It was a gathering of reverence, gratitude, and celebration on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, when the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) hosted a valedictory session in honour of the late Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi at the Old Great Hall of the University of Lagos College of Medicine, Idi-Araba. The event brought together leading figures in pharmacy, academia, and healthcare who paid glowing tributes to the man described as a colossus of pharmaceutical journalism, a unifier of professionals, and a moral compass for the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria.
Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and vice-president of NAPharm, described Atueyi as “one of the towering figures who gave the Society its intellectual depth, moral backbone, and professional dignity.” He recalled Atueyi’s transformative leadership as National Editor-in-Chief, where he turned PSN’s publications into “beacons of knowledge and trusted records of professional affairs,” and as National Secretary, where he instilled discipline, integrity, and order in the Society’s administration. According to him, Atueyi was never content with playing to the gallery; he saw leadership as service and responsibility. Yakasai added: “Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi’s journey in the PSN was one of service, sacrifice, and stewardship. In the history of the Society, his name will forever stand among the great builders who ensured that Pharmacy in Nigeria is not only a profession but a noble calling rooted in service to humanity.”
Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Atueyi’s towering legacy and the consistency of his values. Professor Lere Baale described him as “a mentor, a shining light… the number one unifier of fellows who embedded in our DNA the values of professionalism and ethical leadership.” He explained that pioneers like Atueyi gave flesh to NAPharm and shaped its growth, not only through professional brilliance but through a deep commitment to ethics. Professor Cecilia Igwilo hailed him as “a trailblazer in pharmaceutical journalism” who recognised that the strength of a profession lies in the quality of its intellectual exchange. For her, Atueyi was more than a journalist; he was a custodian of knowledge and a defender of the profession’s integrity.
Adding his voice, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, former minister of health and founding president of NAPharm, described Atueyi as “the conscience of Pharmacy journalism and a guardian of values that should never be lost.” According to him, “Ifeanyi was not just a chronicler of the profession’s journey; he was a living reminder that integrity, truth, and faith are the bedrock of genuine service. He was a good and special man. He aspired to inspire others before he expired. His passing is not only a loss to Pharmacy but to Nigeria, for he demonstrated that journalism, when grounded in ethics, can uplift a profession and strengthen a nation.”
Dr Dere Awosika reflected on the trajectory of his life, describing him as “a bespoke personality whose life is defined by integrity, excellence, professionalism and hard work. His faith is speaking and cannot be killed.” Pharm. Calixthus Okoruwa remembered him as a leader who combined wisdom with warmth, noting that “he was not afraid to own up to his foibles and shortcomings. His was always a voice of reason and credibility.” Professor Olukemi Odukoya drew attention to his private life, painting him as “a dedicated family man and servant-leader at home… where integrity was priceless and hard work non-negotiable.” Her reflections portrayed him not only as a professional giant but also as a nurturing father figure whose household was a sanctuary of love, joy, and laughter.
Professor Fola Tayo highlighted his humanity and sociability, adding that Atueyi’s warmth, humour, and laughter left “a wonderful footprint on the sands of time.” He described him as “a jolly good fellow and a man of extraordinary warmth, humour and humanity… his laughter was as remarkable as his wisdom.” Dr (Mrs) Maggie Ibru shifted focus to Lady Joan Atueyi, his loving wife of over five decades, describing her as “a steady anchor and pillar of resilience” behind his many achievements. She noted that Atueyi’s courage and sense of purpose were nurtured by the unwavering support of his wife, who provided the sanctuary of love and encouragement that made his accomplishments possible.
The occasion was not only a moment of nostalgia but also a celebration of the enduring values Atueyi lived for. A video citation chronicling his life, values, and contributions was screened, drawing heartfelt reflections from family, colleagues, and mentees. The documentary featured nostalgic testimonials about his humane, generous, hardworking, and disciplined nature. For younger pharmacists, it was a rare opportunity to learn first-hand the story of a man whose life mirrored the highest ideals of the pharmacy profession.
Representatives of professional and regulatory bodies, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), the National Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), among others, also honoured his memory. Their presence underscored the breadth of Atueyi’s influence, which cuts across generations and institutions.
For many present, the session was not just a farewell but a reaffirmation of the ideals of integrity, service, and professionalism that Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi embodied throughout his life. The tributes painted the picture of a man who left a footprint in every space he touched: journalism, leadership, mentorship, and family life. In remembering him, speakers challenged the younger generation to carry forward his legacy of professionalism, ethical leadership, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
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