pharmacy

R-L: President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), Professor Lere Baale; Publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm.(Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi; Director of Administration (NAPharm), Pharm. Olukemi Odukoya; and NAPharm Treasurer, Pharm. Anthony Oyawole, during the courtesy visit.

The newly elected President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), Professor Lere Baale, on Friday led a delegation of the academy’s new executives on a visit to Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, the immediate past vice-president of NAPharm and publisher of Pharmanews.

The visit was a show of gratitude for Atueyi’s leadership, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the establishment and growth of NAPharm.

Speaking during the visit, Professor Baale conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Atueyi, acknowledging his significant role in shaping the academy over the past decade.

“Your foresight and hard work have laid a solid foundation for this academy. Without your dedication, we would not have achieved what we have today,” Baale said. He also highlighted Atueyi’s leadership in navigating various challenges and bringing unity among pharmacists.

The NAPharm executives, presenting a large portrait picture to Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, during the courtesy visit.

The NAPharm President also lauded Atueyi’s efforts in bringing together faculties of Pharmacy across the country, a move that helped to enhance professional standards. “You were instrumental in guiding the faculties through necessary reforms, ensuring that the profession remained relevant and adaptive to the needs of the time,” he noted.

Reflecting on the recent 10th anniversary of NAPharm, Baale highlighted the success of the event, which took place at the University of Lagos. He noted that the celebration was a testament to the academy’s resilience and its ongoing commitment towards advancing pharmaceutical practice.

“The unveiling of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy Innovation Centre (NAPIC) was a proud moment for all of us, and it’s a reflection of the work we have all put in,” he enthused.

The innovation centre, launched as part of the anniversary celebration, is set to serve as a hub for research and forward-thinking solutions in healthcare. Baale referenced Atueyi’s leadership as a key factor in laying the groundwork for the initiative.                   “Your vision has always been one of progress and excellence, and the academy is now reaping the benefits of that foresight,” he noted.

The octogenarian publisher, visibly touched by the tribute, expressed his gratitude to Baale and the newly elected executives. He said, “I am deeply honoured by your words and by this visit. The academy has grown beyond what we imagined, and it gives me great joy to see where we are today.”

Atueyi further emphasised the importance of continuity, expressing confidence in the new crop of leaders of the academy to build on the solid foundation the former executives have laid. He expressed pride in the growth of the academy and the quality of its events, particularly the handover ceremony and the induction of new Fellows. “The academy is stronger than ever, and I have no doubt that it will continue to set the pace for pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria,” he said.

The high point of the visit was the presentation of a large portrait picture to the octogenarian by the NAPharm executives, in appreciation for his decade of service to the academy.