The Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan which is funded by the MacArthur Foundation, has conferred awards of recognition on 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 were; 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 also honoured for his contribution in improving the pharmacy profession in Nigeria. Equally 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 the National Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Gbadegeshin Yemi Hezekiah was also given an award of recognition for his contributions to science and medicine.
Others included 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 were; 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), Professor Temitope Alonge; the Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, 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. Aheme Gana Mohammed, Head of Unit Drug Manufacturing Unit, Amino Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Nigeria.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
