-As ACPN Health Walk Set Ibadan Agog
The First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, has commended community pharmacists across Nigeria for their significant contributions to safeguarding public health. She highlighted their crucial role as the first point of contact for healthcare issues within communities.
Mrs Makinde made these remarks during a health walk, tagged “Walk Against Cancer,” as part of the activities marking the 43rd Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The First Lady, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, congratulated the ACPN on its 43rd Annual National Conference and emphasised the state’s commitment to fostering collaboration among healthcare teams.
“Community pharmacy is not just about dispensing drugs but also involves counselling and guiding people on health challenges. We recognize your good work and look forward to collaborating with you as a state,” she stated.
The ACPN Awareness Walk started at the gate of the conference venue, the International Conference Centre at the University of Ibadan, and traversed major streets including the popular Agbowo Junction, concluding at the bustling Bodija Market in Ibadan.
During the event, the ACPN boss, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu urged the public to view community pharmacists as trusted healthcare providers, saying the ‘Walk’ underscored the association’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting public health initiatives.
Pharm. Oladigbolu announced that the ACPN would sponsor surgical procedures for three individuals, with two already identified for cataract and other medical needs.
Additionally, the association has donated an ultra-modern PharmaCare Centre to the people of Ilora, Oyo State.
The duo of Pharm. Grace Ikani, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, and Pharm. Taofik Odukoya, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, noted that the awareness walk on cancer was strategic, addressing a leading cause of death worldwide.
They highlighted that the conference, with close to 2000 participants already registered, promises to be the best annual conference ever.
The conference, themed “Advancing Community Pharmacy Practice through Innovation and Collaboration,” runs from July 22 to 27 at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan.
