Industry leaders, healthcare experts and distinguished guests have commended Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited for its growth, innovation and renewed commitment to local drug manufacturing as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki.
In his remarks, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Managing Director/CEO of Geneith, reflected on the company’s evolution from a modest marketing outfit in 2000 to a nationally recognised pharmaceutical brand with widely distributed products across antimalarials, antibiotics, metabolic drugs, analgesics, nutritional supplements and antifungals.
Umenwa said Geneith’s next phase will focus on expanding manufacturing capacity, strengthening research and development, and ensuring sustainability.
“We have spent 25 years expanding access to essential medicines,” he noted. “The next phase of our growth prioritises local production, quality systems and long-term sustainability.”
Pharm. Ade Popoola, CEO of Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, congratulated Geneith and urged more Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to embrace domestic manufacturing.
He noted that countries leading global pharmaceutical production ultimately determine pricing, access and innovation.
“Nigeria has the human capital and market size to compete regionally,” he said. “Local production is key to medicine security and economic stability.”
Prof. Ighodaro Igbe, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Benin, listed major disease burdens affecting Nigeria, including malaria, antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, neurological disorders, pain and fungal infections.
He stressed that strong local manufacturing systems are essential for affordable and reliable access to vital medicines.
Similarly, Pharm. Lizzette Njideka Ezenekwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), highlighted the need to retain skilled personnel, build quality systems and scale up local production.
She called on government to provide stable policies, better infrastructure, timely payments and accessible financing to strengthen domestic manufacturing.
In her welcome address, Mrs Ada Cosmas, Head of HR/Admin at Geneith, said the company’s achievements were built on strong leadership, committed staff and operational excellence.
She added that Geneith’s future growth will centre on people development, manufacturing expansion and quality improvement.
Company directors — Otunba Shajobi Taiwo, Engr. Alhaji Bello Umar and Pharm. Dr. Kelly Nwagha — expressed gratitude to staff and stakeholders.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude,” they said in a joint message.
“Your dedication and passion have built a legacy of excellence and innovation. Here’s to our continued growth and the bright future ahead.”
The President of the PSN, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, also congratulated Geneith, stressing that domestic production must remain the priority for Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to guarantee medicine affordability, steady supply and public health protection.
In his closing remarks and prayers, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, commended Geneith for pursuing manufacturing despite economic and regulatory hurdles, describing the move as bold, forward-looking and vital for long-term drug security.
The event drew prominent personalities from the pharmaceutical, academic and political spheres, including former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Prof. Poly Emenike, Managing Director of Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Limited; Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi; Pharm. Israel Ade-Popoola; and other key stakeholders.
