BOF-PSN Awards Four Nigerians for Contributions to National Growth

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Board of Fellows (BOF) of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has awarded four CEOs and philanthropists for their unquantifiable contributions to national development and humanitarian services.

The recipients included the Executive Vice Chairman of Chrome Group of Companies, Dr. Emeka Offor; the Chairman and CEO of Ekulo Group of Companies, Dr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, a Bishop; Chairman and CEO, Chisco Group, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu; and the Chairman, Ibeto Microfinance Bank LTD, Dr. Cletus Ibeto.

These individuals, who are reputable for their countless selfless gestures, were recognised at the 2021 Mid-year Dinner Awards programme powered by the BOF (PSN).

In her remarks, the Chairman, BOF (PSN), Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo described the recipients as great leaders and entrepreneurs, who are CEOs of their organisations.

“They have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the nation and improved the lot of humanity. And their selection reflects our theme,” she added.

Being her third and final mid-year meeting as the Chairman, Femi-Oyewo listed endowment fund projects, as promotion of excellence in Pharmacy Education and Research through Best Graduating Student Awards and Research Grants.

She added: “Every year, the BOF spends millions of naira to reward academic excellence in the faculties of pharmacy in Nigerian Universities and provide Research Grants to deserving young researchers in the Pharmaceutical Science or Pharmacy Practice.

According to the chairman, these young pharmacists must be empowered to develop their great potentials and contribute to national development and the healthcare system.

In its campaign against drug/substance abuse, its five year development plan, Femi-Oyewo acknowledged that BOF (PSN) is partnering rehabilitation centres for the rehabilitation of victims.

She charged pharmacists and Nigerians: “Our children, adolescents, and youth must think wise, act smart, and say no to drugs.”

The BOF plans to launch N100m for the BOF Endowment Fund projects and to purchase size Hiace Buses worth N30m each, for each of the six geopolitical zones to campaign against drug abuse among the youth.

She solicited further, “We need your support. Our children and youth are our future. We must safeguard our future and help them become great assets to our national development.”

Speaking on the theme of the occasion, “National Development and Healthcare System: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic”, the Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, called on the professionals to join in the fight against drug abuse.

“Support the fight and help check the menace towards eradicating the misuse of drugs in this country” he emphasised.

According to Mohammed, there is a need for pharmacists to position themselves towards the issues of medicines and drug abuse in the country.

“The issue of drug distribution in Nigeria has been a great challenge. Government has put in place a national drug distribution guideline. It is, therefore, very imperative that structures geared towards achieving this are given necessary attention and concerned stakeholders to meet up with the government deadlines,” he added.

Although he outlined that the government is not taking action for now to close the open drug market for a reason, he cautioned that “we should not take government silence for a joke.

“We believe that the addressing of these structures will go a long way towards addressing the issues of drug abuse and misuse in the country”.

The registrar reminded participants how the FG attacked the issue of codeine cough syrup in this country, stating that it shows the seriousness of the government towards addressing drug misuse.

The hurdles, he continued, lie with the professionals to take a lead while calling on importers and manufacturers to key into the national drug distribution guideline.

He recommended, however, that if the source of drug supply is cut off or managed in a way that people don’t have easy access to these drugs, it would be a first finger step to addressing the issue of drug misuse and abuse in this country.

Mohammed, therefore, pleaded with the professionals to support FG programmes, most especially, the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to help check drug abuse.

He said: “This I believe is the responsibility of pharmacists in this country to be at the forefront.”