The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) rounded off its 98th Annual National Conference, tagged DABO 2025, with a glamorous dinner and closing banquet on November 7, 2025, in Kano State.
The colorful ceremony marked the end of a week-long convergence of pharmacists, industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the nation. As is traditional with PSN conferences, the closing banquet served as a moment of relaxation, social bonding, and celebration after days of rigorous technical sessions.
Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with fine dining, music, dancing, networking, laughter, and the shared camaraderie that binds the pharmaceutical community. Beyond the entertainment, the banquet also symbolized unity, reflection, and appreciation of professional excellence within the industry.
The event drew the crème de la crème of the pharmaceutical profession. Dignitaries in attendance included the President of PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim; past PSN presidents—Alhaji Mohammed Yaro Budah, Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga, Sir Anthony Akhimien, Pharm. Azubike Okwor, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, and Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh—as well as Brig. General Ahmed Mohammed Tukur, Commander of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army; Hajiya Wosilat O. Giwa, Chairperson of the Governing Council, PCN; and Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu, Registrar, PCN, among many others.
In his opening remarks, PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim expressed his joy over the success of the conference.
“All is well that ends well. A week ago, my heart was filled with tribulation, wondering what would happen in Kano and whether the conference would succeed. Lo and behold, we came to Kano, we saw, and we conquered. This is one of the most wonderful conferences we’ve had. I have not missed a single PSN conference since 1992, and the gala night was amazing. I thank the delegates, the planning committee, NEC members, LOC members, and the national secretariat for making this a success.”
Chairman of the occasion, Brig. General Ahmed Mohammed Tukur, applauded the leadership of PSN while commending Kano’s security architecture.
“When I look around, I see sound leadership. It takes a lot to organize an event of this magnitude, and you have earned this grand style. For every successful organization, leadership is critical. Bringing this conference to Kano was a great choice—Kano is one of the safest states in the North. In security, collaboration with stakeholders like PSN is key to ensuring a safe environment.”
He further praised pharmacists for their contribution to national development: “For your dedication to advancing the profession and improving healthcare in the nation, we do not take it for granted. I encourage all members for their tireless efforts in promoting pharmaceutical excellence.”
The banquet also featured recognition of outstanding performances. Awards presented included:
· Golf Tournament Winners: Pharm. Hassan, Pharm. Apakama, and Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim
· Most Dynamic Group Award: The Asoociation of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), scoring 89.3%
· Best Abstract/Booster Award: presented to outstanding researchers
· Biogenerics Award of Excellence: Pharm. Ebune and Pharm. Yves-Ann
· May & Baker Award of Excellence: Pharm. Jerry Bot
The symbolic handover from Kano ('DABO 2025' host) to Anambra (host of 'IJELE 2026') generated excitement, with Anambra promising an even more spectacular conference.
In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Hajiya Wosilat O. Giwa, Chairperson of the PCN Governing Council, commends the organization and calls for unity. Sharing her reflections on the conference, she praised the exceptional planning and overall execution of DABO 2025.
“Kano has set a new standard. From day one, the arrangement and ambiance have been perfect. The gala night was spectacular—something we’ve never had before in the history of PSN conferences. I appreciate the organizing committee and congratulate our president for this landmark event.”
She further stressed the need for collaboration within the profession: “Pharmacists are multi-talented; there is nothing we cannot achieve if we unite.”
Also speaking, Prof. Nduka Sunday from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, gave an honest evaluation of the conference and highlighted plans for next year’s edition.
“DABO 2025 did very well despite some initial flaws. I rate them 70%. As LOC Chair for 'IJELE 2026,' I promise a unique and special conference—Anambra will showcase PSN in a different dimension.”
Sharing insights from the technical sessions, Pharm. Aisha Isyaku Tukur, Deputy President (North), emphasized the profession’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.
“Since Tuesday, we have been discussing how to move the profession forward. We aim for innovation, accessibility, and affordable medicines to achieve universal health coverage.”
BOF-PSN National Chairman, Pharm. Uchenna U. Apakama, speaks on pharmacy’s central role in healthcare. In his assessment, Pharm. Apakama expressed satisfaction with the quality of the event and reiterated the importance of pharmacy in national health.
“It’s been a well-organized conference, and we look forward to Anambra 2026. Without pharmacy, there is no health. Pharmacists remain the most accessible healthcare professionals.”
On his advocacy for mental health: “Mental health is everybody’s problem. With the increasing rate of mental health challenges, beginning this advocacy is essential to help people live better lives.”
National Secretary, PSN, Pharm. Gafar ‘Lanre Madehin, applauds Kano’s hospitality. Speaking on the overall coordination, he noted that although the conference began with some logistical pressure, it ended as a remarkable success. “DABO 2025 began on a stressful note, but it has ended as a success story. The attendance was excellent, and the hospitality of the Kano people is top-notch.”
Past Lagos Chairman, Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Bola Oyawole, evaluates the conference theme and impact. Offering his perspective, A.B.O said the conference achieved its aim of strengthening the pharmacy workforce and ensuring the profession remains globally competitive.
“The conference lived up to expectations. Strengthening the pharmacy workforce is crucial to support national productivity. We’re here to formulate policies that will enhance a robust pharmaceutical ecosystem.”
Also speaking, Pharm. Azubike Okwor, past PSN president, commended the quality of the event and emphasized the future growth of the pharmaceutical sector. “The conference setting is beautiful. Pharmacy has untapped potential, and Nigeria will be amazed by what the profession will offer in the coming years.”
Sharing his thoughts, Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Akhimien, past PSN president, praises Kano’s execution and encourages collective effort. He noted that Kano surpassed expectations, especially with the excellent banquet arrangement.
“My expectations were high, and Kano exceeded them. The banquet alone has covered any gaps from earlier days. There is hope for this profession if we work together.”
Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Usifoh, encourages resilience among pharmacists. Reflecting on the week-long activities, past president Prof. Usifoh urged pharmacists to remain steadfast and committed to national development. “Though the conference started slowly, things improved by the gala night. Pharmacists should never give up—we are essential to societal development.”
Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, past president PSN celebrates unity and professionalism. Commenting on the event, Pharm. Yakasai expressed satisfaction with the outcome and emphasized professionalism within the industry.
“The ambiance was beautiful and the gala night fantastic. Kano has hosted PSN in 1974, 1998, and now 2025—and we are ready to do it again. Pharmacists must continue to practice lawfully, maintain professionalism, and lead with good character.”
Speaking on the strategic direction of the society, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, past president, discusses achievements and upcoming centenary celebration while he confirmed that the conference achieved its intended purpose.
“The conference has achieved its goal of creating a template for a new generation pharma workforce. PSN will be 100 years old in 2027, and preparations for the centenary celebration are already underway.”
Pharm. Lizette Njideka Ezenekwe confirms success and builds excitement for 2026. The National Publicity Secretary, Pharm. Ezenekwe, expressed delight at the successful conclusion of DABO 2025. “DABO 2025 is a huge success. Next year, IJELE 2026 will showcase the rich culture and hospitality of Anambra.”
Also speaking, Pharm. (Prof.) Henri Okeri, Deputy President (South), commends hospitality and coordination. He praised the planning committee and the host state. “The hospitality in Kano has been exceptional. The planning committee delivered excellently, and the president deserves commendation.”
Rounding off the interviews, the PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim reflects on leadership and the journey ahead. He shared his personal reflections on leading his first national conference.
“This is my first conference as president—a year of learning, rising, and correcting mistakes. I am a servant leader with no personal agenda; my agenda is for pharmacists. I will double my efforts to take pharmacy to the pinnacle where it belongs.”
The DABO 2025 closing banquet did not only wrap up a successful national conference—it celebrated excellence, unity, and the bright future of the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria.
With Anambra set to host 'IJELE 2026,' the PSN community leaves Kano inspired, energized, and ready for greater strides in strengthening healthcare delivery across the nation.
