By Michael Ovat -Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed the state’s position as Nigeria’s pharmaceutical headquarters, declaring that a healthy and productive ecosystem is impossible without the vital contributions of pharmacists.
Welcoming delegates to the 99th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, hosted by Anambra at the International Convention Conference, ICC, Awka, on Tuesday, November 3rd 2026, the Governor described the event—tagged Ijele 2026—as both historic and consequential.
He emphasized that human capital remains Anambra’s greatest asset, highlighting major strides in public education where reforms and free schooling from kindergarten to secondary level have slashed the out-of-school children rate to 0.25 percent, the lowest in the country.
On healthcare transformation, Governor Soludo highlighted the revamp of the state’s primary healthcare network and the impactful zero-cost antenatal care program, which has already served over 250,000 pregnant women and funded more than 900 free cesarean deliveries.
According to him, to further consolidate Anambra’s leadership, work is progressing on a dedicated pharmaceutical hub in Oba alongside a Coordinated Wholesale Centre set for completion early next year.
He urged the pharmacists to join hands with the state government in cracking down on fake and counterfeit drugs, specifically calling on the leadership to police member operations and eliminate fake shops posing as registered pharmacies.
Speaking earlier, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim reflected on his past pledge to bring the flagship national conference to the state, noting that his earlier prediction of Governor Soludo’s electoral victory had come to pass.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering passion and support for the pharmacy profession.
An excellence award was later presented to the Governor for his unwavering support to the pharmacy profession and practice in the state and beyond.
The event that is expected to end on Saturday, November 7th, 2026 equally featured exhibition of drugs and award presentation to deserving members of the Society.
