ACPN Praises Anambra Governor for Health Sector Progress and Key Pharmacy Appointments
LAGOS – The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has praised the groundbreaking healthcare initiatives led by Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo. They commended him for establishing a well-coordinated wholesale center and appointing pharmacists strategically, describing these actions as "forward-thinking and unparalleled."
The ACPN specifically pointed out the creation of a pharmaceutical industrial hub as a crucial initiative, along with the introduction of CWC labels, describing these steps as "forward-thinking and unparalleled." According to the ACPN, these changes aim to improve the pharmaceutical sector within the region.
The recognition occurred during an NEC gathering in Anambra, where the governor's dedication to setting up a Coordinated Wholesale Center (CWC) in Oba adhering to the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), stood out. The ACPN also praised the rapid advancement of construction activities at the location.
At the gathering attended by delegates from 21 state chapters, ACPN praised the creation of a pharmaceutical production center in Ogboji, acknowledging this move as a significant step forward for industrial progress in the area.
In a communiqué signed by National Chairman Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary Mrs. Omokhafe Ashore, the NEC also lauded the state government’s inclusive governance strategy. The ACPN specifically acknowledged the strategic appointments of pharmacists to significant roles, such as Pauly Onyeka as Commissioner for Housing and Dr. Godwin Nnadozie as Special Advisor on Pharmaceuticals and Medicals.
The ACPN NEC likewise encouraged the government to initiate public health programs via community pharmacies and adopt digital solutions for medication dispensation and pharmacy services. They emphasized reinforcing the State Task Force against fake and counterfeit drugs and pushed for swift enactment of the Drug Management Agency (DMA) Bill, citing its effective execution in various regions with guidance from competent pharmacists.
Part of the communique states, "The NEC of ACPN welcomed the decision made by the Executive Governor of Anambra State to construct the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba, within Anambra State. This initiative aligns with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), mandating the transfer of vendors from Headbridge Market to Oba upon completion of this development."
NEC expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government for the rapid pace at which the work and infrastructure are progressing at the Oba site project.
NEC expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government for helping establish a pharmaceutical production center in Ogboji, where extensive areas of land have been allocated to develop an industry focused on pharmaceuticals. This development naturally stimulates the expansion of industrialization along with associated sectors within Anambra State.
“NEC specially conveyed its gratitude to His Excellency, Prof Charles Soludo CFR, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, for the appointment of two Pharmacists into the State Executive Council.
“NEC commended the appointment of Pharm Pauly Onyeka as Commissioner for Housing, and the exemplary as well as the pace-setting appointment of Pharm (Dr.) Godwin Nnadozie as Special Adviser on Pharmaceuticals and Medicals in a trail-blazing procedure nationally.
NEC also lauded the performance of Pharm. Chisom Uchem, who heads the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA), describing her leadership as transformative. Under her tenure, the ASPHDA has been adjudged the best-performing Primary Care Development Agency in Nigeria.
The ACPN NEC called on the Anambra government to roll out community pharmacy-based public health programs, leveraging pharmacists’ grassroots presence. It also urged the deployment of digital pharmaceutical care and supply chain systems, stressing the need for enhanced regulatory frameworks to eliminate fake and counterfeit drugs.
The NEC noted the timely placement of over 20 pharmacists within the state Ministry of Health, addressing the current shortage of pharmacists in Anambra’s healthcare system.
The communique also reads, “NEC put on record its gratitude for the appointment of Pharm Chisom Uchem as the Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA), a capacity in which she distinguished herself by projecting the ASPHDA as the best performing Primary Care Development Agency in the country.
“The NEC observed with relish the appointment of over 20 pharmacists at the state Ministry of Health at a time which palpable visible paucity of Pharmacists had hit the Ministry and its appendages in the health ecospace of Anambra and assured the Anambra State government of the capacity of the pharmacists to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delievery in Anambra State,” the communique added.
The Community Pharmacists canvased the need for Community Pharmacy-based public health programmes in Anambra State, which will position as a positive benchmark nationally. NEC, in the same spirit, solicited the deployment of digital solutions in pharmaceutical care and drug distribution in Anambra State.
ACPN encouraged the Anabra State Government to enhance the regulatory framework in the state by strengthening and funding the State Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit drugs as well as unwholesome food products. NEC assured that this particular measure would help to clean up the practice environment, which is germane to the interest of the consumers of health
It also called on the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly to catalyse the passage of the Drug Management Agency (DMA) Bill into law as it remains the key tool to boost drug availability, quality assurance, as well as contribute to the internal generating revenue potentials of the Anambra State Government.
APCN highlighted that the DMA Act has functioned effectively under the guidance and leadership of licensed pharmacists and chief executive officers across more than ten states nationwide where these frameworks have been established.
NEC assessed the level of unpredictability generated by certain state chapters during elections and concluded that these issues stemmed from arbitrary practices inconsistent with the core principles outlined in the ACPN’s founding charter. This document mandates adherence among members, state chapters, and associated entities within the ACPN structure. Consequently, NEC instructed all state divisions of the ACPN to forward their internal regulations to the National Secretariat to facilitate synchronization with the ACPN Constitution.
The NEC endorsed the constitutional changes suggested by the Executive Committee, aligning them with the specific stipulations outlined in Section 32 of the ACPN Constitution from 2023. The NEC instructed the Executive Committee to complete all necessary documentation for obtaining approval at the upcoming AGM during the National Conference scheduled for July this year.
NEC examined the adherence to its guidelines set forth for the Immediate Past Chairman of the ACPN FCT chapter and found that all instructions had been disregarded and not followed. Based on this finding, NEC issued the following directions:
Every pharmacist pretending to be part of the ACPN FCT Executive Committee and all individuals involved in this matter ought to face disciplinary actions from the ACPN and also be reported to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for additional measures.
The Caretaker Committee established by the NEC ought to be strengthened by including two additional members from the NEC. These new members shall oversee the organization of constitutionally mandated elections for the ACPN Executive Committee without delay.
Given the significant lack of respect demonstrated by the recent Past State Executive Committee of the ACPN FCT chapter, the organization has immediately revoked their privilege to host the 2026 ACPN FCT event.
The ACPN NEC expressed gratitude to Soludo and the Anambra State Government for their pledges regarding logistics, financial support, and other aspects crucial to ensuring the Conference’s success in July.
Along with policy talks, the ACPN NEC tackled matters within the party itself. They voiced worry about election-related misconduct in certain chapters, notably the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter. Following an examination of non-compliance instances by the recently departed leaders of the ACPN FCT, the NEC demanded disciplinary measures.
The document goes on to say, "Regarding internal affairs, the NEC tackled election-related conflicts within particular state divisions, blaming these problems on non-adherence to the ACPN Constitution. The council instructed every state division to synchronize their bylaws with the national constitution and endorsed suggested constitutional revisions for approval at the forthcoming National Conference in July."
The ACPN NEC adopted a strong resolution concerning the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch, determining that the former executive committee had disregarded instructions. "disciplinary measures were imposed on those concerned, and a caretaker committee bolstered with NEC members was appointed to supervise fresh elections. Additionally, the FCT branch’s privilege of hosting the 2026 national conference has been revoked."
“We sincerely appreciate the hospitality and unwavering support of the Anambra State Government. Their logistical and financial contributions have been instrumental in the success of this NEC meeting and the preparations for our forthcoming National Conference.”
The NEC ended by expressing appreciation to the government and residents of Anambra State for offering a conducive environment for their discussions.
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