I am extremely delighted on behalf of the membership of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and
Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) to welcome you all to this epic making event
which will witness the inauguration of the association – PWDAN and also serve as the maiden
conference.
This event brings a new narrative in our collective responsibility to put into action a much
desired pathway in the healthcare system of our nation. It may interest you to know that the
challenges in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain System have been a recurring debate for many
years now.
Today’s event is the culmination of the enormous responsibility which a few of us, as
pharmacists who have chosen a career path in the Wholesale & Distribution of Pharmaceuticals
tinkered will offer best practices in the system for an effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
It is therefore notable that with the rapid global development especially in technology, a
paradigm shift is desired in meeting our goal in bringing about professionalism and dignity into
the wholesale distribution of Pharmaceuticals the discuss here today, no doubt will assist in
redirecting the wholesale distribution practice for an effective system beneficial to all Nigerians
and the economy.
Our theme for this inaugural ceremony is Supply Chain in contemporary Health Services – the
Disruption and chaired by no other than , a distinguished personality, Brg –Gen Mohammed
Buba Marwa Rtd, Current Chairman of NDLEA with a background stint chairing a presidential
advisory committee for the elimination of drug abuse.
We also congratulate his declaration for the emergency on drug abuse to which he remarked
“we have given our recommendations which we believe if implemented, this problem will be
solved……..”
And we also join to say that with the inauguration of PWDAN, the emergence of best practices
in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain will bear positive result in the not too distant future in
Nigeria.
Keynote Address Speaker Pharm. Clare Omatseye, FPSN is an achiever, an entrepreneur par
excellence, an acclaimed innovative disruptor-in-chief. She is a technocrat who has gone
through murky waters like ours to establish a healthcare association that is today challenging
the healthcare landscape. In one of her addresses she delivered recently, a co-speaker said
when asked to comment further, “Nothing more to add”. My take home from her address that
day were- Doing nothing is not an option and that if you are not on the table when the decision
is taken, you are the menu. I believe she will do justice to the theme of this event.
Also lined up for the plenary are two erudite scholars ,Pharm Joseph Ijie, Head of
Pharmalogistics ,MDS Logistics Ltd ( a member of Imperial logistics Group) who will present a
lecture on – Effective Drug Distribution – A systematic restorative concern and Prof Simon
Emeje, World first Professor of Logistics Management and the current Chairman of Courier,
Logistics Management Institute , an educator and facilitator , on – Value chain in Pharmaceutical
Wholesale Distribution. I must say , the lectures will be explosive and beneficial.
I here express my deep appreciation to everyone who made great sacrifices, worked extra
hours and went extra miles to help us get to where we are today. I pray that with your
continued dedication and determination we will reach our goal. We are fortunate to have a
great cadre of sponsors led by Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, the wellocracy company;
Pharmacy Plus Ltd with her lead product, RELOAD, a multivitamin product respectively tailored
for all ages and lifestyle and Fidelity bank Plc, a bank committed to her words as they give you
support to excel.
I pay tribute and appreciate individuals who have contributed to the formation and driving this
Association to this point. My appreciation goes to Mr. Femi Shoremekun of Biofem
Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Ltd who not only encouraged me personally, but also inspired us as a
group. I also here acknowledge the support from Pharm. Remi Adeseun, FPSN, the African
Director of Salient Advisory, a boutique global health consulting firm who encouraged our
Association to be foundation member of African Pharmaceutical Distributors Association
(APDA), inaugurated in Lusaka, Zambia in 2018 and with headquarters in Morocco. The history
of this association will not be told without mentioning the contribution of the two comrades,
George Bray and Chris Goetz of International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers
Association (IFPWA). My special thanks to the regulators, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN)
and NAFDAC. They were the first to give recognition to this association and have since
supported our objectives and moves in our undaunted quest for a collaborative relationship
geared towards good pharmaceutical distribution practice we will all be proud of. We are
indeed very grateful to the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Pharm. Mazi Sam
Ohuabunwa , FPSN, MON, MFR for welcoming the motive behind the formation of this
association. I am indebted to the former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,
Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, FPSN, mni for being a father to this Association, the valued advisor and
encourager.
To my team in the Executive Committee and entire membership of PWDAN, thank you for your
efforts, enthusiasm, dedication and commitment shown so far and most importantly for the
support and courtesies extended to me as I steer the ship of our Association. We all look
forward to a favourable practice environment we will be proud of as we work together for the
benefit of mankind.
I sincerely trust you will enjoy the programme lined up for the day.
Thank you for your participation and God bless.
Pharm. Ernest Okafor FPSN