Pharmacists, community leaders, clergy and dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on Okija, Anambra State, to bid farewell to Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, late publisher of Pharmanews. They described him as a hero, mentor and trailblazer whose humility, professionalism and faith left an indelible mark on the pharmacy profession and society at large.
Past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, said the late Atueyi lived a near-perfect life of service. “If there was a perfect man I met on earth, it was Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi. He lived well and was ready to go to his Creator. A man of faith, humility and service, he will be remembered for his inspiring character and Christian values,” Ohuabunwa said.
Another past PSN President, Dr UNO Uwaga, echoed the sentiments, describing Atueyi as a man of peace and compassion. “He lived an exemplary life and showed us that service is greater than self. His kindness touched everyone who knew him,” he noted.
Pharm. Ignatius Anuku, former national chairman of the Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), described the late publisher as an icon of consistency. “Sir Atueyi stood out as a shining light in Pharmacy. He was principled, disciplined and courageous, yet approachable and humble. He showed us that integrity pays, and he was never afraid to speak the truth through his writings,” Anuku recalled.
Pharm. (Sir) Chris Ukachukwu, Fellow of PSN and chairman of Rexton Industry Ltd, said Atueyi’s life was an open book of lessons. “He was a father to us all. Through Pharmanews and through his personal example, he mentored countless pharmacists. He taught us to combine excellence with godliness and to see pharmacy as a service to humanity, not just a profession,” he said.
Pharm. (Mrs) Lizette Njideka Ezenekwe, national publicity secretary of PSN, highlighted his humility and approachability. “Despite his stature, Sir Atueyi never placed himself above anyone. He listened, encouraged and guided many of us younger pharmacists. His passing is a huge loss, but his legacy will continue to inspire us,” she noted.
Pharm. Anthony Bola Oyawole, also paying tribute, praised the late publisher’s courage in pioneering professional health journalism. “At a time when nobody thought it possible, Sir Atueyi created a platform that has documented the history of pharmacy for over four decades. He gave pharmacy a voice and positioned the profession in the media space like never before,” he said.
Royal tributes also poured in, with HRM, Igwe of Ogidi, Anambra State, Pharm. (Igwe) Alex Onyido , recalling the late publisher as “an exceptionally good man who walked in integrity and blessed his community.”
For the pharmacy leadership, his passing marks the end of an era. National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, praised Atueyi’s unifying spirit. “He was a detribalized Nigerian, a man who saw beyond ethnic or professional divides. He built bridges and inspired us to pursue excellence with integrity,” Ezeh remarked.
National Secretary of PSN, Pharm. Madehin Gafar, added that Sir Atueyi’s life was “a book of lessons.” He said, “He was a pillar of wisdom for younger pharmacists and proof that character remains the true legacy.”
Similarly, the National Chairman of NAIP, Pharm. Bankole Ezebuilo, described him as “a hero who used his pen to fight for Pharmacy, mentoring many of us to see the bigger picture of our calling.”
Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, dressed in his full regalia as a Knight of the Order of Saint Christopher (KSC), was lowered to rest at his country home in Okija, Anambra State. It was a moment of mixed emotions — grief at the loss of a revered leader, yet gratitude for a purposeful life that continues to inspire generations.
