NAIP Chairman Bankole Urges Pharmacists to Embrace Innovation, Professional Collaboration as ACPN Marks 45th Annual Conference

By Genesis Ogiri

ABUJA — The National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, FPSN, has called on pharmacists to embrace innovation, strengthen professional collaboration, and pursue practical solutions capable of transforming Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector and enhancing the country's global competitiveness.

Ezebuilo made the call in a goodwill message at the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), tagged UNITY 2026, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. He congratulated the ACPN leadership for successfully convening the conference, describing it as one of the profession's most important annual platforms for scientific exchange, policy dialogue, innovation, and professional development.

The conference attracted high-ranking government officials, policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, leaders of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), pharmacy practitioners, academics, pharmaceutical manufacturers, development partners, and delegates from across the country to deliberate on the future of pharmacy practice under the theme, "From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems."

 Among the esteemed guests were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who led the Federal Government delegation; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro; the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji; and the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana.

Speaking on the theme, the NAIP Chairman described it as timely and visionary, saying it challenges pharmacists to look beyond their traditional roles and become stronger advocates, innovators, and strategic partners in shaping healthcare policies and strengthening Nigeria's health system. According to him, the pharmacy profession has a critical role to play in improving healthcare outcomes and expanding the country's influence within the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Ezebuilo observed that community pharmacists remain among the most accessible healthcare professionals in Nigeria, serving not only as dispensers of medicines but also as trusted healthcare advisers, entrepreneurs, and public health advocates. He stressed, however, that achieving global impact requires closer collaboration among community, industrial, hospital, academic, administrative, and regulatory pharmacists.

Drawing an analogy from pharmaceutical practice, he noted that pharmacists are familiar with managing complex formulations, drug interactions, and difficult clinical situations, adding that with the right prescription, evidence-based leadership, and collaborative engagement, even complex governance challenges affecting healthcare could be effectively addressed. In a lighter moment, he remarked that some situations may require "a stronger dosage, close monitoring and, occasionally, a complete change of therapy," drawing laughter from delegates.

The NAIP Chairman urged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to embrace innovation, deepen professional relationships, and develop practical solutions that would advance pharmacy practice, improve access to quality medicines, and position Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector for greater regional and global competitiveness. He emphasized that the profession's greatest strength lies in unity, noting that no single area of practice can achieve sustainable progress in isolation.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations at UNITY 2026 would produce bold ideas, enduring partnerships, and actionable resolutions capable of strengthening pharmaceutical services, enhancing healthcare delivery, and positioning Nigerian pharmacists as key contributors to national development and global health. He wished delegates a productive and memorable conference, urging them to translate discussions into measurable actions that will advance the profession and improve the health and well-being of Nigerians.

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