Eminent pharmacist and co-founder of Jolliters Chemists Limited, Pharm. (Elder) Adegoke Babatunde Ogunyemi, recently marked his 90th birthday. In this interview with Moses Dike, Elder Adegoke recalls the events that led him to Pharmacy, as well as his most memorable moments, especially the risks he faced while working in the North during the bloody Kano and Kaduna riots. He also calls for reduced dependence on imported pharmaceutical products, while advising young pharmacists on the path to professional success. Excerpts:
Congratulations on your recent 90th birthday, sir. Could you share a bit about yourself? What were your childhood experiences like, and how did your education and early life shape the person you are today?
I was born in Abeokuta in November 1934. I had my primary education at Keona United School, Abeokuta, from January 1941 to December 1947. I then attended Abeokuta Grammar School from January 1948 to December 1953, graduating with a Grade One Senior Cambridge Certificate (SCC). We were the last set in Nigeria to sit for the Senior Cambridge Certificate, as the West African School Certificate (WASC) started in December 1954.
As a nonagenarian, how have time and age influenced your lifestyle? How do you adapt to the challenges and changes that come with ageing?
When I was in Badagry, working as a pharmacist from 1961 to 1963, I had the opportunity to play lawn tennis. This continued when I was transferred to Sagamu, where we had good lawn tennis players. During my youth, I did not engage in drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or any reckless lifestyle. Additionally, I had the privilege of going on pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina three times. these experiences played a great role in shaping my religious life. They influenced my lifestyle and help me avoid reckless living.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Pharmacy? Were there any role models or specific influences that guided you towards this profession?
Some of my seniors in secondary school went into different branches of the medical profession. I used to visit them at their workplaces during the holidays. This exposure led me to pursue a career in Pharmacy.
Can you share your experience in pharmacy practice and your role in co-founding Jolliters Chemists?
I received a federal government bursary to study Pharmacy, which came with a five-year service bond after qualification. I served the government faithfully for five years before leaving government service in December 1964. I had always dreamt of joining friends to start our own company. This vision started materialising in June 1964 in Mushin, Lagos, with another branch opening in Abeokuta in June 1965. We later expanded to Ibadan and Ile-Ife and eventually established a factory at Matori, Mushin, Lagos.
Please tell us about some of the most memorable moments in your career. Why are these moments particularly significant to you?
One event I will never forget happened in Kano on 29 May 1966, which was a Sunday. At the time, I was manager of the West African Drugs Company in Kano. That day, a serious riot broke out across Kano—the first major reaction of Northerners to the military coup of 15 January 1966. It was a terrifying experience.
The second unforgettable incident occurred in Kaduna on 29 September 1966, while I was managing the Kaduna branch of West African Drugs Company. Another major riot erupted across the city. I went through hell trying to get home after work that day.
With your extensive experience in pharmacy, what are some of the pressing issues affecting pharmacy practice in Nigeria that you would like the government and other stakeholders to address urgently?
The government should encourage pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to produce more drugs locally. We should not depend solely on importation to meet our pharmaceutical needs.
How do you relax? Can you tell us about some of the hobbies or lifestyle modifications you have adopted to stay fit and active?
I relax by walking around my area every morning. I also read books on a variety of subjects and listen to music and news on the radio.
Tell us about your family. Have any of your children or grandchildren followed in your footsteps by studying pharmacy or other health-related professions?
I am blessed with three sons and two daughters, all of whom are university graduates. Nearly all of them have master’s degrees, with some holding two master’s degrees. One of my sons is a pharmacist and has been a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for many years. He was previously the state chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and later became the chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in his state. He is still actively practising pharmacy.
The others are also doing well in their careers. One is an engineer, another is a chartered accountant, and another is an economist. I thank God for His mercies.
Finally, with your wealth of experience, what advice would you give to the younger generation of pharmacists on making the most of their profession to positively impact humanity?
The advice I will give them is to make haste slowly. They should not rush into acquiring worldly things. Slow and steady wins the race.
