Vanguard Pharmacy, one of the largest retail outlet and fastest growing retail chain in Nigeria has opened up a new branch in the interior of Osogbo, Osun State capital.
The unveiling ceremony which was well attended by pharmacists, doctors, government functionaries, friends and a considerable number of residents in the community took place on 3 December 2017.
Speaking with Pharmanews, Pharm. Odukoya Taofik Oladipupo, founder and ceo, Vanguard Pharmacy Limited described the opening of his fourth branch as part of the company’s expansion policy.According to him, multi branching has been Vanguard’s long term strategic plan.
“We are not only excited in opening more branches but fulfilling our vision in transforming Vanguard Pharmacy. This can only be achieved through efficient and innovative delivery of quality products and services that benefits the general public. And we remain passionate in achieving this vision,” he said.
While fielding questions from journalists, Odukoya remarked that running a retail chain like Vanguard in Nigeria poses great challenges to pharmacists.
One of such challenges is investment in technology. Another is adoption of right internal processes and procedures necessary for the business to deliver.
“However it is these challenges that make retail business interesting for us as we have adopted the international standard of how an organised retail business should be run.
For us, we understand the importance of information technology thus giving us leverage of monitoring our products, services, sales figures, clients’ data and other key performance indicators,” he stressed.
Odukoya, winner of Pfizer’s Award of Excellence and Pharmalliance Inspiration Award, extended his appreciation to the Ata-oja of Osogbo and the entire people in the state capital who trooped out in their hundreds to make the Vanguard brand an instant success in the state capital.
In a related development, Mrs. Kawthar Bolajoko Odukoya, executive director, Vanguard Pharmacy has promised the people of Osogbo that the brand will continue to lead in the customer service excellence that is known for in the last 12 years.
She added that the pharmacy will continue to live up to her brand value and culture of excellence.
In her words, “Truly the brand Vanguard Pharmacy, one of the largest retail pharmacy, supermarket and veterinary chain stores in South West, is heading to her long term vision of becoming an African Multinational Retail Chain.”
In attendance were Olori Adedoyin Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo; Alhaja Sekinat Temilade, Osogbo West LCDA chairperson; Alhaji Kayode Aliu Afolabi, Permanent secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Osun State; Pharm. Sumonu Tiamiyu Olasunkanmi, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun branch); Pharm. Omoniyi Micheal Ayodeji, State ACPN Chairman.
Others included Alhaji Ademola Odukoya, Aare Balogun Adinni of Mowe Land; Alhaji Odumesi Obalola; Founder/CEO Roadmech Limited, Alhaji Odukoya Oyebola Akeem; Founder Mimbar Children School Ibadan, Barrister Wale Akinlabi; Vice Principal (Admin) Kunike International School, Mr. Oladipupo B.A and Alhaji (Pharm) Rahaman Amidu Oyewole, Founder of Goodall Pharmacy Limited amongst others.
