Mrs Lydia Olarewaju, Former Head, Oncology Pharmacy Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), has urged practitioners to prioritise continuous knowledge acquisition to improve service delivery and patient safety.

Olarewaju made the call on Thursday in Ilorin during the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Pharmacy Day and Merit Award Ceremony.

The theme of the programme is entitled: "Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures", with sub-theme "Together for Better Health".

Olarewaju observed that the rapidly evolving nature of medicine, drug research and healthcare technology demands that pharmacists remain lifelong learners.

According to her, the pharmacy landscape is evolving daily, with new drugs and treatment guidelines emerging, while patients are becoming increasingly informed.

"If we do not seek knowledge deliberately, we risk becoming irrelevant and worse, we risk compromising patient care," she said.

Olarewaju, who is also a consultant pharmacist, noted that knowledge goes beyond the classroom and registration requirements.

She urged pharmacists to attend trainings, read journals, participate in research, and embrace digital health tools.

She noted that continuous learning will also help pharmacists take leadership roles in public health, drug abuse prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship.

The pharmacist advised practitioners to prioritise specialisation and collaborate with one another and other healthcare professionals.

In his address, the Chairman of PSN Kwara, Mr Mohammed Baba-Abdulmalik, said the programme is an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contributions of pharmacists who have strengthened and enhanced the image of pharmacy in the state.

Baba-Abdulmalik pointed out that the PSN-Kwara has recorded a milestone including the attainment of a record number of approved Fellows of the PSN.

He said the association recorded improved remuneration for members of the young pharmacists group and also significant improvement in the remuneration of pharmacies with Kwara health system.

The PSN boss also disclosed that the association had procured two plots of land for the proposed PSN water factory, which would serve as a capital project and lasting legacy for pharmacists in the state.

Also speaking, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, emphasised the need for collaboration in achieving better health outcome.

She described the PSN as the custodian of medicines and drugs, adding that the state government recognised the strategic importance of pharmacists to the healthcare sector.

El-Imam commended the health intervention of the government including restoring pharmacists' intern scheme and updating CONHESS twice.

The commissioner urged the association to safeguard professional ethics and step up research into Antimicrobial Drug Resistance (AMR).

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, 2026 Pharmacy Day Merit Awards Ceremony Planning Committee, Dr Kayode Salawu, said that the theme of the programme was apt and timely.

He contended that the future of pharmacy cannot be built by individuals alone, as it required collaboration, mentorship, commitment and shared sense of hope.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of those recognised for outstanding service to the association include the commissioner, Dr El-Imam and Hajia Amina Salami, the Managing Director of Omams Pharmacy Ilorin.

Others are Prof. AbdulGaniyu Giwa, the first substantive Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Ilorin and Hajia Amina Ahmed, a pharmacist and public health professional.