ACPN Calls for Stronger Community Pharmacy Practice and Youth-Led Anti-Drug Advocacy

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) officially declared the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference open on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, bringing together pharmacy leaders, government officials, policymakers, healthcare professionals, academics, industry stakeholders, and students from across the country.

Building on the momentum of the previous day's Health Insurance Awareness Walk, the opening ceremony marked the formal commencement of the conference's scientific and policy engagements under the spirit of Unity 2026, with discussions centered on strengthening community pharmacy practice, advancing healthcare delivery, promoting professional excellence, and preparing the profession for emerging national and global challenges.

The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, the Niger State Government ministry of health, alongside eminent pharmacists, healthcare leaders, public officials, and representatives of partner organizations.

The day's programme featured the continuation of delegate accreditation, the official opening ceremony, product presentations by leading pharmaceutical companies, and the highly anticipated grand finale of the National Anti-Drug Abuse Competition (NADAC).

Inspiring the Next Generation Through NADAC

One of the day's most memorable moments was the grand finale of the National Anti-Drug Abuse Competition (NADAC), an initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians(Secondary school students) to become advocates against substance abuse through education, creativity, and public speaking.

The finalists impressed delegates with their confidence, eloquence, and deep understanding of the dangers of drug abuse, reinforcing the critical role young people play in promoting healthier communities.

At the end of the competition, outstanding performances were rewarded with cash prizes:

• Fourth Place: ₦100,000

• Third Place: ₦150,000

• Second Place: ₦350,000

• First Place: ₦500,000

In an additional show of support, the students were supported with an additional ₦2 million, to be shared among all four finalists.The competition highlighted ACPN's commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and raising a generation of informed young Nigerians who can champion the fight against drug abuse.

Keynote Address Calls for Global Standards

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the keynote presentation delivered by Pharm. Wale Oyenuga, titled:

"Raising Community Pharmacy Practice in Nigeria to Global Standards: Navigating the Complex Nigerian Political System."

The thought-provoking presentation challenged community pharmacists to embrace innovation, strategic leadership, policy engagement, and professional unity as essential drivers of progress within the profession.

Delegates were encouraged to move beyond the traditional dispensing role and position community pharmacists as indispensable contributors to primary healthcare delivery, medicine safety, preventive care, digital health, and national health policy.The keynote further emphasized that attaining global standards would require continuous professional development, ethical practice, stronger advocacy, and active participation in healthcare reforms.

National Internship Standards in Focus

Beyond the keynote presentation, one of the most significant policy discussions of the day centered on the proposed centralized national pharmacy internship training in Nigeria.

Stakeholders highlighted the need for a more structured and standardized internship programme that equips newly qualified pharmacists with the practical competencies required for modern pharmacy practice.

Recognising Excellence in Community Pharmacy Leadership

In recognition of outstanding service and leadership within the profession, ACPN honoured Consultant Pharmacists (CPI) from states across the federation for their exceptional contributions to pharmaceutical care and community pharmacy practice.

The Association also presented awards to Outstanding ACPN State Chairpersons, celebrating their exemplary leadership, dedication to strengthening their respective state branches, and unwavering commitment to advancing the objectives of ACPN.

The award presentations were among the emotional highlights of the opening ceremony, drawing enthusiastic applause from delegates and reinforcing ACPN's culture of recognising excellence, inspiring leadership, and encouraging professional service.

The day's proceedings concluded with closing remarks delivered by the outgoing National Secretary, who expressed appreciation to delegates, sponsors, partners, speakers, and the Local Organising Committee for a successful opening ceremony.

With the conference now fully underway, delegates look forward to several days of scientific presentations, policy dialogues, technical workshops, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and strategic discussions that will shape the future of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

The successful opening ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the profession but also reinforced ACPN's commitment to innovation, leadership, advocacy, youth development, and the continuous advancement of pharmaceutical care for the benefit of all Nigerians.