During the 28th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Pharm. Bankole Aminu Chinwuba  Ezebuilo was elected as the new National Chairman on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at The Citadel in Ikeja, Lagos. He takes over from Pharm. Kenneth Chinedu Onuegbu, who made significant contributions to the association during his tenure. Chinwuba’s leadership is anticipated to build upon the strong foundation laid by Onuegbu, guiding the organization into a new era of innovation and transformation.

In his acceptance speech, Pharm. Chinwuba quoted former U.S. President Bill Clinton, stating, "Being a President is like running a cemetery; you’ve got a lot of people under you but nobody is listening." He humorously acknowledged the frustrations tied to leadership while emphasizing the importance of active engagement in Nigeria. “In Nigeria, we are forced—by action or inaction—to listen. The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) — we choose to listen, and more importantly, to act,” he remarked to an applauding audience.

Reflecting on his journey and responsibilities, he likened leadership to a marriage, acknowledging its challenges and calling for commitment and resilience. "Be rest assured that the weight of this responsibility, like my friend, is not lost on me.… I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and a head brimming with ideas."

Key Highlights from His Acceptance Speech:

1. Acknowledgments: Chinwuba expressed profound gratitude to God, his colleagues, and the outgoing National Chairman, Pharm. Kenneth Chinedu Onuegbu, thanking him for his hard work and dedication that set a high standard for the association.

2. Vision and Leadership Framework: Chinwuba detailed his vision for NAIP, which includes transforming the organization into a dynamic, inclusive institution that shapes policy and drives innovation. His leadership framework is structured around the three foundational pillars: People, Programs, and Place (the "3 Ps").

· People: Focus on inclusive leadership that engages pharmacists of all backgrounds, launching mentorship initiatives and regular forums for dialogue.

· Programs: Strengthening collaborations with regulatory bodies to develop relevant policies and supporting local production initiatives, training, and branding for Nigerian pharmacists.

· Place: Securing land for a NAIP House in Anambra State and establishing regional NAIP Houses to serve as centers for research and innovation.

3. Immediate Priorities: In his first six months, Chinwuba aims to finalize land acquisition, launch a digital NAIP Member Engagement Portal, and prepare for the first NAIP Technical & Industrial Summit scheduled for early next year.

4. Call for Participation: He emphasized the necessity for active participation from members, urging them to bring their time, talents, and resources to collectively craft a legacy for industrial pharmacists in Nigeria and across Africa.

5. Commitment to Transparency: Chinwuba assured members that his administration would prioritize transparency and accountability, publishing quarterly reports and establishing a finance oversight committee.

As Pharm. Oluwabamikole Aminu Chinwuba embarks on this new role, he carries the aspirations of the association and its members, determined to lead with integrity and innovative vision. “This is our time — to lead, to build, and to impact,” he concluded.

May NAIP thrive, may the industry grow, and may Nigeria flourish under this new leadership.