By Mokobia Rita.
ASABA/Nigeria: Veteran pharmacist and Chairman of the Board of Newheights Pharmaceutical Limited, Lagos, Pharm. Dr. Paul Enebeli, FPSN, has been honoured with the “Pillar of Pharmacy” Award by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Delta State Branch.
Enebeli, the Chairman, Advisory Board Council of Bel Dialogue, received the award on Thursday, September 24, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Pharmacy Week in Asaba, where five pharmacists were recognised for their contributions to the growth and development of the profession.
The event, held in commemoration of World Pharmacists Day, was organised around the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future.” The theme is also the focus of the 2026 global observance, with professional bodies highlighting the expanding role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery.
Enebeli, who has spent decades in professional and community service, described the award as a humbling recognition, saying he regarded his journey in pharmacy as an opportunity to serve humanity.
He attributed the honour to God and used the occasion to encourage pharmacists to support the development of younger professionals through mentorship.
The veteran pharmacist also urged practitioners to remain committed to professional integrity, excellence and service despite the challenges confronting the country.
According to him, pharmacists have a responsibility to contribute beyond their immediate professional duties by deploying their knowledge, skills and resources towards strengthening healthcare and national development.
Enebeli dedicated the award to his wife, children and colleagues whom he credited with supporting his professional journey.
He also described Pharmacy Week as an important avenue for pharmacists to engage the public on healthcare issues and for professionals to examine emerging challenges affecting the sector.
He said the annual programme provides an opportunity to discuss developments in healthcare and deepen public understanding of the contribution of pharmacists to healthier communities.
The keynote speaker, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Merit Healthcare Limited, Dr. Lolu Ojo, focused on the need for continuous professional empowerment, innovation and adaptation to technological changes in healthcare.
Ojo urged pharmacists to combine professional knowledge with ethical leadership and strategic thinking, while developing digital competencies required to operate effectively in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
He encouraged practitioners to explore opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, while taking a more active role in shaping healthcare outcomes.
The healthcare executive also advocated stronger pharmacist participation in primary healthcare centres and medicine distribution systems, particularly in promoting the safe and appropriate use of medicines.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chris Agbobu, commended the PSN for sustaining Pharmacy Week as a platform for professional development and public enlightenment.
Agbobu urged younger pharmacists to learn from the contributions of previous generations while preserving the professional values that have helped shape the pharmacy profession.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of a pharmaceutical magazine and the presentation of the Pillar of Pharmacy Awards to five pharmacists.
Other award recipients were Pharm. Sir Patrick Ferife, FPSN; Pharm. Ogunlolu Olumuyiwa Peter, FPSN; Pharm. Mrs. Ekhuemelo Grace, FPSN; and Pharm. Mrs. Ifeoma Ndobu.
The emphasis on professional empowerment at the Delta event comes as pharmacy organisations globally continue to examine how pharmacists can contribute more effectively to patient care, public health, medication safety and the changing healthcare environment.
