The gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has commended the Oyo State Chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for its commitment to public health advocacy, pledging continued support for community-based health initiatives across the state.

Adekanmbi made the commendation during the official kickoff of the 2026 World Pharmacists Day celebration and Awards Night in Ibadan, where participants embarked on a public health awareness walk focused on osteoarthritis and preventive healthcare.

Held under the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future,” the walk formed part of a week-long programme designed to promote wellness, preventive healthcare and community medicine education.

The outreach placed particular emphasis on osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that commonly affects older adults, with organisers using the platform to encourage early awareness, assessment and appropriate management of joint-related conditions.

Speaking with CEOAFRICA, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North-East Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, who represented Adekanmbi at the event, said the awareness campaign was important in educating residents about osteoarthritis and encouraging people approaching 40 and beyond to pay closer attention to joint health.

He said the initiative demonstrated the important role pharmacists and other healthcare professionals play in taking preventive health education to the grassroots.

As part of the campaign, participants distributed copies of “Osteoarthritis: A Brief Guide for Patients, Joint Pain,” a specialised medical guide developed by Keele University, United Kingdom, and WAFERS under the Joint Implementation of Guidelines for Osteoarthritis in West Africa (JIGSAW-A) initiative.

The educational materials highlighted the role of accredited community pharmacies in providing early joint-pain assessments, practical self-management advice and guidance for people living with chronic pain.

Speaking on behalf of Adekanmbi, Akintayo praised the leadership of the PSN for using the celebration to address critical health issues, including arthritis management, disease prevention and general wellness.

“We have learned a lot, and this outreach is deeply educational and impactful. We remain fully supportive of this great work. Whenever you host programmes like this, you can always count on our local support,” he said.

Akintayo also highlighted some of the local government’s grassroots healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated committee for retirees and pensioners to facilitate regular free medical check-ups and access to essential medicines.

He said the council was committed to making primary healthcare centres within the local government fully operational, adding that healthcare-related issues remained a priority in its development agenda.

“What we have come to see today is an eye-opener. The dedication of the PSN leadership has taken us to this level. Whether in terms of health advocacy or providing for the medical needs of the nation, this is something we should all be proud of,” Akintayo added.

He assured the PSN of continued collaboration at the local government level, stressing the importance of creating an enabling environment for programmes that promote public health and community wellbeing.

Also speaking at the event, Guest Speaker and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CapitalSage Holdings and Johnvents Group, Mr. John Alamu, emphasised the importance of linking corporate responsibility with sustainable public health development.

Alamu said the organisation’s vision was focused on contributing to Africa’s health and economic transformation through globally competitive initiatives capable of improving living standards, creating value and promoting sustainable growth.

“Our objective has never been simply to build the largest footprint in Africa. It has always been to build one of the world’s best healthcare frameworks, delivering quality interventions that improve public health, protect the environment and position Nigeria as a leading health and innovation leader,” he said.

Akintayo further said Adekanmbi’s professional background as a technocrat and former public financial manager had informed his approach to healthcare development, particularly in the area of efficient resource allocation.

According to him, Adekanmbi’s healthcare blueprint views investment in medical infrastructure as a critical component of economic development, rather than merely an expenditure.

He said the APM platform proposes measures aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery, including improved emergency response capacity, expanded social health insurance coverage for informal workers and partnerships with local pharmaceutical manufacturers to promote the steady supply of affordable essential medicines.

Adekanmbi, according to Akintayo, remains committed to sustainable and people-centred healthcare governance, with emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare centres, expanding access to subsidised medicines and deepening collaboration with professional health organisations such as the PSN.

The awareness walk marked the commencement of the Oyo State PSN’s week-long 2026 World Pharmacists Day celebration, which runs from Saturday, September 19, to Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The celebration will culminate in an Awards Night expected to attract government officials, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders and other dignitaries.

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, is scheduled to attend as Special Guest of Honour, alongside the First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde.

The Chairman of the Occasion is Engr. (Chief) O. O. Oyetade, FNSE, FNIHTE, while PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, FPSN, FNAPharm, is expected as Chief Host.

The PSN Oyo State Branch Chairman, Pharm. (Col.) Victor Segun Ajanaku (rtd.), FPSN, FCAI, will serve as Host, while Adebayo Olukayode Gbadamosi is Chairman of the 2026 Planning Committee.

Other speakers scheduled for the celebration include Keynote Speaker, Pharm. Lekan Asuni, FPSN, FNAPharm, and Featured Speaker, Pharm. (Chief) Rahamon Jimoh Bioku, FPSN, FNAPharm, JP.

The programme is expected to further highlight the contribution of pharmacists to preventive healthcare, community health education and efforts to build a healthier society