…Ikeja ACPN takes free health screening to Area F Police Command
Community pharmacists in Lagos State, under the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), have launched a collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force to promote health, strengthen trust between the two professions, and foster a more harmonious relationship with security operatives.
The initiative, held at Area F Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, offered officers free health checks covering blood sugar, blood pressure, medications, lifestyle counselling, and health education. It formed part of activities marking the 2025 Lagos State Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Scientific Week.
Speaking on behalf of ACPN Lagos Chairman, Pharm. Tolu Ajayi, the Ikeja Zonal Coordinator, Pharm. Imade Roy-Ekekwe, explained that the programme was aimed at improving the health and productivity of officers. She noted that the theme, “Community Pharmacists Partnering with the NPF for Equitable Access to Health towards UHC,” reflected pharmacists’ crucial contributions to healthcare delivery and national security.
“The police protect people from insecurity, while pharmacists protect people’s health. If the police are healthy, they can secure the community better, and if the community is safe, people can access pharmacies freely,” she said, urging officers to support the fight against quackery.
Former ACPN Lagos chairman and current HCPAN Chair, Pharm. Abiola Paul-Ozieh, emphasised that the outreach was about both advocacy and collaboration. “Pharmacists are their friends. We don’t want harassment or unnecessary suspicion when pharmacists are transporting medicines. We ask the police to respect our profession and work with us, because when there are cases of fake or illegal drugs, we have always relied on the police to act,” she stressed.
Guest lecturer, Pharm. Ngozi Inekwe, advised officers to avoid reliance on stimulants and alcohol for alertness. “Stimulants and opioids may make officers feel alert initially, but in the long run, they impair judgment. That’s dangerous for both the police and the public,” she warned, calling for healthier lifestyle practices.
CSP Shedrack Oriloye, Area Crime Officer at Area F, who spoke on behalf of the Area Commander, commended ACPN for the initiative. “We are delighted that an association like ACPN could bring such a beneficial programme to our station. Health is paramount; a healthy officer is a productive officer. For us in the police, if you’re not healthy, you can’t perform your duties effectively,” he said, pledging continued collaboration with pharmacists.
