THE Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, for a significant gathering that combined celebration of the future with tribute to a legendary past.
The event featured the induction of 14 distinguished pharmacists as Fellows and included a poignant valedictory session honouring the late Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe, CFR, CON, the Academy’s founding President, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 97.
Chief Akinkugbe was recognised as a titan of the profession, a pioneering entrepreneur, and a mentor whose integrity and vision shaped generations.
The Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) transformed its 2025 Annual General Meeting into a profound moment of reflection and forward momentum, held at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. The two-day event, on October 15th and 16th, served as a pivotal confluence – honouring a foundational legacy while empowering a new generation of leaders.
A Valedictory for a Titan: Chief Olu Akingbade
The proceedings were deeply marked by a valedictory session in honour of Pharm Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe (CFR, CON), the Academy’s President, who passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, at the age of 97. Eulogised as a “pharmacist, leader, and statesman,” Chief Akinkugbe’s life was celebrated for its unparalleled grace, discipline, and visionary service.
His remarkable career began at the Lagos General Hospital and soared to legendary heights. He was the visionary behind enterprises like Palm Chemists Ltd and Vitalink Pharmaceutical Industries, and his influential leadership earned him the moniker “Chairman of Chairmen,” presiding over giants such as West African Portland Cement, GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria, and serving on the boards of Union Bank and Fan Milk.
From his early advocacy as General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pharmacists to his presidency of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, his commitment to elevating the profession was lifelong.
Celebrating New Guardians of the Profession
Amid this reflection on a monumental legacy, the Academy looked to the future by inducting 14 eminent pharmacists as Distinguished Fellows. This new cohort represents the pinnacle of professional achievement and a commitment to upholding the standards of excellence embodied by Chief Akinkugbe.
The Academy further expanded its ranks with the induction of four Honorary Fellows. It celebrated the enduring contributions of three Lifetime Achievement Awardees, recognising their broad impact on Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Innovation as a National Imperative
A central pillar of the event was a strategic discussion led by Mr Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of FirstHoldCo Plc, on the transformative theme, “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.” Mr Oyedeji framed the discourse as a critical national agenda, urging stakeholders to move beyond traditional boundaries. He emphasised that a resilient pharmaceutical value chain, powered by local manufacturing, digital health, and strategic investment, is essential for Nigeria’s economic and health security.
“This is about creating an ecosystem that supports knowledge, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across public and private sectors,” Oyedeji asserted, calling for aligned strategies to harness Nigeria’s demographic and intellectual capital.
The event successfully united policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders, reinforcing NAPHARM’s pivotal role in shaping a healthier, more prosperous future for Nigeria, inspired by the past and driven by innovation.
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