– As company marks 30th anniversary
R-L: PSN President, Prof. C. Usifoh, Pharm. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, wife of the celebrant and the celebrant during the cutting of Pharm. Ekundayo’s 70th birthday cake, anchored by Prof. Usifoh, recently.
It was celebration galore recently as prominent pharmacists, friends and family members gathered on 18 January, to mark the 70th birthday of the Managing Director of Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pharm. Olakunle Ekundayo, even as the company’s 30th anniversary was also celebrated.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) and former Minister of Health, Pharm. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, who was the chairman of the occasion, described Ekundayo as a humble and noble personality.
He also commended Drugfield Pharma for its outstanding contributions to the development of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry.
“Ekundayo is surrounded by integrity in running his company, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited. He’s an example of the amazing grace of God. When you meet him, you can see someone who enjoys calm and tranquility”, Adelusi-Adeluyi said.
He however charged the celebrant not to rest on his oars, saying his attainment 70 years is not the time to retire but to “refire”.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Usifoh, said the mother of Ekundayo should be commended for raising and labouring for him to be a good son. He also appreciated the celebrant for his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and the level to which he has been able to take Drugfield.
The Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi, who is also the MD/CEO of Daily-Need Industries Limited, described Ekundayo as one of the pillars of the group, noting that the celebrant’s words of wisdom are highly impactful.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a full-length portrait to the celebrant by the Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni. The celebrant who could not hide his joyous feeling, in return, pledged his continuous support to the institution. He pledged the sum of N5 million to support the faculty on any project of their choice.
Ekundayo also used the occasion to recognise some of those who had contributed positively to his life over the years. He presented a posthumous award to one Zacchaeus Andrew Bello for being a destiny-helper. He also presented an award to one Mr Ferdinand. F, also for being a benefactor.
The celebrant also recognised Adelusi-Adeluyi with a special award for being an excellent inspiration and role model to him.
The longest-serving staff at Drugfield, Emilia Ako, was also presented with an award of recognition, for 30 years of unbroken, meritorious service.
