In appreciation of their contributions to the medical and health industry,
the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP), Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan which is funded by the MacArthur
Foundation, conferred awards of recognition to some eminent personalities
at its international conference.
The Director of CDDDP, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola who presented the
awards to the honoured recipients stated that the awards were in
acknowledgement of the laudable efforts of some Nigerians who have served
meritoriously in ensuring access to basic health care.
Among the recipients of the awards are; the Minister of Health, Professor
Isaac Adewole for his contributions toward improving maternal and child
health in Nigeria; the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi
for her effort in providing easy access to basic medical care through ABC
Foundation.
The Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko was awarded for the
laudable health policies he implemented while he was the governor of Ondo
State. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria was honoured
for his contribution in improving the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.
Also awarded at the ceremony was the Registrar of Pharmacist Council of
Nigeria for his efforts in improving laws and regulations for access to
medicines in Nigeria. The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon
Michael Adeyemo was honoured for his role in passing the health care bill
in the State.
The Director General of National Institute of Science Laboratory
Technology, Gbdaegeshin Yemi Hezekiah was also given an award of
recognition for his contributions to science and medicine. The Committee
Chairman on Health in the Senate, Senator Olanrewaju Tejuosho who was
awarded for his contribution towards reducing counterfeit medicine in
Nigeria, while Engineer Raufu Aderemi Olaniyan was awarded for his
philanthropic efforts in the area of health in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence
Ajimobi who was represented by Mrs Dolapo Oyedipe appreciated CDDDP for
its efforts in organising the conference. She reiterated the commitment to
ensuring good access to free basic medical care and cancer prevention
services in the state.
In his own address, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly,
represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Abdulwasi commended the Centre for
its efforts. He noted that the Oyo State House of Assembly is focused on
passing laws that will improve the health sector in the state. He also
assured that the deliberations made at the conference will be considered
by the House.
The representative of ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko also commended the
contributions of CDDDP in the health sector, adding that he is committed
to setting up an organisation that will champion the cause of good access
to health care in the country.
Other personalities present at the programme are; the Chief Party
Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) Programme, Dr Chimezie Anyahora,
U.S Pharmacopeial Convention(USP), the immediate past Vice Chancellor of
the Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, a professor of
Pharmacy; Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH),
Dr. Temitope Alonge; the Dean of Faculty of Pharamcy, UI, Professor
Oluwatoyin Odeku and representative of the Vice Chancellor of University
of Ibadan, Prof. A.I Olayinka. the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society
of Nigeria, Oyo State branch Pharmacist Abiodun Ajibade and Pharm. Ahemed
Gana Mohammed, Head of Unit Drug Manufacturing Unit, Amino Kano Teaching
Hospital, Kano Nigeria.
