Pharmanews, and it’s remarkable that the brand has sustained this level of excellence for so long.”
Also speaking, Pharm. (Mrs) Bisi Bright, renowned public health pharmacist and founder of LiveWell Initiative (LWI), commended Pharmanews for its tenacity and visible efforts in reclaiming the crown in what she described as a highly competitive media category.
“I’m really happy to see Pharmanews win again,” she said. “As a member of the advisory panel, I may not want to comment too much, but I must say the contest was incredibly tough this year. Over recent years, more health journalism platforms have emerged, making the competition intense. But Pharmanews fought its way back, and I personally received a lot of reminders from them — showing how determined they were. The win is more than well-deserved.”
Bright further urged the publication to sustain both its editorial quality and campaign energy.
“Pharmanews has always maintained high standards. But this year, they showed new energy in campaigning — something I hadn’t seen from them before. Whatever they did, they should keep doing that,” she added.
In his own remarks, Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, former Chairman, PSN Lagos State, described Pharmanews as a pace-setter and a shining example in pharmaceutical media.
“Pharmanews has always been a pace-setter. And we also see a lot of the men behind the publication, especially our dad, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, who has done so much for the profession,” Olubowale stated.
“The track record has been ably sustained by those now steering the ship. It can only get better for Pharmanews. We are proud of the establishment and wish them continued success. Congratulations.”
In his response, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, Publisher of Pharmanews, who was represented by Mr Patrick Iwelunmor, Editor, Pharmanews, dedicated the award to loyal readers, clients, colleagues, and friends whose support through nominations and votes made the achievement possible.
“This award belongs to all our supporters and readers who continue to believe in the vision of Pharmanews to drive excellence in health communication and journalism,” he said. “We are inspired to keep doing more.”
Also speaking, Mr Moses Dike, Business Development Manager, Pharmanews, reaffirmed the publication’s status as Nigeria’s foremost health journal. He noted that since its founding in 1979 by Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, Pharmanews has consistently informed, educated, and shaped conversations around pharmaceutical and medical practice in Nigeria and beyond.
“This seventh win at the NHEA reaffirms Pharmanews’ legendary status — not just as a media house, but as a national institution committed to a healthier Nigeria through journalism excellence,” Dike said.
Organised by the Global Health Project and Resources (GHPR) in collaboration with Anadach Group, USA, the NHEA celebrates individuals and institutions making outstanding contributions to healthcare development in Nigeria. The 2025 edition continued its tradition of spotlighting innovation, integrity, and sector-wide impact.
Supported by the PharmAccess Foundation, the NHEA has become the benchmark for excellence in the healthcare industry, with the Print Media of the Year category recognising publications that exemplify outstanding reporting, advocacy, and influence in the health sector.
