The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) has reaffirmed the critical role of chemistry in strengthening Nigeria’s environmental and public health systems as the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) conferred a Fellowship Award on Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, mni.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the assertion at the fellowship investiture ceremony of Adeola, Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department of the Ministry, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Gloria Adegoke, the Minister described the ceremony as a celebration of excellence, integrity, professional dedication and sustained contributions to national development.
He commended ICCON for its steadfast commitment to advancing the practice of chemistry in Nigeria, noting that as a regulatory and professional body, the Institute continues to uphold standards, promote ethical practice and strengthen professional capacity in a field central to healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical safety, environmental protection, industrial development and public health security.
“Chemistry remains foundational to modern health systems — from drug formulation and quality assurance to toxicology, laboratory diagnostics and chemical safety regulation. Therefore, the role of professional chemists is indispensable,” Salako stated.
He attributed the conferment of the fellowship on Adeola to her exceptional competence, leadership and contributions to both the profession and the Ministry’s mandate.
“The Ministry carefully reviewed the recommendations forwarded by the Institute and found her credentials, accomplishments and service records to be truly outstanding. Her professional journey reflects dedication to excellence, commitment to public service and unwavering adherence to ethical standards. Through her work, she has strengthened systems, built capacity and contributed meaningfully to national development,” he said.
In her acceptance remarks, Adeola pledged to recommit herself to excellence and service for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity at large.
She described the honour as profoundly meaningful, noting that it came from a professional body committed to upholding standards, ethics and excellence in the practice of chemistry in Nigeria.
Adeola expressed gratitude to the leadership and council of ICCON, particularly the Registrar, as well as the Honourable Ministers, Permanent Secretary and management of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for their support and enabling environment.
“My journey in public service has been shaped by mentorship, teamwork and shared commitment to strengthening our regulatory and public health systems,” she said.
She urged professional colleagues to uphold integrity, promote best practices, mentor younger professionals and contribute meaningfully to policy development and system strengthening.
Earlier, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of ICCON, Chemist Jwalshik Wilford, described the investiture as historic, explaining that the fellowship is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of chemistry in Nigeria.
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He expressed optimism that Adeola, as Director of Food and Drugs Services, would further champion sound chemical policies to enhance the nation’s health system.
“When chemistry is properly applied and regulated, health challenges are significantly reduced,” Wilford said, assuring that the Institute would continue to support initiatives that advance both chemistry and public health in the country.
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