Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, has stressed that Nigeria’s challenge is not the absence of sound public policies but the failure to implement them effectively, describing this as the greatest obstacle to national progress.
Akpe made the remark on Tuesday while chairing the public presentation of Prof. Peter Owonaro’s new book, “Pills to Policy: Pharmacy Practice Research in the Niger Delta,” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
He noted that weak implementation is particularly evident in the pharmaceutical sector, where regulatory guidelines have often failed to achieve their intended impact.
Commending Owonaro’s scholarship, Akpe said the book provides practical operational guidelines for pharmaceutical practice and will serve as a reference point for generations.
Highlighting the menace of drug abuse, Akpe pointed to the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse, Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC), led by Owonaro, which collaborates with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat illicit drugs and raise awareness.
“Today is a worthy reward for years of quiet, painstaking work. The challenge is not about formulating good public policies but about implementation,” Akpe remarked.
The event also featured the unveiling of the book by Bayelsa First Lady, Gloria Diri, who praised Owonaro’s courage and dedication.
In his response, Owonaro expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri, the deputy governor, and other academic mentors for their support, noting that the state’s investment in health institutions has produced many professionals, including himself.
The book was reviewed by senior officials including the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe (represented by Dr. Jones Stow), and Prof. Gideon Alade of Niger Delta University.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and other dignitaries.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com