Asaba/Nigeria-Veteran pharmacist and Managing Director of Newheights Pharmaceutical Limited, Lagos, Pharm. Dr. Paul Enebeli, FPSN, emerged as the focal point of the 2026 Pharmacy Week of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Delta State Branch, where he was honoured with the prestigious “Pillar of Pharmacy” Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the pharmacy profession in Delta State and Nigeria.
The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Pharmacy Week held in Asaba on Thursday, September 24, 2026, under the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future,” in commemoration of this year’s world pharmacy day.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Enebeli described the recognition as a humbling experience, attributing it to God’s grace rather than personal achievement. He noted that service to humanity had become a way of life for him through 5 decades of professional and community engagements.
According to him, pharmacists must continue to mentor younger professionals, remain resilient despite prevailing national challenges, and commit themselves to nation-building through integrity, excellence and selfless service.
He dedicated the award to his wife, children and colleagues who have supported his professional journey, while encouraging pharmacists to invest their time, talents and resources in advancing the profession and improving healthcare delivery.
Earlier, Enebeli explained that Pharmacy Week remains an important annual platform through which pharmacists engage society on critical health issues. He noted that the event provides opportunities for professionals to examine contemporary healthcare challenges, discuss emerging trends and deepen public understanding of the role pharmacists play in promoting healthier communities.
He said the global pharmacy body periodically reviews themes to reflect current realities, noting that this year’s focus on empowering pharmacists seeks to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills and capacity required to meet evolving healthcare demands and contribute meaningfully to society.
Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Merit Healthcare Limited, Dr. Lolu Ojo, stressed that empowerment remains essential to professional growth and innovation. He urged pharmacists to combine knowledge with ethical leadership, strategic thinking and digital competence to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven healthcare environment.
Ojo further challenged pharmacists to embrace innovation, create value, leverage opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence and position themselves as critical stakeholders in shaping healthcare outcomes. He also advocated stronger pharmacist presence across primary healthcare centres and medicine distribution channels to promote safer medication use among Nigerians.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chris Agbobu, commended the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria for sustaining Pharmacy Week as a platform for professional development and public enlightenment. He urged younger pharmacists to build on the achievements of their predecessors while preserving the values and legacies that have strengthened the profession over the years.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the pharmaceutical magazine and the presentation of the Pillar of Pharmacy Awards to 5 distinguished pharmacists who have made remarkable contributions to the profession. Recipients included Pharm. Dr. Paul Enebeli, FPSN; Pharm. Sir Patrick Ferife, FPSN; Pharm. Ogunlolu Olumuyiwa Peter, FPSN; Pharm. Mrs. Ekhuemelo Grace, FPSN; and Pharm. Mrs. Ifeoma Ndobu.