Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has reaffirmed the state’s position as Nigeria’s pharmaceutical capital, describing pharmacists as critical partners in building a healthy and productive society.
Soludo made the reaffirmation on Tuesday at the 99th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), tagged: “Ijele 2026”, at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
The governor, however, urged pharmacists to collaborate with the government in tackling fake and counterfeit drugs.
“We must work together to eliminate fake and counterfeit drugs from our society.
“I urge the PSN leadership to ensure that its members operate within the law and help identify and eliminate fake outlets posing as registered pharmacies,” he said.
He described the conference as “historic and consequential”, adding that human capital remained the state’s greatest asset.
The governor said that his administration’s education reforms, including free education from kindergarten to secondary school, had reduced the out-of-school children rate in the state to 0.25 per cent.
“Human capital is our greatest asset and we are investing heavily in education and healthcare to build a healthy and productive society,” he said.
On healthcare, Soludo said his administration had revitalised the primary healthcare system and introduced a zero-cost antenatal care programme.
According to him, the programme has benefited more than 250,000 pregnant women and supported over 900 free caesarean deliveries.
He said the state was also developing a dedicated pharmaceutical hub in Oba alongside a Coordinated Wholesale Centre, expected to be completed early in 2027.
Earlier, the President of PSN, Mr Ayuba Ibrahim, recalled his earlier pledge to bring the society’s flagship national conference to Anambra.
Ibrahim expressed appreciation to Soludo for his commitment to the pharmacy profession.
“I am deeply grateful to Gov. Soludo for his unwavering passion and support for the pharmacy profession,” he said.
He also recalled predicting Soludo’s electoral victory, noting that the prediction had come to pass.
The governor was later presented with an excellence award in recognition of his support for the pharmacy profession and practice in Anambra and beyond.
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