It was with great fanfare, glamour and glitterati that members of Pharmaton 693, a cooperative society formed by a group of pharmacists with the aim of advancing individual’s economic growth with pooled resources, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
President of the society, Pharmacist Gafar Madehin, while welcoming members and guests to the well-attended ceremony, noted that the society which started with a modest contribution of 70 Naira but has steadily become a multi-million Naira group, attained its enviable status due to the discipline and commitment of its members.
He revealed that over the years, the society had undergone tremendous transformation culminating in the exit of some founding members and the admission of new, committed members. He added that together as a team, the society had attained the enviable position of being one the three “best managed community-based cooperative societies in Lagos State” and had joined the league of millionaire societies with limited membership.
The achievements of Pharmaton 693, the president observed, did not come as a surprisegiven that the motto of the society from inception had been “prime professional co-operators.”
He disclosed that not long ago the society transmuted to a multipurpose society in order to widen its operational base and diversify into hitherto untapped areas like asset acquisition, property development and other high interest yielding ventures.
Pharmacist Deji Osinoiki (FPSN) who was the chairman of the occasion expressed his joy that some young pharmacists could come together 20 years ago and run a viable cooperative society. He opined that if other pharmacists could copy the same model, most of thechallenges facing the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria would have been resolved.
The event’s special guest of honour, Pharmacist Akintunde Obembe, who is also chairman of Lagos State Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), urged members of Pharmaton 693 to sustain the ideals that had been guiding them since inception.
The event also featured recognition of the founding fathers of the society who were given Visionary Leadership Award. Among those honoured were Dr. (Pharm.) Adesoji Adegbite of Hess Tee Pharmacy, Pharm. Olu Ogunleye of Teta Nigeria Ltd, and Pharm. Moses Adelakun of Sanpharm Nigeria Ltd. Others were Pharmacists Kayode Otunla, Dele Owoseni, Remi Fatoke, Mustapha Olajuwon, and Sola Kumapayi.
Also present at the impressive ceremony were officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (LASCOFED) and the Alimosho Multipurpose Union.
Members of Pharmaton 693 at the event.
Members of Pharmaton 693 cutting a cake at the event.
Congratulations to all members of Pharmaton 693 for the resilience and determination that helped ensure the survival and success of the society in the face of global economic meltdown. I pray that this noble ideal, worthy of emulation, outlive all the founding fathers.
Indeed Pharmaton 693 is a Society second to none, may the legacy of this society built on love,honesty and integrity continue to grow stronger every year, Happy celebration to all members.