The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo highlighted the pivotal role of pharmacists in healthcare during the opening ceremony of the 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) on July 23, 2025, at the International Convention Center (ICC) in Awka.

The conference, themed "Technology Integration and Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice," embraces a vision that aligns with the state's commitment to improving healthcare delivery and aims to foster discussions on advancing the pharmacy profession.

As the special guest of honor, Governor Soludo welcomed delegates with excitement, describing Anambra as "the light of the nation" and expressing pride in the state's burgeoning pharmaceutical industry, stating, "Pharmacists are the heart of our healthcare delivery system."

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between pharmacists and the government, highlighting the vital synergy needed within the healthcare ecosystem. "The Honorable Commissioner for Health and my Special Advisor on Medicals and Pharmaceuticals work closely with me, and we strive to make this partnership successful for the benefit of our people," we need synergy in the healthcare ecosystem, and it is working well in our government," he added.

Highlighting the pressing need for stringent regulations to combat counterfeit drugs, the governor said, "You keep us safe, healthy, and help us live longer. The role that pharmacists play in keeping us healthy will ever be appreciated." He urged members of the profession to uphold high ethical standards through "self-supervision, self-censorship, and self-regulation," emphasizing that the presence of pharmacists should deter the circulation of substandard or illegal medications.

Governor Soludo noted the transformative potential of technology in healthcare sector, stating, "Technology is everything," and acknowledged the role of pharmacists as frontline healthcare providers equipped to leverage advancements in AI and other innovations. He stressed the importance of prioritizing primary healthcare service delivery and improving infrastructure to ensure that vulnerable and underserved communities receive adequate medical services.

"Our goal is to ensure that what is produced in Anambra meets world-class standards," he emphasized, underscoring the vision for the state to become a preferred location for living, learning, investing, and working.

Governor Soludo concluded his remarks with an invitation for collaboration, urging all stakeholders to work together to improve healthcare access and outcomes for everyone in the state. Let us work together to improve the lives of the people and give them a sound, solid, reliable, and dependable healthcare ecosystem.

As the conference continues, stakeholders are eager to engage in discussions focused on enhancing the pharmaceutical landscape and fostering partnerships that will lead to better health outcomes for all Nigerians. The governor's inspiring address serves as a rallying call for pharmacists and healthcare professionals to collaboratively pursue a healthier future for the state and the nation.