PSN commends Buhari for appointing pharmacist as new DG of SON

*Sets agenda for the agency on curbing influx of sub-standard, life-endangering goods infiltrating country

Pharmacists under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a certified pharmacist, Farouk Salim, as the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

PSN, in a statement signed by the President, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, and National Secretary, Emeka Duru, described Salim as the best choice to curb the influx of sub-standard and life-endangering goods infiltrating the country.

Ohuabunwa and Duru said the nation needed a detailed, oriented individual with the ability to listen, observe, research, consult, and administer solutions to the pressing challenge at ports and borders.

They described Salim as a thoroughbred pharmacist with the pedigree to pilot the affairs of SON, in view of the impact of the pandemic and worsening illicit drug use.

Salim, a certified pharmacist, has a vision of bringing changes by promoting public safety and the role of standards in local manufacturing and creating an enabling environment for innovations that will stimulate national self-sufficiency.

Salim’s appointment, which will be for a period of four years, took effect from September 26 this year.

He is trained in Pharmacy from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, and has his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America (USA).

He is versatile in clinical pharmacy and medical representation, and allergy specialists among others.

“As the former National President, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), Salim has an impeccable record in management of pharmaceutical affairs and an expertise,” PSN noted.

The appointment was communicated in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Office of the Honourable Minister titled “Appointment as the Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).”

The letter signed by Otunba Niyi Adebayo (CON), the minister, noted: “I have the pleasure to inform you that the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has approved your appointment as the Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for a period of four years.

“Your appointment takes effect from 26th September 2020 and your emoluments and other conditions of service are as provided under the ‘Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.), Amendment) Act 2008’.
“Please accept my congratulations and best wishes on your appointment.”