Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The news that Kaduna State has had good news in terms of security may no longer be news. That is weird in a good sense since that state, barely two years ago, was in bed with the macabre: bandits on a roll, rapine and bloodshed as routine staple of its life.

The good news from Kaduna State in the past couple of weeks as it bears an international resonance was its liberation from a colour-coded infamy.

The United Kingdom that has kept its eyes on the nervous unravelling of the state to violence decided the state had turned the corner to peace. It upgraded the security status of Kaduna State from red to amber. It capped it all with an advisory that its citizens could now travel to the state without fear, even though it gave a caveat to be wary of certain rural areas. That is why it is still amber and not green.

The state had been painted red since 2022. No area of the state was out of danger, including its airport. Areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa were danger zones to citizens who were not bandits. That same year, presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he then was, travelled with what looked like an army brigade to that local government as part of his campaign stops. Its main cattle market was shut down for about a decade. That part of the country has received a shot in the arm for commerce and other activities.

‘The UK Government remains firmly committed to supporting Kaduna State’s development aspirations, and I am delighted to be here in Kaduna again with government colleagues, our delivery partners, and non-government stakeholders to continue to chart the way forward,’ UK’s Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, said.

She announced the upgrade: ‘We will do this by deepening private sector involvement and working with agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to boost investment across critical sectors of the state’s economy for a fairer, more resilient economy.’

The UK’s Head of FCDO signed the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF) dialogue when she announced her country’s recognition of the improved security situation in the state. This is a huge validation and an eloquent testimony to what keen observers of the state have come to accept.

The status did not come without vision and effort, and it is predicated on what the state governor had envisioned in his Kaduna Peace Model that he enunciated when he came to office.

In February 2024, he signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into law, establishing a dedicated fund to buoy security agencies with modern gizmos like drones, armoured vehicles, and intelligence tech without prejudice to federal allocations. It extended its hands of cooperation to the private sector.

Governor Uba Sani worked in tandem with federal forces through the office of the National security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to include the Nigerian Army and Air Force. They undertook joint operations and dispatched bandit kingpins like Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow, Janburos and Buhari.

Other than Birnin Gwari and Giwa, other communities like Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and Igabi fell to the net of peace.

Governor Sani described the news as ‘a major vote of confidence in Kaduna’s resilience and reform agenda.’ He was quick to say that bringing peace is a holistic effort, including building peace across the diverse peoples, tribes and faiths, running a government of inclusion, engaging communities and building infrastructure and improving education.

It is a blending of the various ingredients that build a society. It is amber, though green is the ultimate, and making peace is always a work in progress in any society.

Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has been indicted by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) for failing to remit over N4.304 trillion to the Federation Account.

A 2022 audit report by the OAuGF, which contains the alleged infraction by the CBN, also showed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) and 10 other Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) failed to recover about N1.769 trillion owed to the Federal Government.

The CBN was listed alongside the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited(NNPC Ltd.), the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Universal Service Provision Fund for under-remitting operating surplus amounting to about N1.473 trillion.

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria, National Eye Centre, Kaduna and the Institute of Agricultural Research were also mentioned as being part of the offence.

This is contained in the report of the Auditor-General for the Federation on the noncompliance/internal control weaknesses in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federation Government of Nigeria for the year ended 31st December, 2022.

The report on the non-compliance/internal control weaknesses in MDAs was signed by the Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira. It was dated August 21, 2025 and submitted to the Clerk to the National Assembly.

The report marked AuGF/AR.2022/01. said the issues classified as cross-cutting and listed in about 27 audit queries relate to the same non-compliance/internal control weaknesses identified in at least the MDAs covered by the Auditor General for the Federation’s Annual Report.

According to the report, the CBN failed to recover an outstanding revenue/debt of about N1.413 trillion for the government during the year under review, did not remit about N1.445 trillion of its operating surplus and another N1.445 trillion as internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, yesterday x-rayed Nigeria’s journey as a nation and concluded that leadership failure has derailed the vision of those who fought for its independence.

Obi, in a statement on his X handle to mark the country’s 65th Independence Day, recalled that Nigeria, which was once projected to become Africa’s economic giant, has ‘slipped to the fourth-largest economy on the continent.’

He lamented that years of poor governance and waste have not only worsened poverty but also widened inequality.

The tweet reads: ‘Our founding fathers fought for independence with confidence and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria.

‘Unfortunately, tragic failures of leadership derailed this vision.

Obi claimed that as of 2007, Nigeria’s debt was about N2.5 trillion – less than 10 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when former President Olusegun Obasanjo secured debt relief for the country.

He added that by 2014, Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy and was set to attain middle-income status.

The LP candidate lamented that the progress was ‘truncated’ after the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015.

He said: ‘Today, our debt has ballooned to about N175 trillion, nearly 50 per cent of GDP, without corresponding improvement in productive sectors.

‘Nigeria has fallen behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as undemocratic.

Obi accused the government of spending lavishly while millions of Nigerians have no access to healthcare, education, or safe water.

He also said that insecurity has further affected the economy, with kidnapping and terrorism keeping Nigerians in fear.’

‘Cronyism, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law have scared away investors, while other African countries are overtaking us as investment destinations,’ Obi said.

Obi, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria could still achieve greatness.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope because ”Nigeria will rise again.’ added.

Nigeria’s economy is on a path to recovery for inclusive growth and sustainable development, drawing strength from bold reform actions taken by the President Bola Tinubu administration, President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria), Otunda Adetunji Oyebanji, has said.

He said the government’s reforms upon assumption of office in 2023, to confront the petroleum subsidy conundrum, fragmented foreign exchange markets, and embark on electricity reforms in addition to sectoral intervention programmes have positioned Nigeria on the path of recovery and stardom.

Oyebanji, who gave this assessment yesterday when he joined Nigerians all over the world in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, said Nigeria’s current economic stability is providing impetus for fresh investments and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to explore new frontiers, innovate and be globally competitive.

The CIoD Nigeria boss, in a statement, noted that for the past 65 years, the country has stood as a sovereign nation, richly blessed with human and natural resources, and known for the resilience and creativity of its people.

‘Our independence was never just about freedom from colonial rule; it is also about the enduring spirit of Nigerians who have persisted through trials and transitions, and who continue to inspire hope across Africa and the world,’ he stated.

He said the country’s achievements in arts, literature, sports, technology, entertainment and other endeavours have been recognised on the global scene.

‘Our creative industries, fintech innovators, and young entrepreneurs are making their mark on the international stage. Our diaspora communities continue to contribute significantly to the economy and reputation of our nation,’ Oyebanji said.

He said since independence in 1960, efforts by successive governments have driven the transformations of the economy from a mono-sector, agrarian-based and later oil to a private sector-led diversified economy.

He emphasised that these ‘successes remind us of what is possible when talent and opportunity are given a space to flourish.’

Oyebanji, however, said despite the current gains, especially the sustained growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), legacy challenges continue to undermine the wheel of Nigeria’s collective progress.

‘Most Nigerians are yet to experience the impact because growth has not translated to improved income and prosperity. Inflation and high costs of living weigh heavily on family’s disposable income.

‘Security challenges still disrupt lives and businesses, infrastructure gaps limit competitiveness, and governance deficits in both the public and private sectors continue to erode trust,’ he pointed out, for instance.

The CIoD boss, however, said these are not insurmountable problems, but they require deliberate action rooted in accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.

‘The task before us is great, but history shows that it can be done. Other nations have risen from deeper crises because their citizens chose responsibility over resignation. Nigeria’s destiny remains in our hands,’ he said.

He, therefore, insisted that this 65th independence anniversary should not only be about years counted, but about a turning point. ‘Let it mark the moment where leaders and citizens alike choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division.

‘It is an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to sustain the vision of our heroes/heroines and to preserve the cherished legacy of our founding fathers,’ he stated.

He said on its part, the CIoD Nigeria has consistently canvassed for the promotion of standard governance practices and responsible leadership in the management of public resources and private enterprises.

‘The Institute,’ Oyebanji reiterated, ‘is committed to promoting ideals of corporate governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. We believe that good governance is not only the foundation of strong institutions, but also the bedrock of national development.

‘Our Institute remains a partner in the Nigerian project, working alongside government, the private sector, and civil society to build a nation worthy of its potential.’

While reaffirming CIoD Nigeria’s commitment to continue to support Nigeria’s development aspirations, Oyebanji called on all Nigerians, leaders and followers, public servants and private citizens, young and old, to rise to the challenge of positioning Nigeria on a path to stardom.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has resolved the lingering labour dispute at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The minister had summoned parties to the industrial dispute that left the polytechnic located on the banks of River Nun in Bayelsa to shut down since July 11 to a mediatory meeting on Sept. 29.

It was learnt yesterday that after exhaustively listening to the workers’ representatives and management, Alausa fixed a resumption date on Oct. 6.

Chairmen and secretaries of the three unions in the polytechnic, the Rector and Governing Council Chairman attended the meeting held in Abuja.

The unions are Non Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in the polytechnic.

It was gathered that the minister directed the governing council to set up a fresh panel to investigate sundry allegations levelled against the Rector by the unions.

The panel was mandated to report its findings in three weeks.

The meeting followed a joint petition to the minister over suspension of a governing council meeting to resolve the labour dispute on the grounds of insecurity.

The workers had in the petition submitted that the claim of insecurity was a ploy to avert pending probe of allegations against the rector as there was no security threat in Bayelsa to warrant suspension when the council members were already in town for the meeting.

The unions had said that only the suspension, pending investigation of the Rector, Dr. Agbabiaka Lukman, will guarantee industrial harmony to the institution.

The workers had kept the institution under lock for alleged violation of the Polytechnic Act by the rector who took the three unions to court over labour disputes whereas the governing council was statutorily mandated under the Act to handle labour-related matters.

When contacted for an update on the face-off, Mr. Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of the tertiary institution declined comments.

A group of youths has demanded decisive actions to elevate the participation of younger elements in the political and governance landscapes.

They demanded the time for youths to claim their rightful place on the decision-making table was now.

This was the consensus at the gathering of young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria during the unveiling of Future is Now Project.

Participants emphasises that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are the leaders of today, rejecting any form of delay, denial, or exclusion from political leadership.

In a bold vision for the nation’s future, a communique read by its Convener, Mr. Laolu Akande, laid out clear, ambitious targets to be achieved by the next election cycle.

These include: ‘At least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; at least 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; ‘at least 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.’

To realise these goals, a pledge was made to champion political inclusion by lobbying, negotiating, and mobilising support for credible youth candidates across all political parties.

Efforts will also focus on mentorship programmes, capacity building for young leaders and forming cross-cultural alliances to ensure governance reforms favoring youth representation.

At the unveiling, homage was paid to Nigeria’s elder statesmen and stateswomen, acknowledging their foundational contributions while urging them to graciously yield space for emerging young leaders.

The call was for older generations to act as mentors and guides, ensuring a smooth and sustained leadership transition.

The gathering opened with an impassioned address by the Interim Chairman of the project, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, who described the event not merely as a gathering, but as the ignition of a movement – a national commitment to dramatically increase youth leadership at all levels of governance.

Dasuki said the Future is Now Project is born of sacrifice and demands sacrifice from older generation.

‘Today,’ Rep Dasuki declared, ‘we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The Future is not tomorrow – the Future is Now.’

Dasuki reflected on Nigeria’s political history, noting that while young leaders had once been central to the country’s formation and early development, they have increasingly been sidelined from positions of power, despite the demographic reality that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35.

He cited the signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 as a step forward but stressed that persistent barriers still prevent meaningful youth participation in governance. Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.

Drawing lessons from recent youth-led global protests in countries like Nepal, Rep Dasuki warned of the dangers of political exclusion and the potential unrest that can follow when large youth populations feel alienated from their governments.

‘When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability,’ he warned.

Key highlights of the event include the unveiling of the interim governance structure of Future Is Now project – which will undertake the preparation for a more elaborate gathering of Future is Now in the first quarter of 2026 – and the unveiling of the membership registration portal Future Is Now Youth Movement

Also at the unveiling were former Minister of Youth, Solomon Dalung; Hon Ibrahim Bello Haliru (the youngest member of the National Assembly); Hon. Henry Shield; Hon Salisu Yakassai and Hon David Oloto.

Ms Nicole Nwosu (Convener 1), and Ibrahim Zanna (Convener 2) made presentations at the event while goodwill messages were delivered by development partners, civil society leaders, youth and student leaders, and other partners.

Lagos Pacific Lions Club in District 404B2 has distributed school bags and other leaning materials to pupils in public primary schools in Lagos State.

President, Nasir Lateefat, noted that the initiative was to put smiles on pupils and provide them with drive and confidence to learn and progress. She stressed importance of education, urging the pupils to be committed to their studies, and listen to their teachers’ counsel.

Speaking to journalists, Lateefat said: ‘We are to celebrating Literacy Day, and also hold literacy talk with pupils of Ikeja Central School and Ikeja Primary School, motivating and let them know the worth of education. This is one of the core areas in which our club prioritises.

‘We are distributing school bags and water bottles. We distributed over 80 bags and 80 water bottles to pupils, especially those less-privileged. Primary 1-3 pupils were given water bottles, while Primary 4-6 pupils got bags.

‘We will come back to the school for another project. Our next project is to visit the children cancer section at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, the paediatric section.’

Advising the pupils, Lateefat encouraged pupils to take their education seriously to achieve greatness in life.

She said: ‘Please, concentrate and face your studies so you can have good grades, come out in flying colours and have a bright future. Make your parents proud. God will guide you to come out in flying colours.’

Lateefat further implored parents to make educational development of their children a priority, while preparing them for a greater future.

The children appreciated the gesture and expressed lauded the Pacific Lions Club.

Their teachers hailed the club, saying the gesture would ease burden of parents and motivate pupils to perform well in their academics.

On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green rose for the first time at Tafawa Balewa Square. That moment marked Nigeria’s entry into self-rule. Sixty-five years later, the flag still waves, but the meaning of independence continues to evolve. The challenge before us is not whether Nigeria is free, but whether that freedom is being translated into prosperity, stability, and global influence. Independence at 65 calls for converting resilience into leadership and collective ambition into measurable progress.

Nigeria has grown into Africa’s most populous country, with more than 220 million citizens, projected to exceed 400 million by 2050. One in every 20 people on earth will soon be Nigerian. This scale already carries global weight. Nollywood and Afrobeats dominate global culture, while the diaspora sent home more than $20.93 billion in 2024, boosting foreign reserves to $40.19 billion and producing a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion. In some years, remittances have outpaced foreign direct investment. These flows of talent, capital, and creativity reflect a nation with deep reserves of possibility.

The world Nigeria faces today is not the world of 1960. Independence once meant reclaiming political control. In 2025, it requires the ability to compete and negotiate in a global order shaped by shifting power blocs, climate pressures, and technological disruption. The task is to convert size into strategy, proximity into power, and diaspora into deal-flow. Nigeria must use its scale to set agendas in ECOWAS and the African Union, while engaging as an equal with partners across the Atlantic, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already moved in this direction. His leadership at the ECOWAS Summit and his presence at platforms such as the G20 and BRICS reflect a commitment to positioning Nigeria as both a regional anchor and a global player. Independence today requires the confidence to diversify financing, build resilient supply chains, and capture greater value from trade, energy, and technology. That calls for patient capital, functioning markets, and disciplined execution.

Reforms already underway lay the groundwork. The removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023 corrected a distortion that consumed close to two percent of GDP annually. According to the World Bank, that percentage was larger than the country’s combined spending on health and education. Redirecting those resources allows investment in infrastructure, social protection, and fiscal stability. Exchange rate unification and reforms in the foreign exchange market have restored transparency, while monetary tightening through 2024 slowed inflation. The September rate cut, the first in five years, reflected renewed confidence in price stability and created certainty for investors.

Energy, infrastructure, and trade form the backbone of renewal. Nigeria’s over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves can power industries and households while advancing Africa’s energy transition. The Electricity Act empowers states and private investors to drive competition in power generation and distribution. Infrastructure upgrades are reducing costs, opening markets, and linking communities, while public-private partnerships are delivering modern roads, rail lines, and airports.

Trade integration holds even greater promise. The African Continental Free Trade Area could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty by 2035, according to the World Bank. Nigeria’s path lies in efficient ports, modernised customs, and functional transport networks that make Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt continental trade hubs.

Security remains the foundation of all progress. Safe highways and secure communities attract investment and restore confidence. Nigeria’s security strategy must strengthen local intelligence, mobility, and accountability, while using technology to anticipate threats. Stability creates the breathing space for reforms to take root, while jobs and enterprise address the long-term causes of insecurity.

Nigeria’s greatest strength remains its people. The median age of 18 signals a youthful population capable of transforming the economy if given the right tools. The administration has prioritised job creation through MSME support, digital innovation, and vocational training. The Nigeria Start-up Act and targeted youth programmes are helping to channel creativity into enterprise. Over 90 percent of Nigerians work in the informal sector. Expanding access to finance, encouraging formalisation, and integrating small enterprises into value chains can turn daily hustle into sustainable business.

The diaspora multiplies Nigeria’s influence. Beyond remittances, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and artists project Nigerian excellence globally. The proposed $10 billion Diaspora Fund aims to channel these inflows into infrastructure, healthcare, education, and SMEs, turning remittances into engines of national transformation.

Independence today must also be understood in terms of interdependence. Sovereignty is no longer measured by isolation but by how effectively a nation translates domestic strength into diplomatic capital. Nigeria has taken up this role. At BRICS, it voiced Africa’s demand for fairer terms in global trade and finance. In ECOWAS, it continues to argue for regional unity as the strongest defence against coups and authoritarian backsliding. At the United Nations, it has pressed for Africa’s right to permanent representation on the Security Council. These engagements demonstrate that Nigeria’s independence is sustained through active global participation.

At 65, Nigeria stands at a turning point. The promise of independence was always to build a strong, democratic, and inclusive nation. That promise remains alive. Nigeria’s democracy, despite its imperfections, endures as a regional anchor in West Africa, where military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have unsettled stability. A democratic Nigeria signals that popular legitimacy, not force of arms, is the path to stability in Africa.

Independence Day is a reminder of what was won in 1960 and what must be achieved in the decades ahead. The future requires a Nigeria that powers its industries, creates opportunities for its youth, and projects leadership across Africa and the world. Reforms at home, energy for growth, trade networks that connect to markets and diplomacy that commands respect are the tools for achieving this future.

Nigeria at 65 carries the responsibility of turning sovereignty into prosperity and interdependence into influence. The flag that rose at Tafawa Balewa Square remains a symbol of freedom. The challenge now is to ensure that freedom produces a nation that is secure, prosperous, and globally respected.

From The Arewa Think Tank (ATT ) came yesterday praises for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence day speech.

It described the address as inspiring and thought-provoking.

In a statement by ATT Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group praised the President’s call to action for Nigerians to work together towards a brighter future.

According to Yakubu, President Tinubu’s speech was a clarion call to Nigerians to believe in the boundless potential of our great nation.’

The group believes that the President’s message of hope and unity is what Nigeria needs to develop the country at the moment.

The ATT noted that President Tinubu’s emphasis on national unity and the need for Nigerians to work together towards a common goal is a step in the right direction.

The group believes that unity is key to Nigeria’s progress and development.

The President’s speech highlighted the country’s economic progress, including the growth of the economy, increased foreign reserves, and improved infrastructure.

The ATT believes that these achievements are a testament to the President’s leadership and vision for Nigeria.

The ATT called on Nigerians to heed the President’s call to action and work towards building a better future for themselves and future generations.

The group believes that with collective effort and determination, Nigeria can achieve great things.

In his speech, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of national unity, economic development, and collective effort.

He called on Nigerians to believe in the potential of their great nation and work towards a brighter future.

The President highlighted the country’s progress in various sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, and security.

Pharmacists across Nigeria must urgently embrace technology to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Pharm. John Omale has said.

Speaking at the opening of the 3-day Business Summit 3.0 organized by the Abuja chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Omale stressed that outdated practices can no longer address today’s challenges.

‘Our practices as professionals must evolve to remain meaningful and effective. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results.’

Technology must be at the heart of that transformation’ he said.

Delivering the keynote on the theme: ‘Technology Infusion in Healthcare Practices: The Panacea for the Future of Community Pharmacy’, Omale argued that digital tools are no longer optional, stressing, ‘Technology enables us to solve problems, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.

‘However, we must also recognize that the market, regulations, and mainstream practices are shifting. To survive and thrive, we must adapt, innovate, and adopt standards that ensure quality and profitability without compromising ethical values.’

He linked sustainability in pharmacy to innovation and problem-solving, not inefficiency, ‘Money flows to solutions. When we solve problems effectively, opportunities and resources naturally follow

‘Stronger reliance on data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and innovation is the only way to go,’ Omale said.

Omale highlighted the growing complexity of modern healthcare, stressing the need for patient-specific care and safety in drug use.

‘Technology can help us manage these complexities, improve patient safety, and deliver higher-quality services,’ he noted.

He warned that the benefits of technology would not materialize without investment in people, emphasizing, ‘We must also prioritize training and continuous learning.

‘The world of healthcare is dynamic, and professionals must stay ahead of developments in science, technology, and regulation. Only then can we build a system where every patient receives appropriate, safe, and effective treatment’.

On the challenges facing the profession, Omale identified outdated practices, resistance to change, inadequate standardization, limited access to digital tools, and gaps in regulatory compliance and ethical delivery.

‘Our collective goal should be to modernize our systems, standardize practices, and ensure ethical service delivery. By embracing change and adopting new tools, we can transform healthcare into a system that is patient-centred and sustainable for the future,’ he noted.

The Chairman of ACPN, FCT chapter, Aloba Olatunji, described the summit as a platform to empower members and sustain continuous professional learning.

‘As professionals, we don’t stop learning. This summit is designed to put knowledge back into our members, helping us adapt to what is trending in society. The theme for this year is ‘Technological Infusion into Healthcare Practice,” he said.

He noted that while artificial intelligence is being projected as a disruptor, Africa’s peculiar health realities mean pharmacists remain indispensable.

‘Pharmacists in Africa deal with tropical medicine, which technology cannot fully replace. Our members need to be empowered to integrate technology into their practice,’ he explained.

He said an incentive initiative put in place during the summit was necessary to support members facing difficult business environments.

‘Some of our members are doing well, while others are not. Collectively, many are struggling. Information is power, so we need to constantly pass it across so they can blend with what is happening in society,’ he said.

Olatunji also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with government reforms and always seek professional guidance in drug use. ‘A beautiful diagnosis without the right drug, dose, and duration will not give you a beautiful result,’ he cautioned.

On drug regulation, he assured: ‘No pharmacy manned by a licensed pharmacist will dispense prescription drugs irrationally. Your license is at stake. On fake and substandard drugs, ACPN is working with NAFDAC and NDLEA to ensure they are flushed out of society.’

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Pharmacist Fellows for Abuja and Nasarawa commended ACPN for hosting the summit, describing it as ‘a valuable platform to advance pharmacy practice.’

He urged members to ‘remain focused on professional goals despite distractions’ and stressed the importance of unity in pursuing common objectives.

Also delivering goodwill on behalf of the NDLEA FCT Commandant, a representative reaffirmed the agency’s close partnership with pharmacists, calling them the ‘frontline interface with the people.’

He warned of the rising tide of substance abuse and stressed that pharmacists must play an ethical role in preventing misuse.

He commended ACPN for creating a platform to strengthen collaboration, saying the summit was vital in ‘tackling substance abuse and promoting responsible healthcare delivery.’

The empowerment incentives, sponsored by one of the stakeholders include cars, televisions, refrigerators, and other consolation prizes, while the FCT chapter also packaged inverters for members to power their premises in case of outages.