Nigerian Academy Of Pharmacy Inducts New Fellows, Honours Chief Olu Akinkugbe’s Legacy

The Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) convened its Annual General Meeting this week at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where it inducted fourteen new Fellows and celebrated the life and legacy of Pharm. Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe is a prominent figure in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry.

The event served as a valedictory in honour of Chief Akinkugbe, the esteemed founding President of NAPHARM, who peacefully passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 97, just eleven days after the passing of his wife of 70 years.

Chief Akinkugbe, a Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), was remembered for his visionary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to professionalism.

He was a pioneering entrepreneur who played key founding roles in Palm Chemists Ltd, Spectrum Books Ltd, and Vitalink Pharmaceutical Industries, among others. His influence spanned banking, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and publishing, earning him the nickname “Chairman of Chairmen” for his leadership positions in companies such as West African Portland Cement Company, Procter & Gamble Nigeria Plc, and Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria), among others.

“Chief Akinkugbe was a pharmacist, leader, and statesman whose life exemplified grace, discipline, and visionary service to humanity,” said Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of NAPHARM, during the Valedictory Session.

Fellows and dignitaries offered heartfelt tributes highlighting Chief Akinkugbe’s lasting influence on healthcare systems and his lifelong dedication to ethics and nation-building.

In addition to the valedictory, NAPHARM also conferred Honorary Fellowships on four individuals: Pharm. Elder Ebenezer Adeleke, Pharm. Alfred Oladeji Osinoiki, Chief Varkey Verghese MFR, and Alhaji Sayyid Atana. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Pharm Prof Gabriel Osuide, Pharm Asiwaju Theophilous Adebowale Omotosho, and Dr Fidelis Ayebae in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field.

The fourteen distinguished pharmacists inducted as Fellows of the Academy are: Pharm. Dr. Samuel Oluwaoromipin Adekola, Pharm. Yedunni Abimbola Adenuga, Pharm. Dr. Adenike Olubisi Adenuga, Pharm. Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Pharm. Prof. Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi, Pharm. Dr. Umoru Barde Ali, Pharm. Prof. Olufunsho Awodele, and Pharm. Jaiyeola Adetunji Doherty. Others include Pharm. Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, Pharm. Dr. Thomas Omotayo Ilupeju, Pharm. Dr. Wilson Ishima, Pharm. Steve Azubuike Okoronko, and Pharm. (Mrs.) Olayinka Folashade Oredola.

A highlight of the AGM was a keynote address by Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of FirstHoldCo Plc, who led a discussion on “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.” Oyedeji emphasised the vital role of research, local manufacturing, digital health, and strategic investment in establishing a robust pharmaceutical value chain, which is essential for Nigeria’s industrial and health security.

“Pharmaceutical innovation is not only about developing new drugs,” Oyedeji stated, “but also about creating an ecosystem that supports knowledge, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across public and private sectors.” He urged government, academia, investors, and practitioners to collaboratively leverage Nigeria’s demographic advantage and intellectual capital for sustainable development.

The two-day event, held on October 15th and 16th, brought together leaders, professionals, policymakers, and scholars from across Nigeria and the international pharmaceutical community to explore the potential of pharmaceutical innovation to drive economic diversification, create jobs, and contribute to national progress. The event took place at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba.