Sir Atueyi became an institution, his legacy still inspires pharmacists —Lolu Ojo

The Managing Director of Merit Healthcare Limited, Pharm. (Dr) Lolu Ojo, has paid glowing tribute to the late founder of Pharmanews Limited, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, describing him as an institution whose influence continues to shape the pharmacy profession and healthcare industry one year after his passing.

Speaking with Pharmanews on the first anniversary of the death of the renowned publisher, Ojo said although Sir Atueyi’s physical absence remains painful, his impact continues to be felt through the countless lives he touched, the institutions he built and the enduring values he embodied.

“It is difficult to believe that it has been one year already. In many ways, it still feels as though Sir Ifeanyi is with us. His physical absence remains a painful reality, but his presence continues to be felt through the countless lives he touched, the institutions he built and the values he embodied,” Ojo said.

According to the Merit Healthcare boss, the late pharmacy icon was much more than a pharmacist, publisher or entrepreneur. He described him as a mentor, bridge-builder, courageous voice and father figure whose contributions transcended the profession.

“Time has helped us move from the shock of his passing to a deeper appreciation of the extraordinary legacy he left behind. We miss him greatly, but we are also grateful that we had the privilege of knowing him and learning from him,” he stated.

He noted that one year after the demise of the Pharmanews founder, the prevailing emotions remain a mixture of loss, gratitude, pride and responsibility.

“The responsibility is to ensure that the ideals he stood for do not die with him,” Ojo said.

Ojo further said the vacuum created by Sir Atueyi’s absence has highlighted the magnitude of his influence, particularly whenever issues concerning the pharmacy profession, healthcare communication, mentorship and professional unity arise.

He, however, pointed out that the period has also revealed the strength of the foundation laid by the late pharmacy leader.

“Through Pharmanews, through the many professionals he mentored, and through the culture of excellence and courage he championed, his voice continues to resonate. His life’s work has become a compass for many younger pharmacists and industry leaders,” Ojo said.

According to him, the past year has been one of remembrance, reflection and renewed commitment to preserving and advancing the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and the advancement of the pharmacy profession.

The Merit Healthcare boss expressed gratitude to Sir Atueyi’s family for their sacrifices and support, which enabled him to make lasting contributions to the profession and the nation.

“To his family, I say thank you. Thank you for sharing Sir Ifeanyi with the profession, the healthcare sector and the nation. The sacrifices made by the family enabled him to make the impact for which he is celebrated today. While the pain of loss never completely disappears, I hope you find comfort in knowing that his life mattered and that his legacy continues to inspire thousands of people,” he said.

Ojo urged members of the pharmacy profession and the healthcare industry to immortalise the late icon by emulating the virtues he exemplified.

“I believe the greatest tribute we can pay Sir Atueyi is not merely to remember him, but to emulate him. He demonstrated that professional excellence, integrity, courage, innovation and service to humanity can coexist in one life. He showed that one individual can influence an entire profession through vision, persistence and selfless commitment,” he said.

Describing Sir Atueyi as one of those exceptional personalities whose relevance extends beyond their earthly existence, the Merit Healthcare MD said some people live and are remembered, while others become institutions.

“Sir Ifeanyi became an institution,” he declared.

“As we mark the first anniversary of his passing, let us move beyond mourning to stewardship. Let us preserve his values, build on his achievements and ensure that future generations of pharmacists know and appreciate the giant upon whose shoulders they stand. His journey on earth may have ended, but his legacy remains very much alive. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace,” Ojo stated.