Chemistry Key to National Health Security as FMOHSW Celebrates Adeola’s ICCON Fellowship
Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) has underscored the pivotal role of chemistry in strengthening Nigeria’s health system as it celebrated the conferment of Fellowship on Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, mni, by the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako according a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Assistant Director Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako described chemistry as foundational to modern healthcare delivery, environmental protection and public health security. He made this known at the Fellowship investiture ceremony of Mrs. Adeola, Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Represented at the ceremony by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Gloria Adegoke, the Minister said the occasion was not only a celebration of personal achievement but also a recognition of excellence, integrity and sustained professional contribution to national development.
“As a regulatory and professional body, ICCON continues to uphold standards, promote ethical practice, and strengthen professional capacity in a field that is central to healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical safety, environmental protection, industrial development and public health security,” Dr. Salako stated.
He further emphasized that chemistry remains indispensable to drug formulation and quality assurance, toxicology, laboratory diagnostics and chemical safety regulation, noting that professional chemists play a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s health systems.
Dr. Salako attributed Mrs. Adeola’s conferment as Fellow to her exceptional competence, leadership and dedication to service. According to him, the Ministry carefully reviewed the recommendations forwarded by ICCON and found her credentials, accomplishments and service records 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, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf 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, particularly as it came from a professional body committed to upholding standards and ethics in the practice of chemistry.
She expressed gratitude to the leadership and council of ICCON, especially the Registrar, as well as the Honourable Ministers, the Permanent Secretary and the 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 a shared commitment to strengthening our regulatory and public health systems,” she said, urging her professional colleagues to uphold integrity, promote best practices and mentor younger professionals.
Earlier, the Registrar/CEO of ICCON, Chemist Jwalshik Wilford, described the investiture as historic, noting that Fellowship of the Institute is reserved for individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the advancement of chemistry in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that Mrs. Adeola, as Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department, would further champion policies that strengthen both the health system and the chemistry profession, adding that “when chemistry is done right, health will not be a challenge.”
Born on February 9, 1969, Mrs. Adeola holds a B.Sc. Education (Chemistry), an MBA, and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Lagos State University. She joined the Federal Ministry of Health in 1993 as a Scientific Officer and rose through the ranks to her current position as Director, Food and Drugs Services Department.
The ceremony drew senior management staff of the Ministry, members of ICCON and other stakeholders in the health and scientific community.
