…As it Unveils Seventh Branch in Ibadan
The wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Prof. Amudalat Olaniyan, the National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Adewale Aderemi Oladigbolu, and other eminent personalities have lauded Vanguard Pharmacy Limited, on the opening of a new branch in the heart of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the branch, which held recently, Prof. Olaniyan, who was the special guest of honour, 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.
The don disclosed that aside from giving prompt attention to customer’s complaints and queries, stocking affordable and quality products and meeting the necessary needs of people, Vanguard Pharmacy has displayed a high level of professionalism so far and has endeared itself to the heart of people in all the places it is located.
Appreciating the wife, she noted that her dedication, commitment, support and loyalty were part of the reason the company is recording success, adding that the couple were goal-getter and worthy role models for business entrepreneurs. “I am always proud of the duo, and I usually refer to them as our shining stars, so my hope is that very soon, we will be invited for another commissioning of this nature.”
While speaking, Pharm. Oladigbolu, noted that Vanguard Pharmacy has become a household name in the country, adding that he was impressed with the steadfastness and vision of the owners coupled with the huge investment made to build the multi-million-naira structure.
Speaking further, he opined that the opening of the seventh branch holds the promise of a better and brighter future for the pharmaceutical profession, saying it’s already changing the landscape of pharmacy practice in the country. “One thing that I have noticed from your practice is that you are always associated with quality, and when you are associated with quality, you will definitely do well, so am proud of you and profession is also proud of you as you have mentored many people, empowered many and have lifted many out of poverty”, he said.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the founder, Pharm. Odukoya, an alumnus of the Stanford University Seed Programme, said the company is following the transformation and scaling plan as set by its board and management in increasing the footprint of the indigenous brand, adding it is another great effort and the second in the year 2021, having opened another one on MKO Abiola Way, Abeokuta earlier in March this year. “Despite the challenges posed by the various waves of COVID 19, we are still able to deliver on this target. Indeed, all praises and adoration are due to the Almighty God.
Odukoya, explained that the management of Vanguard Pharmacy will not wane in her effort to continue to add value to the Nigerian economy. He equally challenged the indigenous players in the pharmaceutical retail space and supermarket business to continue to seize the opportunity that exists to create direct and indirect jobs for the teeming population.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Odukoya, co-founder and executive director, Vanguard Pharmacy, a Lagos Business School Alumni, and Sandford Seed class 2020, says she is so much excited that the Vanguard Pharmacy brand is surely living up to the expectation of the founders. She however thanked the Government of Oyo state and the Federal government for their effort thus far, while also challenging them to do more in the area of infrastructural development and education and also tax harmonization to ease the burden on entrepreneurs in the country.
She also expressed gratitude to Almighty God that made it possible, the entire management and staff for their contributions, key partners for their unflinching support, customers for their continuous patronage as well as family and friends for their prayers. She added that Vanguard Pharmacy Limited will remain committed to its mission to “create smart health benefits for people to succeed and thrive”.
For the Head of Pharmacy Business, Pharm. Adedoyin Osho, Vanguard Pharmacy, Ring Road branch, is another giant step towards the actualisation of the company’s transformation plan, adding that she was excited that it was achieved even as the year 2021 rolls away. “The determination to “create smart health benefits for people to succeed and thrive” is our driving force she says.
“It’s another addition to the Vanguard Pharmacy brand. Our goal is to be one of the most customer-centric retail stores in Nigeria and the West of Africa and the opening of this new branch affords us the opportunity to satisfy our customers in Challenge, Ring Road and its environs “said the Head of Accounts, Miss Adeniji Olajumoke.
