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COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 2019 BOARD OF FELLOWS

The theme of the Public Lecture was: “Rebirth of Nigeria – Harnessing the Great Potentials”


The Chairman at the Public Lecture was Mrs. Osaretin Afusat Demuren,Chairman, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and the Guest Speaker at the event was Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR, OCORT, Founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development.


Other dignitaries at the Public Lecture/Opening ceremony included:Chairman, Board of Fellows, Prof. Mbang N. Femi-Oyewo, MFR, FPCPharm, FPSN,FNAPharm, Pharm Mazi Sam. Ohuabunwa, OFR, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FPSN,  President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) ably represented by the Deputy President (South), Pharm. Ejiro Foyibo FPSN, Prince Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FPSN, mni,Former Minister of Health and Current President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Former Minister of Aviation, Pharm. (Sen.) Fidelia Njeze,FPSN , Past President of PSN, Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Akhimien FPCPharm, FPSN, mni, Dr. Olawoyin Imoisili representing the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Immediate Past Chairman, Board of Fellows (BOF) Pharm. (Barr.) Chiedu Mordi FPSN and league of Past Chairmen of Board of Fellows, Pharm. Paul Enebeli FPSN, Pharm. Ebenezer Adeleke FPSN, Dr. John Nwaiwu FPSN and Pharm. Ade Popoola FPSN, MD, Reals Pharma, Registrar, Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Elijah Mohammed FPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FNIM, Immediate Past Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN) and MD/CEO, SKG Pharma, Pharm. Okey Akpa FPSN, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN) Mr. Fidelis Ayebae, MD/CEO Fidson PLC represented by the Secretary of the Group, Mr. Frank Moneme, Immediate Past Chairman, Nigeria Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHARM), Pharm. Lekan Asuni FPSN, Chairman, Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria (APIN) and Chairman, Planning Committee for the 2019 Mid-year Meeting, Pharm. Nnamdi Obi FPSN, National Chairman of NACCIMA, Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu represented by the Chairman, Anambra Chapter, Pharm. Uche Akpakama FPSN, Healthcare Providers of Nigeria, Dr. Jimmy Adeyeye represented by the National Treasurer, Dr. Oladele, Chairman of Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Pharm. Remi Adeseun, FPSN, FNAPharm, Country Manager, IQVIA and Director of Ceremony, National Chairman, Association of Lady Pharmacists, Pharm. Victoria Ukwu FPSN, Medical Director of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Ife Rickett,. Tina Vukor-Quarshie, Independent Director with Wema Bank, Elders of the Association, Pharm. Hunponu Wusu, Commercial Medicine Stores, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, Vice President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy and Publisher Pharmanews, Pharm. Deji Osinoiki FPSN and Pharm(Mrs.) Yomi Osinoiki FPSN, May and Baker PLC, Pharm. Nnamdi Okafor FPSN, , Pharm. Kennedy Izunwa FPSN, CEO Foundation Pharma, Distinguished Prof. C. I. Igwilo FPCPharm, FPSN, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Prof. Bolajoko Aina FPSN,National Secretary, PSN, Pharm. Emeka Duru, National Treasurer, PSN, Pharm. Folake Adeniyi, FPSN, Dr. Adedayo amd Mrs. Akintemi, Directors Trinity University and Mr. Jide Soaga, Registrar Trinity University an array of Directors from NAFDAC, PCN, and the Federal and State Civil Service, and Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, amongst others.


The Meeting deliberated on the theme of the Mid-year Public Lecture meeting acknowledging the uniqueness of the Public Lecture, an innovation under the Femi-Oyewo-led Executive Committee of the Board to educate and stir discussion towards enhancement of the country in harnessing the great potentials. The following observations and recommendations were made:

  1. A rebirth is required in the pharmaceutical space to ensure we deal concisely with the substance and drug abuse situation which has taken a huge toll on the younger generation who are the engine room for future development. The meeting noted with dismay the twin consequences of this situation which means useful medicines are taken out of circulation and the decimation of large numbers of the population via addiction, vulnerability to accidents or death.

  2. The meeting agreed that a new approach must be taken to the issue of prescriptions for prescription only medicine as this is one sure way of restricting access to life-saving medicines. A call was made to both the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Nigeria Medical Association to work out modalities to ensure a viable prescription policy for the country.

  3. There is a link between peace and sustainable development. Development cannot happen in an environment of unrest, calamity and disunity. However, there cannot be peace and development without recognition of human rights. This will ensure we have democratic development. This calls for appropriate mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolution at both the local and state levels.

  4. The Meeting identified as enemies of the Nigerian state, those groups characterized by certain negative tendencies, phenomena and traits which when taken together, constitute serious impediments to the growth, development, corporate existence and efficient functioning of the Nigerian state. These enemies critically undermine the emergence of a strong, united, vibrant, prosperous and just nation. The Meeting listed these enemies to include ethnic and religious jingoism (being the most dangerous), gross indiscipline and corruption as well as violent extremism resulting in high levels of insecurity. The Meeting noted that a consistent and manifestly fair effort to treat all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic origin, religious affiliations equally before the law, promotion of common citizenship, promotion of good governance and addressing the growing inequality between the North and South of the country will go a long way to dealing with these. The Meeting agreed that processes for accountability and appropriate punishment of offenders must be put in place.

  5. It was noted that national rebirth like nation building is a process not a destination and that every country must of a necessity move from a mere geopolitical location to a desired state approved by the majority of the people. The meeting noted one of the definitions of nation building as “the process which all the inhabitants of  a given territory, regardless of individual, ethnic, tribal, religious or linguistic preferences come to identify with the symbols and institutions of the State and share a common sense of destiny”. The Meeting noted with dismay that after almost sixty (60) years post-independence, the country is still beset with tremendous challenges including political fragility, political vitality, ethnic and religious mistrusts, intolerance and violent extremism and high levels of insecurity and calls for concerted efforts by all Nigerians to walk together to build a vibrant and united nation as nation building is the product of conscious statecraft, not happenstance.

  6. The Meeting also noted that Federal character so entrenched in our polity can be executed on the premises of meritocracy and competitiveness rather than on mediocrity. Ensuring that all meet a minimum level of competence and capability will result in good hands being selected, employed or assigned to various positions which will produce good outputs in each area of our national life.

  7. The Meeting noted that rebirth is impossible without a clear understanding of our environment which will enable us to do an effective SWOT Analysis. Rebirth would also require the evolution of a system of leadership recruitment and accountability to enable us produce leaders that will confront the challenges of the environment effectively. Capable hands must compete for leadership positions even if it is at the Local Government level. True rebirth cannot also be achieved if the citizens do not have a feeling of national identity (which is what produces the peculiar character of a nation). This requires systems being put in place for continuous national conversations that will enable us fashion out a nation that truly works for us. It would also help fashion out the best political system for us as a nation as no one system is completely good or bad. The Meeting called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, ,GCFR to revisit the outcomes of the 2014 National Conference and effect without delay those recommendations that do not require constitutional amendments or changes in Laws.

  8. The Meeting noted that true rebirth is impossible in the face of marginalization and social exclusion from socio-economic benefits that other members of the nation freely enjoy. In this scenario, citizens are not motivated to support the state and society because they do not feel that the society is adequately concerned about their welfare and because socio-economic inequalities fuel fears, suspicions and violence which keep the people divided. The meeting also noted that poverty is inimical to nation building as poor people cannot be expected to play their proper role in the development of the nation. The meeting noted that nations are built by healthy and skilled citizens and calls for the promotion of access of most Nigerians to basic education, housing and health.

  9. The Meeting reiterated the fact that elections are not an end in themselves but rather a process that should ensure that the real business of governance is initiated and the delivery of the real dividends of democracy such as quality social services especially education and health, prosperity and security of life and property. Elected governments should resist being hijacked or diverted by forces that do not believe in harnessing our great potentials. The meeting noted that putting service delivery at the heart of governance is foundational to national rebirth and not mere ‘stomach infrastructure’ during electioneering seasons. Functional transportation, power, education, housing, healthcare delivery, justice and police systems will transmit to the people, the commitment of government to their development and wellbeing.

  10. The Meeting also noted that transformation cannot be left to leadership. Followers have a huge role to play in ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their promises and their actions. This will require specific input of various groups including civil societies, non-governmental organizations, traditional and religious institutions and other concerned citizens. It is imperative that leadership be competent, consistent and fair to all.

  11. The Meeting noted that the role of the youths, women and Nigerians in Diaspora cannot be overemphasized. It noted that the energy, resourcefulness and enthusiasm of the young people and Nigerian women have the real potential to lift the country towards increasing socio-economic development using the tools of education and human capacity building. It was also noted that those suitably qualified must reach out proactively to take up positions where they can make the most difference as we must as a people agree on what we want as a nation and actively pursue it. No one can help develop the nation for us, it is a collective responsibility. The Meeting also noted the contribution of the members of the press to nation building calling on practitioners to devise appropriate means for regulation, monitoring and standardization so that members of the press contribute positively to nation building rather than tearing it down.

  12. The Meeting called for effective utilization of trade processes/frameworks that exist to support distribution and marketing of good quality products from Nigeria to neighbouring countries and globally. Such frameworks include ECOWAS, the Free Trade zone and various agencies that support trade across the region. Effective utilization of these processes will have a collateral effect of ensuring legal protection for products that are already in these regional/global markets from Nigeria.

  13. The Meeting lauded the idea of a Public Lecture by the Board of Fellows as it provides the opportunity for it to make meaningful contribution to the growth and development of the country. The Meeting agreed that the required continuous national discussions have thus started and Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria will contribute their quota not only to the rebirth of the pharmacy profession but to that of the nation as a whole.

    

Pharm. (Prof.) Mbang N. Femi-Oyewo, MFR,FPSN,FPCPharm, FNAPharm             

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN                                   
                                       

Pharm. Rosemary Nikoro,FPSN

SECRETARY