…As Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy honours new Fellows, lifetime achievers
It was a gathering of brilliance, honour, and purpose as the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) held its 2025 Investiture of New Fellows and Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, on Wednesday.
Welcoming distinguished guests, Vice President of the Academy and Chairman of the Transformation Committee, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, mni, FNAPharm, FPSN, urged pharmacists across the country to embrace innovation as a driving force for national transformation.
Speaking on the theme, “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development,” Yakasai said the future of healthcare and Nigeria’s economic growth depends on the nation’s ability to reimagine the role of pharmacy in advancing science, technology, and public health.
“Today, we celebrate achievements and honour a shared vision of a vibrant, innovative, and values-driven pharmaceutical profession that continues to catalyse national transformation,” Yakasai declared, adding that collaboration between science, policy, industry, and academia was crucial to building a healthier and more prosperous nation.
He commended the keynote speaker, Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director, FirstHoldCo Plc, describing him as an exceptional leader whose insight reflects the transformative potential of pharmaceutical innovation.
Yakasai also paid glowing tribute to the Chairman of the occasion and founder of the Academy, Prince (Pharm.) Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, whom he described as “a true icon of the profession, whose leadership, foresight and passion continue to illuminate the path for all.”
Expressing appreciation to members of the Transformation Committee and the various subcommittees, Yakasai lauded their “dedication, creativity, and teamwork” in repositioning the Academy for greater national and global impact.
“The success of today’s event is a testament to the collective effort of passionate professionals united by one purpose — to move our Academy from excellence to greater impact,” he said.
Congratulating the new Fellows, he charged them to view their investiture as both recognition and responsibility.
“Your investiture signifies not only past achievements but a call to future service — a commitment to mentor, inspire, and lead with distinction,” he said.
He equally saluted the Lifetime Achievement and Honorary Awardees for their exemplary contributions to humanity, describing them as torchbearers whose lives affirm that “pharmacy is both a science and a calling.”
Yakasai further commended regulators, academics, and industry leaders for their continued collaboration, stressing that national progress is inevitable when innovation is aligned with compassion and collective effort.
Closing his address, he reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to building a “dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready” institution that embodies knowledge, integrity, and service to humanity.
“As we celebrate today, let this gathering rekindle our collective passion for transformation,” he urged. “Every prescription filled, every product developed, every policy shaped, and every life touched through pharmacy contributes to nation-building.”
The ceremony attracted eminent pharmacists, policymakers, academics, and health industry stakeholders who gathered to celebrate excellence, innovation, and legacy in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
