Sanusi, Obi of Onitsha, Ooni of Ife to Chart Economic Direction at 2026 NAIP CEOs’ Forum

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry is poised for a significant turning point as three of the country’s most prominent traditional rulers prepare to headline the 2026 NAIP Economic Outlook and CEOs’ Forum.

The National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, announced that the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, PhD (London); the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni; and the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, will play central roles at the high-level gathering.

Ezebuilo described their participation as a defining moment for both the association and the wider pharmaceutical sector, noting that their presence underscores the national importance of the forum’s focus on health security and economic development.

“All is set for a historic convergence of royal authority, intellectual depth and strategic leadership at the NAIP 2026 Economic Outlook and CEOs’ Forum. Their participation highlights the seriousness of the conversations we are convening around Nigeria’s economic future and health security,” he said.

The forum, themed “Reimagining Nigeria’s Health Security: Local Production, Economic Sovereignty and Strategic Partnership,” is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, beginning at 9 a.m., with a closing dinner at 6 p.m.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the event, Ezebuilo explained that the forum is designed as a strategic platform for chief executives and senior decision-makers within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry to engage in policy-driven dialogue.

“The Economic Outlook and CEOs’ Forum is primarily for industry leaders. It is a deliberate platform to review past economic performance, assess current realities, provide informed forecasts and collectively develop strategies for growth, resilience and self-reliance,” he said.

According to him, the inclusion of traditional rulers reflects NAIP’s belief that sustainable health security and economic sovereignty require leadership that cuts across industry, policy, culture and governance.

He noted that the Emir of Kano brings global economic insight and reform-oriented leadership, the Obi of Onitsha contributes decades of corporate and institutional experience grounded in ethical governance, while the Ooni of Ife reinforces the forum’s emphasis on innovation, youth empowerment and strategic partnerships.

Beyond discussions, Ezebuilo said the forum is structured to deliver practical outcomes capable of strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical value chain and reducing import dependence.

“When we get the pharmaceutical industry right, we assure Nigerians of quality medicines and, by extension, quality healthcare,” he added.

The forum is expected to attract pharmaceutical CEOs, senior government officials, regulators, policymakers, investors, academics and development partners, united by a shared goal of building a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive pharmaceutical industry to safeguard Nigeria’s health security.