Benin City, Nigeria — Eminent pharmacist, scholar, and administrator, Professor Cyril Odianose Usifoh, FPSN, has been celebrated by colleagues, protégés, and professionals across the pharmaceutical sector on the occasion of his birthday, with glowing tributes underscoring his exceptional leadership style, unwavering integrity, and lifelong commitment to mentorship and service.

Professor Usifoh, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and academic landscape, has built a reputation defined not merely by titles or offices held, but by a consistent demonstration of principled leadership and people-centred administration.

One of the tributes was delivered by Dr. Osamudiamen Umweni, Managing Director of Softville Pharmacy, who described the celebrant as a mentor, father figure, and role model whose influence has left an indelible mark on his personal and professional journey.

“It is both an honour to share the professional title ‘Pharm’ with you and a rare privilege to have benefitted from three years of direct administrative mentorship that was personal, intentional, and closely supervised by you,” Dr. Umweni said.

He noted that Professor Usifoh’s leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in leading by example, a value system that prioritises people over position, service over personal comfort, and prudence over excessive frugality. According to him, these values distinguish Professor Usifoh in a leadership environment where ethical compromises and institutional pressures have caused many leaders to falter.

“Your leadership journey stands out in an era where many struggle under pressure. Posterity will remember you as a positive influencer with a character worthy of emulation. You never succumbed to leadership intimidation or bullying; instead, you stood firm and prevailed over the very challenges that have caused many leaders—young and old—to fall,” he stated.

Dr. Umweni further described Professor Usifoh as a multi-generational leadership model, whose influence cuts across age groups and professional hierarchies, inspiring both emerging pharmacists and seasoned professionals within and beyond the pharmaceutical sector.

Beyond administration, Professor Usifoh has been widely acknowledged for his dedication to mentorship, nurturing young professionals, and instilling in them the values of discipline, accountability, service, and ethical leadership. Many of his mentees now occupy strategic positions in academia, industry, and professional practice, a testament to his enduring impact.

While acknowledging that volumes could be written to fully capture Professor Usifoh’s contributions to the profession and society, Dr. Umweni concluded his tribute with prayers for continued divine preservation, good health, and soundness of mind for the celebrated scholar and administrator.

As he marks another year, Professor Cyril Odianose Usifoh, FPSN, remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and academic community—respected for his integrity, admired for his mentorship, and celebrated for a leadership legacy that continues to inspire excellence and service.

Happy Birthday, Sir. Long life, sound health, and sustained impact.

— Dr. Osamudiamen Umweni

Managing Director, Softville Pharmacy