Chemistry Key to a Healthier Environment and Public Health, Says Dr. Salako
…. ICCON Confers Fellowship Award on Mrs.Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has identified the critical role that chemistry plays in both environmental and public health, noting that it remains foundational to the modern health system.
Dr. Salako gave this assertion at the fellowship investiture ceremony of Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola mni, Director, Food and Drugs Services Department of the Ministry, by the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja.
Represented by the Director, Hospital Services, Dr. Gloria Adegoke, at the event, the Minister described the ceremony as a celebration of excellence, integrity, professional dedication, and sustained contribution to national development, commending the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria for its steadfast commitment to advancing the practice of chemistry in the country.
“As a regulatory and professional body, ICCON continues to uphold standards, promote ethical practice, and strengthen professional capacity in a field that is central to healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical safety, environmental protection, industrial development, and public health security,” Dr. Iziaq reaffirmed.
Analyzing further, he said chemistry remains foundational to modern health systems, from drug formulation and quality assurance to toxicology, laboratory diagnostics, and chemical safety regulation; therefore, the role of professional chemists is indispensable.
Dr. Salako attributed the conferment of the fellowship to Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola mni to her exceptional competence, leadership, and contributions to both the profession and the mission.
“The Ministry carefully reviewed the recommendations forwarded by the Institute and found her credentials, accomplishments, and service records to be truly outstanding. Her professional journey reflects dedication to excellence, commitment to public service, and unwavering adherence to ethical standards. Through her work, she has strengthened systems, built capacity, and contributed meaningfully to national development,” the Minister explained.
In her acceptance remarks, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola promised to recommit herself to excellence and service for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity at large, adding that the honor is profoundly meaningful because it comes from a professional body committed to upholding standards, ethics, and excellence in the practice of chemistry in Nigeria.
She expressed gratitude to the leadership of the council and the Institute, especially the Registrar, as well as the Honorable Ministers, Permanent Secretary, and the Management of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, for their support, guidance, and enabling environment that has allowed her to serve and grow professionally.
“My journey in public service has been shaped by mentorship, teamwork, and shared commitment to strengthen our regulatory and public health systems,” Mrs. Adeola reiterated.
She urged her professional colleagues to continue to uphold integrity, promote best practices, mentor younger professionals, and contribute meaningfully to policy and system strengthening.
Speaking earlier, the Registrar/CEO of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, Chemist Jwalshik Wilford, described the event as historic, saying that conferment of fellowship is only made to people or individuals who have meaningfully contributed to the progress of chemistry in Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola mni, being Director of Food and Drugs Services Department, will initiate chemical policies for the betterment of the health system and chemistry, emphasizing that when chemistry is gotten right, health will not be a challenge.
The investee was born on February 9, 1969, and obtained BSc Education (Chemistry), MBA, and MEd in Guidance and Counseling from Lagos State University. She joined the Federal Ministry of Health in 1993 as a Scientific Officer and rose steadily to her present rank as Director, Food and Drugs Services Department in the Ministry.
