By Ebuka Onyekwelu, PhD
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, has said that the Government of Anambra State is a willing partner with Nigerian pharmacists. “We are partners with you…come to Anambra; we are ready for business,” Professor Soludo said on Tuesday when he declared the 2026 and the 99th conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) open in Awka, Anambra State capital.
Governor Soludo, welcoming Nigerian pharmacists, said Anambra is a land of opportunities. “Let me say how delighted we are to welcome you to Anambra State, the land of infinite opportunities”, Soludo said. He also congratulated them for sustaining the conference for 99 years, describing the theme for this year’s conference as suitable and fit for the season. “Let me congratulate you for sustaining the conference for 99 years. The theme for this year’s conference is apt and profound, targeted to keep Nigeria safe and healthy,” Governor Soludo said. The theme for the conference is: ‘One health, one pharmacy: bridging knowledge, practice and policy for national impact’.
Speaking on some of the giant strides of the government in the health sector, Professor Soludo said his administration has constructed and equipped at least five general hospitals, offered free antenatal care for pregnant women, free childbirth, and free cesarean sessions in all government hospitals. The Government of Anambra State under Governor Soludo has also employed thousands of health workers and has also approved the national payment structure for Anambra health workers. In consequence, “Our health outcomes are historic,” Soludo assured.
Making a case for investment in Anambra, Professor Soludo paid tribute to the late Professor Dora Akunyili, as well as the founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, who was at the conference, among others, to illustrate Anambra’s stake in pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. To buttress this further, Soludo also observed that Anambra has the biggest open pharmaceutical market in Nigeria, which he said will be cemented with the new pharmaceutical hub in Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, nearing completion.
The Governor then urged the pharmacists to find time and enjoy the new Awka. “Find time to enjoy the emerging new Awka,” he said, while challenging the PSN to develop a robust structure that addresses fake drugs and the misuse of licenses that provide cover for fake drug dealers.
An award of excellence was presented to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, by the leadership of the PSN, headed by Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, conveying the Society’s consensus on Governor Soludo’s innovative leadership.
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