The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) has honoured its pioneer vice president and founder of Pharmanews, Ifeanyi Atueyi, at a valedictory session in Lagos.
Atueyi died in July 2025 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Joan Atueyi, children and grandchildren.
The event drew pharmacists, industry leaders and family members who described him as a man of integrity, vision and excellence whose work shaped pharmaceutical journalism in Nigeria.
The President of the academy, Prof. Lere Baale, described Atueyi as a visionary whose values and dedication left a lasting mark on the profession.
Baale said, “We have not just celebrated Ifeanyi Atueyi, we have also celebrated his wife. The academy believes in the family system. We also believe that when you honour those who have done well, it encourages more members to give their best with passion and talent.
“He was a gifted person and he used his gift in a passionate way to make things happen.”
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) described his passing as a monumental loss to the profession and the country.
In a tribute signed by its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, the council called him “more than just a pharmacist; he was a visionary, a trailblazer, and a relentless advocate for the advancement of our profession and healthcare.”
The council also recalled his generosity, especially his decision to give it a free column in Pharmanews to address regulatory issues, a gesture it said kept pharmacists across the country informed and engaged.
“We know that his presence, guidance and impactful contributions will be greatly missed,” the statement read. “But his legacy will make us better and help us fulfil our God-given purpose.”
Former Minister of Health and past president of the academy, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, described Atueyi as a humble and sincere professional who inspired others through his integrity.
“Ifeanyi Atueyi aspired to inspire others before he expired, and he succeeded,” Adelusi-Adeluyi said.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) also described Atueyi as a devoted pharmacist, media giant and visionary who recognised early the importance of communication in shaping healthcare delivery and professional identity.
Its President, Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, said, “As a cherished media partner of the PSN, Sir Atueyi worked closely with successive leaderships of the society, most recently under my stewardship.
“His partnership was not limited to reporting activities. He was an active collaborator, offering strategic insight, historical perspective and moral guidance that enriched the vision and mission of our society.”
The Executive Director of Pharmanews, Dozie Ifeanyi Atueyi, described his father as a man driven by purpose who bridged the gap between science and pharmaceutical practice through journalism.
“I would describe my father, first of all, as a good man. He was a man of character, a man of integrity. He was a man of purpose. He did what he believed he was born to do. He believed God brought him into this world to make a difference in the healthcare sector, especially through Pharmanews,” Dozie said.
He added that the session was heartwarming as it reunited people who played pivotal roles in his father’s career and life.
