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Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited on Friday marked its 25th anniversary in grand style at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, as leaders of the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare experts and key stakeholders converged to celebrate the company’s remarkable journey, resilience and renewed commitment to strengthening local drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

The event became a strong rallying point for renewed advocacy on domestic pharmaceutical production, as speakers consistently described local manufacturing as critical to national medicine security, affordability and public health sustainability.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, traced the company’s evolution from a modest marketing outfit established in 2000 to a nationally recognised pharmaceutical company with extensive product penetration across antimalarials, antibiotics, metabolic drugs, analgesics, nutritional supplements and antifungals.

According to him, Geneith’s next phase of growth is focused on reinforcing its manufacturing capacity, deepening investments in research and development, and strengthening sustainable operational systems.

“We have spent the past 25 years expanding access to essential medicines across Nigeria,” Umenwa said. “The next phase of our growth will prioritise local production, quality systems and long-term sustainability, in line with global best practices.”

Commending the milestone, the Chief Executive Officer of Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pharm. Ade Popoola, urged Nigerian pharmaceutical firms to take local manufacturing seriously, noting that countries with strong production capacity wield significant control over pricing, innovation and global access to medicines.

“Nigeria has both the human capital and the market size to compete regionally and globally. Local production is not optional; it is fundamental to our medicine security and economic stability,” he said.

Highlighting the country’s growing disease burden, Prof. Ighodaro Igbe, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Benin, identified malaria, antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, neurological disorders, pain-related conditions and fungal infections as major national health challenges. He stressed that the development of strong local manufacturing capacity remains essential to guaranteeing consistent, affordable and reliable access to essential medicines.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Lizzette Njideka Ezenekwe, called for deliberate efforts to retain skilled professionals in the sector, strengthen quality assurance systems and expand production infrastructure. She further appealed to the government to provide sustained policy support, improved infrastructure, timely payments and accessible financing to enable domestic manufacturers thrive in a competitive environment.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ada Cosmas, Head of Human Resources and Administration at Geneith, attributed the company’s success to visionary leadership, staff dedication and operational excellence. She reaffirmed that Geneith’s future growth strategy would remain anchored on people development, expanded manufacturing capacity and continuous improvement of quality systems.

Reflecting on the 25-year milestone, company directors Otunba Shajobi Taiwo, Engr. Alhaji Bello Umar and Pharm. Dr. Kelly Nwagha jointly expressed gratitude to staff, partners and stakeholders, describing their collective dedication as the driving force behind the company’s enduring success.

“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are filled with pride and gratitude. From our very first steps to this remarkable milestone, your dedication and passion have been the heartbeat of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited. Together, we have built a legacy of excellence and innovation, and we look forward to an even brighter future,” they stated.

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, congratulated Geneith on its enduring contributions to the sector, urging the company and other local manufacturers to sustain a firm commitment to local production in order to guarantee medicine affordability, consistent supply and long-term public health protection.

The closing remarks and prayers were delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, who commended Geneith’s bold move into manufacturing despite economic and regulatory challenges. He described the company’s vision as forward-looking and vital for Nigeria’s long-term drug security.

The anniversary celebration attracted prominent figures from the pharmaceutical industry, academia and public service, including Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence; Prof. Poly Emenike, Managing Director of Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Limited; Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi; Pharm. Israel Ade-Popoola, and other key stakeholders, all of whom applauded Geneith’s consistent impact on Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

StreetReporters.ng

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