In Memoriam: Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, FNAPharm, FPSN, FPCPharm (1939–2025)
Founder and Publisher, Pharmanews — A Glorious Tribute to a Noble Icon
In the quiet hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a luminous star in Nigeria's pharmaceutical and healthcare firmament transitioned to eternal glory. Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, an exemplary patriarch of ethical journalism, a trailblazing pharmacist, a steadfast man of faith, and a beacon of professional integrity, passed on peacefully at age 85. His departure marks the close of an era — but the beginning of a legacy that will echo through generations.
A Visionary Who Gave Voice to Pharmacy
As the Founder and Publisher of Pharmanews — Nigeria's foremost pharmaceutical and health journal, established in 1979 — Sir Atueyi redefined health communication in West Africa. In a time when pharmacy practice lacked visibility and professional media engagement, he boldly pioneered a platform that illuminated the profession and connected stakeholders. He chronicled its growth with unwavering consistency and excellence.
For over four decades, Pharmanews became more than a publication; it became a movement — a mirror reflecting the aspirations, challenges, and triumphs of pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policymakers. At its helm was a man whose pen was dipped in wisdom, whose heart burned with purpose, and whose life exemplified the synergy of professionalism and divine calling.
More Than a Publisher — A Pillar of Transformation
Pharm. Atueyi was not merely a journalist or editor but a reformer, mentor, and servant-leader whose influence transcended titles. A Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm), and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm), he wore his honors with characteristic humility.
His contributions to the profession were manifold:
- Pioneer Vice President of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, helping shape the institution's early direction
- Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) for his service to humanity
- Champion of ethical health journalism who refused to compromise integrity for sensationalism
- Mentor to generations of health journalists and pharmaceutical communicators
A Life Anchored in Faith and Service
Sir Atueyi's life was a testament to the power of faith-driven purpose. He believed that pharmacy was not just a profession but a calling — a sacred trust to serve humanity through the responsible communication of health information. His editorial standards were legendary, his commitment to truth unshakeable, and his compassion for the vulnerable boundless.
The Valedictory Session
On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy convened a solemn three-hour valedictory session at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi Araba. The event honored Sir Atueyi's remarkable life, legacy, and service — providing the Academy an opportunity to reaffirm its mission while reflecting on how Sir Atueyi embodied and championed it.
The session served as an enduring public record of the values Sir Atueyi lived for: service, professionalism, humility, faith, and bridge-building across generations and disciplines.
A Legacy That Endures
Sir Atueyi's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. But the institutions he built, the lives he touched, and the standards he set will endure. Pharmanews continues to illuminate the path he blazed. The Academy he helped found continues to advance the profession he loved. And the countless pharmacists whose voices he amplified continue to serve with the excellence he modeled.
As the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy declared: "A life anchored in service, faith, and excellence leaves a legacy that time cannot erase."
The NAPharm Executive Council That Honored Him
- President: Pharm. Prof Lere Baale, FNAPharm
- Vice President 1: Pharm. Prof Mrs Cecilia Igwilo, FNAPharm
- Vice President 2: H.E. Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, mni, FNAPharm
- Secretary-General: Pharm. Lekan Asuni, FNAPharm
- Treasurer: Pharm. Anthony Oyawole, FNAPharm
- Editor in Chief: Pharm Prof Udoma Mendie, FNAPharm
- Internal Auditor: Pharm Ade Popoola, FNAPharm
- Assistant Secretary-General: Pharm. Chris Ehimen, FNAPharm
- Director of Admin: Pharm. (Prof.) Olukemi Odukoya, FNAPharm
- Director of Programme: Pharm Dr Obalolu Ojo, FNAPharm
- Founder & IP President: Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, mni, OFR, LLD, FNAPharm
Adieu, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi. Your light has not gone out; it shines ever brighter in the hearts of those you inspired.
