By Esther Onyegbula

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State is set to host the 2026 Colloquium of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, a major gathering expected to bring together key stakeholders in the country’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
The Adamawa State Government has concluded arrangements to host the colloquium scheduled to hold from March 29 to April 1, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola.

The event is expected to serve as a prelude to the centenary anniversary of the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria, marking 100 years since the establishment of the profession in 1927, with a grand celebration planned for 2027 in Abuja.
Speaking ahead of the event, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and host of the colloquium, Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, said preparations had been successfully concluded, attributing the smooth planning to the support and commitment of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
He described the colloquium as a strategic platform for the profession to reflect on its historical achievements while charting a new course for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“With a rich history dating back to our founding, this anniversary reminds us of the remarkable successes that have contributed to improved health outcomes across the nation,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that the selection of Adamawa State as host was in recognition of the governor’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly through the construction and equipping of cottage hospitals and improvements in primary healthcare infrastructure.
He also commended the administration for appointing pharmacists to key leadership roles in the state’s public service, including positions such as Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Centenary Planning Committee and former PSN President, Olumide Akintayo, said the colloquium would witness the launch of the Centenary Trust Fund aimed at supporting the long-term development of the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria.
According to him, the gathering will also serve as a strategic forum to advocate reforms in the nation’s healthcare system and promote the growth of a modern and globally competitive pharmaceutical industry.
The colloquium will be held under the theme, “Launching of Centenary Endowment Funds,” with a keynote address to be delivered by renowned pharmaceutical scholar Cyril Odianose Usifoh.

Stakeholders are also expected to deliberate on strategies for positioning Nigeria as the “Pharmacy of Africa,” including the goal of achieving 70 per cent local drug production by 2030.
Ibrahim further urged young pharmacists to actively participate in the event, noting that they represent the future of the profession.

He said the colloquium would provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional networking, mentorship and career development, particularly as the industry prepares for its second century driven by technology, innovation and local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
As Chief Host, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has assured delegates of the state’s readiness to provide a conducive environment for participants expected from across Nigeria and beyond.

Top government officials supporting the hosting arrangements include Head of Service, Isa Shehu Ardo; Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley; Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Zirra Bubanani; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters, Nneka Okwuma.

The opening ceremony of the colloquium will be chaired by Yaro Budah, while plenary sessions will feature presentations by leading industry experts including Olumide Akintayo and Ahmed Yakasai.
Other prominent participants expected at the event include Chairman of the PSN Board of Trustees, Jimi Agbaje; U.N.O. Uwaga, who will chair the final plenary session; and Azubike Okwor, who will oversee the plenary report.
Administrative coordination for the event is being handled by the PSN National Secretary, Gafar Lanre Madehin, alongside the Steering Committee Chairman, Gbolagade Iyiola.

Stakeholders say the 2026 PSN Colloquium is expected to serve as a defining moment for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, setting the stage for the profession’s centenary celebration while reinforcing efforts to build a more resilient and globally competitive healthcare system.