By Kemi Akintokun
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Branch, has commenced the construction of a multimillion-naira ultra-modern commercial hub and permanent secretariat.
Mr Tolu Ajayi, the Chairman of ACPN Lagos, in a statement on Monday said the project was being developed under the “Building for Enduring Legacy” initiative.
Ajayi said about N150 million had already been expended on acquisition, documentation and other processes for the property located in Ketu during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The project, according to him, is expected to generate sustainable revenue for the association, its programmes and activities in the state.
He said the construction component was estimated at about N650 million, adding that total investment could rise towards ₦1 billion as construction progresses and variations arise during development.
The chairman said the project was conceived not merely as an administrative secretariat but as a commercial facility that would continuously generate income for the association and provide additional resources.
The pharmacist noted that revenue generated would help reduce the association’s dependence on members’ dues and provide additional resources for its programmes and activities through the proposed facility.
“Governance is continuous thing, this project is the product of teamwork and contributions from successive administrations of ACPN Lagos.
“The acquisition of this property was completed during the first year of our administration, government approvals were obtained in the second year, while construction commenced in the third year.
“We acknowledged the roles played by past chairmen in developing the project,” he said.
He disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within three years, noting that the completion would likely involve the next administration because of the scale of the development and construction.
The National Chairman of ACPN, Mr Ambrose Ezeh, described the groundbreaking as the laying of foundation for the future.
Ezeh said the proposed secretariat would represent the identity, unity, institutional development and institutional memory of ACPN Lagos, while providing a permanent home for professional activities and member engagement.
He commended the Lagos branch for the initiative, saying the project demonstrated what could be achieved through united leadership and a shared commitment to building an institution that would outlive generations.
Also, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Tanko Ayuba, congratulated the association for the milestone and commended the branch for embarking on the building project.
Ayuba noted that several branches of PSN and ACPN were establishing their own facilities, describing the development as a step in the right direction.(NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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