By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has applauded the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), particularly its Sokoto State chapter, for its contributions to public health over the past two decades.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Sokoto by Bashir Abubakar, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the senator.
Wamakko made the remarks when members of the PSN Council, led by its Chairman, Pharmacist Aminu Ahmad Biambo, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Gawon Nama, Sokoto.
He described the pharmacy profession as a critical component of healthcare delivery, highlighting its role in the safe dispensing, regulation, and rational use of medicines. He urged the association to sustain high professional standards, ethical practices, and effective pharmacovigilance.
The senator also assured the society of his continued support in promoting public awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use, self-medication, and the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medicines.
Earlier, the PSN Chairman, Aminu Ahmad Biambo, said the visit was to appreciate Wamakko’s sustained support for the advancement of pharmaceutical practice in Sokoto State.
He noted that the senator had made significant contributions to capacity building in the sector, including sponsoring over 30 students to study pharmacy at the university level to address the shortage of qualified professionals in the state.
Biambo added that the association regularly conducts public enlightenment campaigns on drug abuse prevention, proper drug storage and handling, as well as the risks associated with expired and falsified medicines.
He further disclosed that the PSN organizes continuous professional development (CPD) programmes and sensitisation workshops for Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) to curb the distribution of fake and adulterated drugs.
The chairman also called for the establishment of a drug information centre in the state to enhance access to data on approved medicines.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Senator Wamakko in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of the pharmaceutical sector in Sokoto State.
The visit was attended by a Senior Fellow of the Council, Pharmacist Ibrahim Binji, and other executive members of the association.
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