Posted on: Fri 29-01-2016

It is my honour and privilege to be granted this opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt.Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

I am here today with my colleagues on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the umbrella Professional Association of all registered Pharmacists in Nigeria to congratulate the Speaker on your election as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 8thNational Assembly, even though we had earlier written to congratulate Mr Speaker on your emergence. As representatives of the people, the Constitution has vested enormous roles and responsibilities on the members which included among others, the powers to make Laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federation. These responsibilities correspond with the philosophy of the change mantra. It is our prayers that God in His infinite mercies will continue to guide and protect you to pilot the affairs of the House of Representatives on your capacity as the Speaker.

L-R: Immediate Past President PSN, Mr Olumide Akintayo ; President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr.  Ahmed  Yakasai and Speaker House of Representative, Mr Yakubu Dogara;  during PSN Visit to the Speaker in Abuja... on Thursday Photo Olatunji Obasa

 The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria is the oldest Health Professional Association in Nigeria (founded in 1927). The PSN was established with the aims and objectives of maintaining professional ethics and discipline among its members, thereby promoting quality Pharmaceutical Service delivery for the nation. Similarly, the PSN also partners with the Government to promote development of sound and effective health policies and as well promote sound legislation for the enhancement of the health of the citizens. As a professional Association, we give cognisance to the enhancement of the image of Pharmacy profession and practitioners and advice on Labour conditions relating to Pharmacists.

Permit me to express the appreciation of PSN to this Honourable House for the passage of the National Health Act, 2014. We will continue to partner with Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to ensure that the Act is effectively operationalized. The PSN is also working very closely with the Regulatory Agencies, FMOH and key stakeholders in Pharmaceutical Sector to reverse the chaotic uncoordinated Drug Distribution System in Nigeria through the implementation of National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG) issued by the FMOH with the aim of eliminating the incidences of fake and counterfeit medicines in Nigeria. Ultimately, the Open Drug Markets would be closed down.

The current Executives of the PSN which I lead came on board at the recently concluded 89th National Conference of the Society tagged “Unity 2015” which took place here in Abuja in November 2015. My vision as the President of PSN is to provide collaborative, participatory, responsive and transparent leadership. To achieve this, I have as one of my primary objectives, engagement in wider advocacies nationally and internationally to promote the ideals of the Society. It is on this premise that we are here today to pay this special visit on the Honourable Speaker.

Let me, therefore, request the Honourable Speaker to grant special attention to the Review of Pharmacy Laws and Regulations which will soon be presented to the House for passage into Law. This is with a view to strengthening the regulatory agencies in the Pharmaceutical Sector particularly the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) thereby making her more effective. I also want to inform the Honourable Speaker that PSN has established a forum for eminent citizens known as “Friends of Pharmacy” as a way of improving networking agenda of the society. I am pleased to convey to the Honourable Speaker that the Society has enlisted you into this prestigious forum.

In line with the tradition, the ceremonial event for the transition of power from the immediate past President to the current President would take place at the official Inauguration of the new President slated for February 18, 2016 at Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, 7.00pm- 9.00pm promptly. The investiture of the New Fellows of the Society will also take place during this ceremony. I want to humbly use this opportunity to solicit the Rt. Honourable Speaker to be our Special Guest of Honour during this prestigious occasion.

To this end, the PSN wishes to immensely thank the Honourable Speaker for this opportunity. We recognise the effort the speaker has put in so far to deliver the dividend of democracy to the nation particularly as reflected in the success so far recorded in the fight against insurgency and terrorism. We wish to restate our partnership with the House of Representative under your able leadership as Speaker.

Long Live Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria
Thank you Sir.

PHARM. AHMED I YAKASAI FPSN, FNAPharm, FNIM
PRESIDENT, PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (PSN)

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