To reward individuals who have made lasting and transformational contributions to the pharmacy profession and national development, the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) has bestowed a Life Time Achievement Award on the Founder and Chairman of Bond Chemical Industries Limited, Theophilus Adebowale Omotosho.
The former Chief Executive Officer of Fidson Healthcare Plc was also honored at the awards ceremony held at the Academy’s 11th Anniversary and Investiture Ceremony of New Fellows in Lagos; Fidelis Ayebe, and the first Director General of NAFDAC, Gabriel Osuid by NAPharm.
Presenting the plaques, NAPharm President, Lere Bale described the Lifetime Achievement Award as a symbol of the highest honor bestowed by the Academy on individuals who have made a sustained and transformative impact on the pharmacy profession and national advancement.
According to Professor Bale, the Academy gives the highest honor to the Lifetime Achievement Award and he said it reflects exceptional service to humanity.
“Debo Omotosho and the other award winners have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, innovation and integrity that will continue to inspire younger generations of pharmacists,” he said.
Receiving the award, Omotosho, who spoke on behalf of the honorees, expressed his deep gratitude to the Academy for the recognition.
“To be remembered by your professional colleagues at this stage of one's life is a joy and something that money cannot buy.
Omotosho said, “This recognition is not only an honor but also a call to better service. We went to the rural areas not for profit but to provide quality and affordable medicines to our people. This was our contribution to pharmacy and humanity.”
He urged the young pharmacists to put professionalism above profit and emphasized that honesty and service are the pillars of true success.
He said, “Pharmacy is not just about selling medicines; it is about saving lives. When you do the right thing, profits will come naturally.”
On his part, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Tanko Ayuba, commended the Academy for honoring deserving professionals who according to him have served selflessly.
Ayuba further said that the honor will inspire others in the region. On the other hand, he cautioned Nigerians to be wary of AI-generated fake videos circulating online and wrongly attributed to public figures.
Furthermore, he said: “There are many fake videos on social media depicting people speaking out against pharmacists. Nigerians should disregard such materials; they are not genuine. These fake videos are misleading the public and damaging reputations. We must all remain vigilant.”
Speaking at the event, Aderemi Omotosho stressed the need for drug manufacturing companies in the country to ensure drug safety so that the public can have access to drugs.
Omotosho also called on pharmacists in the country to embrace new technology, which he says will keep them relevant in the profession.
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) is a specialized professional body dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical science, practice and education, and promoting collaboration between pharmacy and other fields of learning.
