The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, FPSN, has paid glowing tributes to two of Nigeria's most accomplished pharmacy professionals, Sir Ike Onyechi, Founder and Chairman of Alpha Group Ltd, and Pharm. Josephine Ehimen, FPSN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nett Pharmacy Limited, describing them as outstanding leaders whose remarkable contributions continue to redefine pharmacy practice, entrepreneurship and professional development in Nigeria.

In separate congratulatory messages released to commemorate the birthday celebrations of the two distinguished pharmacists, Pharm. Ezeh lauded their unwavering commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, mentorship and service to humanity, saying their achievements have become enduring sources of inspiration for generations of pharmacists across the country.

Felicitating Sir Ike Onyechi on his birthday, the ACPN National Chairman described the veteran pharmacist and entrepreneur as one of the most respected personalities in Nigeria's pharmaceutical landscape, whose over four decades of professional excellence have transformed businesses, institutions and lives.

According to him, Sir Onyechi's remarkable journey from pharmacist to one of Nigeria's foremost healthcare entrepreneurs reflects the immense possibilities that can be achieved through integrity, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the profession.

"Sir Ike Onyechi represents the very best of our profession. He is a distinguished pharmacist, accomplished entrepreneur, emancipator and an exceptional mentor whose life has become a shining example for younger generations. His immense contributions to pharmacy practice, leadership development, education and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on the profession," Pharm. Ezeh stated.

He noted that through Alpha Group Ltd and its subsidiaries, including Alpha Pharmacy and Stores Ltd, Alpha Specialties Ltd, Alpha Agro Allied Ltd and Alpha Biotec, Sir Onyechi has consistently demonstrated that pharmacy remains a powerful platform for healthcare delivery, wealth creation and national development.

The ACPN National Chairman further applauded the celebrant's commitment to nation-building through the Clement Okonkwo Onyechi Foundation and the COVINA Institute, describing his investments in education, vocational empowerment and youth development as a legacy that will continue to impact generations.

A pharmacist with over 45 years of professional experience, Sir Onyechi is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Lagos Business School and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists. He is also a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

Pharm. Ezeh noted that the numerous honours conferred on Sir Onyechi, including the NAIP Icon of Pharmacy Award, the Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Award Lifetime Achievement Award, the May & Baker Professional Service Award and several other recognitions, are fitting tributes to a life devoted to advancing healthcare, mentoring young professionals and promoting ethical leadership.

The ACPN National Chairman also extended warm birthday congratulations to Pharm. Josephine Ehimen, FPSN, describing the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nett Pharmacy as one of Nigeria's most influential community pharmacy leaders whose passion for innovation, mentorship and capacity development continues to elevate pharmacy practice in the country.

He commended her outstanding leadership as Chairman of ACPN's Empowerment and Capacity Building Committee, saying she has remained at the forefront of initiatives aimed at equipping community pharmacists with the knowledge, leadership skills and business competencies required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic healthcare environment.

According to Pharm. Ezeh, her dedication to professional development has significantly strengthened the capacity of community pharmacists across Nigeria, making her one of the most impactful leaders within the association.

"Pharm. Josephine Ehimen has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is measured by the number of lives one inspires and empowers. Through her visionary leadership at Nett Pharmacy and her outstanding service to ACPN, she has continued to nurture excellence, build capacity and mentor countless pharmacists who now occupy leadership positions across the profession," he said.

He described her entrepreneurial journey as an inspiring success story, recalling how she established the first branch of Nett Pharmacy in 2004 with a vision to promote wellness and strengthen community pharmacy practice, a vision that has since evolved into one of Nigeria's leading retail pharmacy brands.

Beyond her accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur, Pharm. Ezeh highlighted Josephine Ehimen's impressive academic and professional credentials, including her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Benin, certification as a Canadian Pharmacist, Executive MBA from Guglielmo Marconi University, Italy, executive education at Pan-Atlantic University and Harvard Business School, as well as her participation in several globally recognised leadership programmes.

He further applauded her contributions to women's leadership and mentorship through organisations such as Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Women in Healthcare Network Nigeria, Ruby Women of Impact Network and the John Maxwell Leadership Team, describing her as an exceptional role model who continues to inspire excellence far beyond the pharmacy profession.

Pharm. Ezeh noted that her numerous recognitions, including the Pharmalliance Inspiration Award, ACPN Distinguished Pharmacists Award, Trek Africa Pharmaceutical Personality of the Year Award, University of Benin Alumni Award of Excellence and the Guardian Newspapers recognition among Nigeria's 50 Value-Driven CEOs, reflect the remarkable impact she has made in healthcare, business and leadership.

The ACPN National Chairman prayed for God's continued guidance, good health and greater accomplishments for both celebrants, expressing confidence that their enduring legacies of excellence, innovation, mentorship and service would continue to inspire future generations of pharmacists and healthcare professionals.

"As a profession, we are proud to celebrate two exceptional personalities whose lives exemplify integrity, visionary leadership, professional excellence and unwavering commitment to humanity. Sir Ike Onyechi and Pharm. Josephine Ehimen have distinguished themselves as builders of institutions, mentors of people and champions of community pharmacy practice. On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, I heartily congratulate them and wish them many more years of impactful service, sound health and divine blessings," Pharm. Ezeh said.