The 8th Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture, held at the College of Medicine, UNILAG
The 8th Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture in Pharmacy at the University of Lagos amplified calls for a more robust national response to mental health challenges, with a clear push to position community pharmacists at the frontline of care.
Delivering the lecture, Pharm. Adewale Oladigbolu warned that economic disruptions, political instability, insecurity and misinformation are driving rising levels of stress, anxiety and depression nationwide. He noted that nearly one billion people globally live with mental health conditions, yet 75% receive no treatment.
Oladigbolu stressed the need to integrate pharmacists into Nigeria’s mental health strategy, strengthen academic–industry collaboration, and expand access, especially as about 500 LGAs still lack community pharmacies despite the sector receiving an estimated 280,000 daily visits.
UNILAG officials and senior pharmacists at the event reassured their commitment to supporting research and advocacy, noting that pharmacy has evolved into a significant pillar of public health.
A ₦2.5 million research grant was awarded to Dr Chidalu Benedicta Ikeotuonye for work on nanoemulsions targeting early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
The annual lecture continues to honour the legacy of Chief Frederica Omololu-Mulele, whose endowment supports sustained intellectual and professional development in pharmacy.
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