The Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy,NAPHARM, has inducted fourteen distinguished pharmacists as Fellows during its 2025 Annual General Meeting.
The event was held at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
The two-day gathering, held on October 15 and 16, was a blend of tribute and transformation—celebrating new leaders while honouring the lasting influence of the Academy’s founding President, the late Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe.
The meeting began on a reflective note, with a valedictory session dedicated to Chief Akinkugbe, who passed away on September 22, at the age of 97.
His life and career were described as a beacon of discipline, innovation, and leadership in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical profession.
He was celebrated as a pioneering entrepreneur who founded Palm Chemists Ltd and Vitalink Pharmaceutical Industries, and as a respected chairman who served on the boards of leading companies, including West African Portland Cement, GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria, Union Bank, and Fan Milk.
Chief Akinkugbe’s contributions to the growth of pharmacy in Nigeria spanned decades—from his early advocacy as General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pharmacists to his leadership as President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. He was fondly remembered as the “Chairman of Chairmen” for his wisdom, mentorship, and unshakable integrity.
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While honouring his legacy, the Academy also looked to the future by inducting fourteen eminent pharmacists as Distinguished Fellows and expanding its ranks with four Honorary Fellows.
Three other professionals received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their enduring contributions to healthcare advancement in Nigeria.
A major highlight of the event was a strategic session led by Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of FirstHoldCo Plc, who spoke on the theme “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.” He urged stakeholders to embrace innovation-driven strategies that integrate local manufacturing, digital health, and investment to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical value chain.
“This is about creating an ecosystem that supports knowledge, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across public and private sectors,” Mr. Oyedeji said, stressing the need for Nigeria to harness its intellectual and demographic strengths for economic and health security.
The event brought together policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders, reaffirming NAPHARM’s mission to foster innovation and professionalism in the pharmaceutical field.
As the Academy ushered in new Fellows, it reinforced its commitment to preserving Chief Akinkugbe’s legacy—building a future driven by excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Crediblenewsng.com
