Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical community converged at the Old Great Hall of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, on Wednesday for the inaugural Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi Memorial Lecture, held with the theme, “Legacy Beyond Life: Leadership, Integrity and the Power of Enduring Impact,” as stakeholders celebrated the enduring contributions of the renowned pharmaceutical journalist, publisher and founder of Pharmanews.
The event brought together distinguished personalities from the healthcare, pharmaceutical, legal and academic communities, who paid glowing tributes to the late pharmacist and author, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to integrity, service, mentorship and professional excellence continues to influence pharmacy practice, healthcare communication and nation-building.
The memorial lecture, designed to preserve and advance the ideals of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, also provided a platform for reflection on the values that shaped his remarkable journey and the responsibility of professionals to build institutions and legacies that extend beyond their lifetime.
Former Minister of Health and Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, described the establishment of the memorial lecture as a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to pharmacy and healthcare journalism remain unmatched.
According to him, Sir Ifeanyi was not only a distinguished pharmacist but also a man of strong character whose dedication to excellence, diligence, discipline and integrity earned him the respect of professionals across different sectors.
Adelusi-Adeluyi commended the Atueyi’s family for sustaining the vision of the late publisher through Pharmanews and for creating platforms that would continue to promote the ideals he stood for, describing the memorial lecture as one of the greatest tributes children could offer a worthy father.
Executive Director of Pharmanews Limited, Dozie Ifeanyi Atueyi, said the memorial lecture was conceived not merely as an event to remember his father but as a platform to preserve, promote and advance the principles that defined his life.
He described his father as a visionary leader, mentor, publisher and bridge-builder whose lifelong commitment to healthcare communication, professional development and societal impact created an enduring legacy.
According to him, the values of integrity, excellence, humility and service which guided his father’s life remained relevant lessons for current and future generations.
Atueyi further disclosed that the Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi Memorial Trust was launched as part of efforts to sustain and expand his father’s legacy.
He explained that the Trust was established to preserve and advance Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi’s ideals by promoting and supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, leadership development, humanitarian services, community empowerment, research, entrepreneurship and the recognition of outstanding contributions to society.
He noted that through the Trust, the family hopes to continue the late publisher’s passion for developing people, strengthening institutions and contributing positively to national growth.
A major highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Dr Lolu Ojo, founder and chief executive officer of Merit Healthcare Limited, which examined the practical dimensions of leadership, integrity and legacy, using Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi’s life as a model.
Opening the session, Ojo observed that legacy was not merely about what people leave behind after death but the impact they make through the lives they touch during their lifetime.
He noted that while physical structures and monuments may eventually fade, the positive influence one person has on another remains one of the greatest expressions of enduring legacy.
Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Honorary Consul-General of Pakistan in Nigeria, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, urged professionals to distinguish between charisma and character, stressing that sustainable leadership must be anchored on integrity rather than popularity.
He described Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi as a man of humility, compassion, consistency and courage who accepted responsibilities for the advancement of the profession without seeking personal recognition.
Recalling their years of association, Yakasai said the late publisher played a significant role in mobilising elderly pharmacists to national conferences and remained committed to mentoring younger professionals and strengthening unity within the profession.
He maintained that leadership was not determined by positions or titles but by the ability to inspire trust, influence people positively and leave institutions stronger than they were found.
Managing Director of Rozec Pharmacy Limited and Founder of The Roses Ministry, Pharm. Regina Ngozi Ezenwa, described leadership as stewardship rather than rulership.
According to her, true leaders focus on serving others, empowering people and creating lasting value rather than using authority for personal benefit.
She observed that although the positions Sir Atueyi occupied during his lifetime had passed, the integrity, service and positive influence he demonstrated remained the foundation of his enduring legacy.
Founder and President of the West African Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN), Dr Teresa Pounds, identified integrity and transparency as critical values needed to rebuild confidence in healthcare institutions.
She urged professionals to speak against unethical practices and support individuals who demonstrate honesty and accountability, noting that silence in the face of wrongdoing allows unhealthy systems to thrive.
Pounds, who described Sir Ifeanyi as a mentor, said his commitment to developing people and promoting excellence remained among the qualities that made his life worthy of celebration.
Founding President of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, Barr. Wale Olufon, challenged participants to embrace integrity even when doing so comes with personal sacrifice.
Drawing lessons from the biblical examples of Joseph and Daniel, he said genuine integrity requires the courage to choose what is right even when compromise appears easier.
He added that while reputation could be damaged and rebuilt, public trust requires consistency, accountability and time to restore.
Concluding the panel discussion, Ojo challenged participants to reflect on the legacy they were building through their professional and personal lives.
The memorial lecture also featured the inaugural keynote lecture delivered by the President of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM), Prof. Lere Baale, who urged professionals to embrace purposeful leadership rooted in integrity, service and meaningful impact.
Family members, professional colleagues, friends and associates described the late pharmacist as a prolific author, healthcare advocate, mentor and institution-builder whose contributions continue to inspire generations within and beyond the pharmacy profession.
The event ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to sustain the ideals championed by Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi through mentorship, ethical leadership, healthcare advocacy and the continued development of institutions dedicated to professional excellence.
Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, who passed away in 2025, is widely regarded as the Father of Pharmaceutical Journalism in Nigeria, having transformed Pharmanews into a respected platform for healthcare advocacy, professional education and industry development over several decades.
