CHRISTIAN ABURIME
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, has officially declared open the 99th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in Awka, extending a strong call for strategic partnership between the state government and the professional body to transform the nation’s health ecosystem.
Addressing delegates under the conference theme, “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging Knowledge, Practice And Policy For National Impact,” Governor Soludo welcomed attendees to Anambra—the “Light of the Nation” and Nigeria’s undisputed pharmaceutical headquarters.
Describing the gathering, tagged Ijele 2026, as a truly historic and matchless event, he emphasized that no productive health ecosystem can exist without the vital role of pharmacists.
Highlighting Anambra’s prioritization of human capital, Governor Soludo outlined major milestones in education and healthcare. He revealed that state education reforms—including free education from kindergarten through secondary levels—have driven the out-of-school child rate down to 0.25 percent, the lowest in Nigeria.
In healthcare, he pointed to a revamped primary healthcare system, over 250,000 beneficiaries of zero-cost antenatal care, and more than 950 free cesarean operations provided to expectant mothers.
To further solidify Anambra’s position as the nation’s premier pharma hub, Governor Soludo highlighted the ongoing development of the state-of-the-art Pharmaceutical Hub in Oba, alongside the upcoming Coordinated Wholesale Centre slated for delivery early next year.
The Governor challenged the PSN leadership to partner closely with the state to enforce operational safety, urging the society to look within and eliminate counterfeit practices, including illicit shops masquerading as licensed pharmacies.
Earlier in the event, PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Soludo for his unwavering support of the profession. Fulfilling a personal pledge to bring the flagship national conference to Anambra, he commended the governor’s vision and leadership, noting that his earlier prediction of Governor Soludo’s electoral victory had come to pass.