By Esther Onyegbula

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has pledged its full support to Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, following his inauguration for a second term, with a commitment to collaborate on healthcare transformation and pharmaceutical sector reforms.

The association said Soludo’s re-election reflects the confidence of the people in his administration’s “visionary leadership and transformative governance,” particularly across critical sectors such as healthcare, education, innovation and technology.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ACPN noted that the governor’s policies align with the aspirations of community pharmacists, especially in strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to quality medicines.

The pharmacists’ body specifically commended the state government’s efforts to sanitise the drug distribution system through the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres, including the flagship facility in Oba, in line with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines aimed at eliminating substandard and falsified medicines.
It also lauded the administration’s industrialisation drive in the health sector, highlighting the development of the 4,000-hectare Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City and a pharmaceutical hub in Ogboji, which it said would boost local drug manufacturing, research and development.

According to ACPN, the initiatives are expected to position Anambra as a major hub for pharmaceutical production and healthcare innovation in West Africa, while creating jobs and enhancing medicine availability.
The association further recalled Soludo’s longstanding advocacy for local drug manufacturing, describing it as key to achieving national drug security and self-sufficiency. It cited his engagement with industry players such as May & Baker Nigeria Plc to encourage indigenous research and commercialisation of locally developed therapies.

In a joint statement by ACPN National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, and Anambra State Chairman, Felix Enendu, the association expressed appreciation for the governor’s recognition of pharmacists as a critical pillar in healthcare delivery.

They referenced his remarks during inauguration activities where he described pharmacists as the “heart of the healthcare delivery system” and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a pharmacy-friendly environment in the state.
ACPN also noted that the administration’s open investment policy has begun attracting interest from pharmaceutical investors, with plans for new manufacturing facilities and distribution depots in Onitsha.

National Chairman of ACPN, Ambrose Ezeh, said the association is ready to partner with the state government to advance reforms that will expand access to safe and quality medicines and improve public health outcomes.

He added that Soludo’s second term presents an opportunity to consolidate gains in healthcare delivery and deepen efforts to build a knowledge-driven economy anchored on pharmaceutical innovation.