BENIN CITY — The Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesiri Okpebholo Anani, has charged members of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) to uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice and work collaboratively to combat drug abuse, which she linked to rising insecurity in the country.
Speaking at a cocktail event hosted by AHAPN in Benin City, Mrs. Anani welcomed participants to Edo State, commending its cultural heritage, warmth, and progressive vision.
“We are a people rooted in vibrant traditions and known for our hospitality. With a new administration committed to development, Edo State is on the path of transformation. We are proud to partner with stakeholders like you to advance progress,” she said.
Mrs. Anani commended the association’s efforts and urged pharmacists to remain vigilant in monitoring pharmaceuticals to prevent the circulation of substandard or expired drugs.
She recounted a personal encounter where a pharmacy had manipulated expiration dates, warning against such malpractice.
“The integrity of your profession is vital to public health. Upholding ethical standards is non-negotiable,” she stressed, adding that the fight against counterfeit drugs is key to a healthier society.
Reiterating the commitment of the state government to quality healthcare, Anani referenced the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, which places health at the forefront of development priorities.
She expressed optimism that the conference would lead to concrete resolutions that strengthen the pharmaceutical sector and improve public health outcomes nationwide.
In his remarks, AHAPN Chairman, Pharm. Elechi Oyim, FPSN, expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government for hosting the conference and praised the administration’s developmental strides, particularly the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Edo Drug Management and Health Commodity Agency, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, commended Mrs. Anani for her advocacy on women’s inclusion in governance, which she added, has resulted in an unprecedented number of female appointees in the state, including over 15 women in various roles and eight as heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.
