The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has reassured Nigerians that the agency remains a beacon of hope as it continues its relentless efforts to safeguard public health.
Adeyeye gave the assurance at the 2023 NAFDAC Awards, Recognition, and Retirement Ceremony, held on Wednesday, in Lagos.
During the event, 42 staff, who were instrumental in securing the World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-Qualification for NAFDAC’s Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) located in Yaba, Lagos, were among the 138 employees honored for their exemplary service to the nation.
Reflecting on the dedication and perseverance of the staff, the Director-General acknowledged their unwavering commitment, noting that year after year, “they have risen to the challenge. Your countless nights spent poring over reports, the rigorous field operations you have undertaken, and the complex decisions you have made have all contributed to saving lives, improving the quality of life, and building trust in our healthcare system.”
She further emphasized the profound impact of their work, stating that their “efforts have touched millions of lives in ways that may never be fully quantified. Today, we honor not just your achievements, but the spirit of service that drives you.”
She described the occasion as a celebration of the relentless dedication, hard work, and unyielding spirit that each staff member brings to NAFDAC every day and that the management of the agency used it to recognize individuals, who have not only upheld but elevated the standards of NAFDAC through their extraordinary contributions.
Adeyeye also highlighted NAFDAC’s significant milestones over the past year, attributing these achievements to the collective effort and commitment of the workforce. Among these milestones, she singled out the WHO Pre-Qualification of the Central Drug Control Laboratory as a crowning achievement. She described this milestone as not merely a feather in NAFDAC’s cap but a quantum leap in the Agency’s mission to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines available to the public.
She elaborated that this achievement was the result of meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and commended team members, who played pivotal roles in this success, saying that their tireless efforts, long hours, and steadfast dedication have set a new benchmark for what can be achieved together as their contribution has not only earned the recognition of the WHO but has also placed NAFDAC at the forefront of global regulatory excellence.
The WHO Pre-Qualification of the CDCL is expected to bring numerous benefits to Nigeria, including global recognition, enhanced pharmaceutical quality, international collaboration, and advancements in public health. Additionally, it streamlines regulatory processes, bolsters NAFDAC’s credibility, and propels the nation’s healthcare system forward.
Speaking about the retiring staff, Adeyeye described the moment as bittersweet, adding that “today, we also gather to bid a fond farewell to those who have dedicated their careers to the service of NAFDAC and the nation,” she said. She commended their years of service, marked by diligence, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“As you stand on the cusp of a new chapter in your lives, we are filled with a mixture of gratitude and nostalgia
“Your exceptional performance sets the standard for excellence in the Agency. You represent the very best of NAFDAC—individuals who have gone above and beyond, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in regulatory science and public health protection”, she added.
To all NAFDAC staff, the Director-General enthused: “While we celebrate specific achievements today, know that every task you complete, every inspection you conduct, and every report you file contributes to our collective mission. The true measure of our success lies in the lives we impact every day. Every quality medicine that reaches a patient, every safe food item on a family’s table, and every authentic cosmetic product in the market is a testament to your diligence and commitment.”
She encouraged the staff to take pride in the NAFDAC family—a family whose vigilance touches every home in Nigeria, pointing out that the road ahead is filled with new challenges and opportunities, particularly in light of the recent Executive Order of June 28, 2024, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
As NAFDAC continues its journey towards attaining Maturity Level 4 for Vaccines Lot Release and Medicines, and its aspiration to become a WHO Listed Authority, Adeyeye charged the staff to renew their commitment to excellence. She urged them to let the achievements celebrated today inspire them to reach even greater heights.
On the agency’s staff, she advised: “Let today’s recognition serve as motivation to innovate, push harder, and strive for continuous improvement in all that you do.
“Your dedication, expertise, and passion for public health are the cornerstones of NAFDAC’s success. Together, we are not just regulating; we are transforming lives, strengthening our nation’s health security, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The future of Nigeria’s public health is in our hands, and together, we will continue to make a lasting impact,” she assured.
The Chairperson of the Awards Organizing Committee and Coordinating Director of the Food/Animal Feed Product Inspectorate, Dr. Rametu Momodu, urged those who did not receive awards this year to let this year event inspire them, adding that “the torch is being passed to you, with the responsibility to uphold the standard of excellence set by your predecessors.”
Momodu encouraged them to embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and never lose sight of NAFDAC’s core mission to protect and promote public health.
She said: “In this room, I see the most dedicated professionals, the embodiment of public service.”
Photo Caption
L-R: Director, Laboratory Services (Drug), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mr. Abiola Victor, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and the agency’s Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products, Dr. Rametu Momodu; at the 2023 NAFDAC Awards, Recognition, and Retirement Ceremony, held in Lagos on Wednesday
