The Oyo State Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) is set to host a week-long celebration of the 2026 World Pharmacists Day, with Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, keynote speaker Pharm. Lekan Asuni and other prominent dignitaries expected at the event.
The celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, to Sunday, September 27, 2026, will bring together government officials, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical industry leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to spotlight the evolving role of pharmacists in strengthening healthcare delivery.
Themed “Empowering Pharmacist for a Healthier Future,” the celebration will highlight the critical contributions of pharmacists to public health, primary healthcare, medication safety, clinical practice and healthcare innovation.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Chairman of the World Pharmacists’ Day 2026 Planning Committee, Adebayo Olukayode Gbadamosi, described the event as both a celebration of professional achievements and an opportunity to advocate greater recognition and integration of pharmacists into health policies.
“World Pharmacists Day is our opportunity to celebrate and make visible the profession’s contributions to better health outcomes,” Gbadamosi said.
He stressed the need for governments and other stakeholders to invest in pharmacists, noting that strengthening the profession remains essential to building resilient and future-ready health systems.
The Host and Chairman of the PSN Oyo State Branch, Pharm. (Col.) Victor Segun Ajanaku (rtd), FPSN, FCAI, said the theme reflects the branch’s commitment to professional excellence and improved patient care.
According to Ajanaku, pharmacists are essential partners in healthcare delivery, adding that strengthening their competencies would improve the way medicines are prescribed, dispensed and managed across healthcare institutions and communities.
He also said the celebration would provide an avenue to recognise practitioners whose dedication and contributions continue to enhance the image, credibility and impact of the pharmaceutical profession in Oyo State and beyond.
The Chief Host and President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, FPSN, also called for stronger policies and investments that would enable pharmacists to play a more integrated role within health systems.
Ibrahim echoed the position of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), stressing the need for governments, policymakers, regulators, health insurers and the public to support pharmacy education, professional development and the full integration of pharmacists into healthcare delivery.
The keynote speaker, Pharm. Lekan Asuni, FPSN, FNAPharm, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lefas Pharmaceutical, noted that the changing healthcare landscape requires pharmacists to move beyond traditional roles centred on medicines supply.
Asuni said pharmacists would increasingly be relied upon by patients for health information, wellness management and guidance on clinical options, given their accessibility and extensive clinical knowledge.
He identified medication safety, adherence, medicines optimisation, antimicrobial stewardship, pharmacovigilance, chronic disease management, public health programmes and supply-chain quality as areas where pharmacists can make greater impact.
However, he called for appropriate financing and remuneration mechanisms where pharmacists are expected to provide services such as vaccination, screening, medication reviews, chronic disease support and structured health education.
Also speaking, Guest Speaker and Managing Director/CEO of CapitalSage Holdings and Johnvents Group, Mr. John Alamu, emphasised the importance of continuous professional development in maintaining a competent and future-ready pharmacy workforce.
Alamu urged pharmacists to complement formal education with regular training, research, professional reading and the adoption of digital health technologies.
He noted that continuous learning would enable pharmacists to expand their impact beyond dispensing medicines through medication counselling, monitoring of treatment outcomes and preventive healthcare, while contributing to patient safety and reduced healthcare costs.
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, is expected to grace the celebration alongside the First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency Tamunominini Makinde, who will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Governor Makinde, while reaffirming the state government’s support for the profession, described pharmacists as critical custodians of medicines and drugs, stressing their importance to drug safety, supply-chain management and primary healthcare delivery.
The celebration will be chaired by Engr. (Chief) O. O. Oyetade, FNSE, FNIHTE, as Chairman of the Occasion, while Pharm. (Chief) Rahamon Jimoh Bioku, FPSN, FNAPharm, JP, Founder/CEO of BIORAJ Pharmaceutical, will also make special contributions.
The week-long programme will feature a series of activities across designated venues in Oyo State, culminating in a red-carpet Awards Night on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
CEOAFRICA who is the Official Media Partner for the landmark celebration will give a grand style coverage .
The organisers have invited members of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, policymakers, industry leaders and the general public to join the celebration as stakeholders unite to promote professional excellence, recognise outstanding achievements and advance a stronger, patient-centred healthcare system.
