Quoting a popular leadership principle, Ezebuilo challenged Nigerian pharmacists and stakeholders to become architects of the future they desire.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
He called on government to provide enabling policies while urging investors to commit boldly to pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation. He also appealed to academic institutions to align research activities with practical industrial and healthcare needs.
The NAIP chairman stressed that the pharmaceutical sector must move beyond endless discussions and conferences toward building real industrial capacity and measurable outcomes.
To illustrate the dangers of inadequate technical competence, he shared the story of a driver named Joseph who, despite being hardworking and loyal, lacked the proper training to interpret road signs correctly, resulting in misplaced effort.
According to him, such capacity gaps within the pharmaceutical sector could slow innovation, weaken systems, and compromise healthcare quality.
In a major highlight of the conference, Ezebuilo commissioned and renovated healthcare centres worth millions of naira at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery.
The humanitarian outreach, conducted under NAIP’s vision of “Speaking Humanity with Passion,” also featured a large-scale free medical programme led by the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina L. Imam.
The initiative provided medical consultations, specialized healthcare interventions, and free drugs to over 1,000 indigent residents from Ilorin and surrounding communities including Oke-Oyi, Iponrin, Apado, and Egbejila.
The conference organizing committee, led by Central Planning Committee Chairman High Chief Theophilus Emeka Adimoha, alongside other NAIP executives and committee members, was widely commended for successfully delivering both the conference and the impactful community outreach programme.
The event also featured a keynote address by internationally respected pharmaceutical executive Dr. Henrietta N. Ukwu, who travelled from the United States to participate as a keynote speaker and trainer.
Several distinguished pharmaceutical leaders attended the conference, including past presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), among them Pharm. Mohammed Yaro Budah, Pharm. Azubike Okwor, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, Pharm. Ahmed Iyakassai, and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa.
Also present were current PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, represented by Pharm. Gafar Lanre Madehin; Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed; and leaders of various PSN technical groups and pharmaceutical associations.
Industry stakeholders present included Pharm. Val Ezeiru, Pharm. Ike Onyechi, Dr. Azuka Okeke, Prof. Lere Baale, Dr. Lolu Ojo, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, Dr. Osaretin Jayeola, Mubarak Shittu, and Pharm. Bioku Rahman.
The Kwara State Government was also strongly represented by Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru, Commissioner for Social Welfare Dr. Mariam Nana Fatima Imam, Commissioner for Communication Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, and Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board Pharm. Abdulraheem Abdulmalik.
As the conference concluded, Ezebuilo reiterated that Nigeria’s healthcare future would not be imported but built through skilled manpower, innovation, collaboration, and strong local manufacturing capacity.
“If we get it right, we will transform this industry, create jobs, reduce dependency, compete globally, and deliver healthcare locally,” he concluded.