WRITTEN BY PHARM. IFEANYI OKEKE
As designated in 2009 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Council in Istanbul, Turkey, September twenty-fifth every year marks the World Pharmacists Day.

FIP encourages pharmacists to use this day to organize activities that promote and advocate for the role of the pharmacist in improving health in every corner of the world. “Pharmacists: Your medicines experts” is the theme of this year’s World Pharmacists Day.
This year, focus is on the extensive expertise that pharmacists have and put to use every day to ensure better patient health. This expertise is applied through science and research, through educating the next generation, and through transforming patient’s needs into services. The theme of World Pharmacists Day emphasizes that pharmacists are trusted sources of knowledge and advice, not only for patients but for other healthcare professionals.
For every patient who walks into a pharmacy, pharmacists ensure that the right medicine is provided at the right dose and in the most suitable formulation. Pharmacists work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that every individual receives optimal treatment. Moreover, as one of the most accessible health care professionals globally, pharmacists use their learning to protect health and prevent illness.
The history of pharmacy profession in Nigeria dates back to the nineteenth century when selling dispensers were involved in the retail of drugs to the people. In 1925, the first school of pharmacy was opened in Yaba, Lagos to train dispensers. Since then, the profession has grown over the years from five hundred and forty-two pharmacists in 1960 to over twenty-two thousand registered pharmacists currently. Over twelve thousand are licensed to practice in Nigeria.
The Universities that offer pharmacy courses in Nigeria are currently over seventeen and are doing their best in producing high quality manpower for the nation. The profession has produced many notable Nigerians, who, not only served the profession but the country alike, such as Sir Richard Zaccheus Bailey, who opened the first drug store in Nigeria in 1887. There are also Professor Cletus Nze Aguwa, the first professor of clinical pharmacy in Africa; Professor Paul Akubue, a first class professor emeritus of Pharmacology and former Vice Chancellor of Madonna University; Late Professor Dora Akunyili; Professor Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, former health minister and others too numerous to mention.
In Nigeria, especially in our dear state, Anambra, Pharmacists celebrate all the members of the noble profession and encourage Ndi Anambra to celebrate with us. We are carrying out health education programs in schools, churches and other places of interest to mark this great day. Also, feel free to walk to the pharmacy next door and check your vital signs. Free blood sugar tests are also being conducted in designated pharmacy premises in the state to promote and protect the health of Ndi Anambra on this special day.
The State Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharmacist Patrick Obi, is using this medium to request that pharmacists who have been consistently voted the most trusted professionals in the USA, be utilized in all tiers of health care in Nigeria, especially at the primary care centers for rural pharmacy care. Lives will be saved if these noble professionals are optimally utilized in preventing drug-related adverse events in our society.
Always ask your pharmacist, if you are in doubt about anything concerning your drugs. God bless you as we mark this great day. Long live the pharmacy profession, Long live the pharmacists, Long live Ndi Anambra.

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