As part of strategies towards improving citizens’ healthcare across the Federation, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has assured that he will continue to sustain a good working relationship with members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).
Welcoming members of the PSN who visited in Abuja to seek his involvement in its preparations towards the forthcoming World Pharmacists’ Day celebration in September this year, Senator Omo-Agege pledged his commitment to work with PSN towards improved healthcare for Nigerians.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, the Delta Central lawmaker reiterated his commitment and passion for the Pharmacy profession.
Speaking in his capacity as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Igbuzor pointed out that as an elder and fellow of the Society who served in various capacities in the past including and as Chairman of General Practice Pharmacists in Borno State, he will continue to make positive interventions in favour of pharmacy.
Earlier, in his speech, Chairman of the FCT Chapter of PSN and leader of the delegation, Pharmacist Ifeanyi Ikebudu, emphasized that more than ever, the pharmacy profession needs a solid working relationship with the National Assembly towards improving citizens’ health in every part of the Federation.
He added that since its formation in 1927, PSN has been conducting advocacy efforts towards improving pharmacists’ welfare and improved pharmaceutical service delivery by PSN members in all spheres of practice.
He further explained that the PSN delegation’s three-pronged visit was to introduce members of the new FCT PSN Executive, express appreciation for Dr. Igbuzor’s various critical interventions on behalf of PSN since he became Chief of Staff to the Deputy Senate President and a solicitation for the DSP office’ full backing for the World Pharmacists’ Day celebration scheduled for September 23 – 25, this year.
“We are indeed very delighted to be here with you this auspicious day because you have remained a very bright and shining light for the pharmacy profession; your career path as a Pharmacist, beyond the boundaries of Pharmacy profession, has been one of great inspiration on to many young Pharmac sts, your contemporaries and the elderly alike.
“Having served at different times as the Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD}, International Head of Campagns of ActionAid International and Country Director of ActionAid Niger a, an Honourable Commissioner in the Police Service Commission (PSC), a Programme Co-ordinator of Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD}, a lecturer at the Delta State University’s Lagos Centre, and publisher of many scholarly articles on democracy, gender, politics and development before your present appointment, you have indeed carved a very big niche for yourself and put the pharmacy profession on a great pedestal.
“Your appointment as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Senate President came as no surprise to us because having followed closely your political activism especially on the frontiers of advancement of huma rights and your deep knowledge of the political architecture of our nation Nigeria, we are of the firm belief that no one qualifies better for the position than your honorable self.
“On the heels of this Sir, we equally are the firm belief that this will serve as the springboard to higher political positions for you in particular and the pharmacy profession in general,” said Pharmacist Ikebudu.
Other members of the PSN delegation that visited the office of the Deputy Senate President are: Pharm. Frank Akpotu, Pharm. Chinese Okonkwo, Pharm. Jelili Kilani, Pharm. Gideon Okoh and Pharm. (Mrs.) Tina Alaedu.
