Following persistent threats of attack on its officials in different states of the federation, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has warned the perpetrators to desist from such practice.
Speaking at the 2015 PSN Board of Fellows (BOF) mid-year meeting and dinner, held on 29 July, 2015 at Diplomat Hotel, Maryland, Lagos, Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed, PCN registrar, said patent medicine dealers, in particular, were in the habit of intimidating PCN officials when their requests were not granted.
Mohammed cited two states, Ekiti and Edo, as being more notorious for such act.
“I will say Ekiti, especially, is where you will find the highest level of patent medicine-related activities. It is terrible! But so far, we have got the cooperation of police commissioners and inspector general to boost our inspection team,” he said.
The registrar, who was full of praises for the PCN representatives in its Edo and Ekiti offices, noted that because of their integrity and commitment, the PCN had vowed to protect them.
“Our PCN representative in Ekiti has remained uncompromising. Despite series of threats of spiritual and physical attacks, she continually refuses to yield to the temptation of bribe and intimidation.
“Same thing applies to the representative in Benin who receives death threat daily. I have reassured him too that as an indigene of the state myself, no harm will befall him,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the PSN Board of Fellows took some time to honour some of its members whose commitment and presence had continued to strengthen the Board.83-year-old Pharm. Lawrence Anyafulu led the list of awardees. Others were Chief David Hunponu-Wusu (78), Pharm. Otunba S.O.Babalola Dada (77) and Pharm. Moses Azuike (78).
In the category of early arrival, Pharm. (Otunba) Claudius Aina took the lead, followed closely by Pharm. Elizabeth Odili and Pharm (Mrs) Victoria Ukwu.
Pharm. Yaro Budah was also awarded as the first past PSN president to arrive early at the event.
Earlier at the event, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, PSN president, had urged caution in tackling the perennial issue of open drug market.
According to him, even though pharmacists had spent the last 30 years clamouring for demolition of open drug markets, due process must be followed to achieve the goal.
In his words: “I am not sure if anyone fought this cause more than me during my tenure as secretary and chairman of Lagos PSN. But we know that closing down of open drug market can’t just happen like that, especially in a democracy. A friend used to tell me that when you continually drive a car on gear one, it will eventually crash the engine. We need change!”
The PSN Board of Fellows is a body of distinguished pharmacists who have excelled in their various fields of human endeavour with particular reference to the pharmacy profession. Members are elected by the PSN tri-annually, in accordance with the constitution of the Society.
Also in attendance at this year’s mid-year meeting were Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former managing director of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Ade Popoola, group managing director of Reals Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Regina Ezenwa, coordinator of Roses Ministry; Pharm. (Barr.) Chiedu Mordi, unofficial BOF member; Pharm. (Mrs) Bosede Oluwatayo-Omotoyinbo, assistant secretary; and Pharm. Asiwaju Joe Oyewole Olarogun, managing director of Kosemani Pharmacy.
