A consultant clinical pharmacist in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore David Babalola, has set a milestone in Nigerian pharmacy practice by winning three prestigious honours at the just-concluded 97th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).
The conference recognised Air Commodore Babalola’s exceptional contributions with the Biogenerics Integrity Award, the Pfizer Excellence Award and a Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN).
Babalola emerged as the best overall among public sector hospital pharmacists across Nigeria to clinch the Biogenerics Integrity Award, which comes with a cash prize of N1 million.
The annual award celebrates excellence in patient care, career achievements, innovations, training, research, professional service, philanthropy and leadership in public hospitals.
In addition, Babalola was one of four winners of the Pfizer Excellence Award, which recognises outstanding contributions in hospital and community pharmacy. The award includes a ₦250,000 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and a certificate.
Representatives of Pfizer Nigeria presented the award to him during the conference’s closing banquet in Uyo.
This marks a historic moment as Babalola becomes the first Nigerian Armed Forces pharmacist to win a PSN-sponsored corporate award since its inception nearly two decades ago.
Babalola appreciated Biogenerics Nigeria Ltd and Pfizer Nigeria for their sponsorship, which he said fosters excellence in hospital pharmacy practice.
He also thanked the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar, for creating an enabling environment for pharmacists in NAF and for approving the implementation of the Pharmacists Consultant Cadre in the force.
Adding to his achievements, Babalola was conferred with the Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), the highest honour awarded to pharmacists in Nigeria.
Air Commodore Babalola is the first pharmacist in the Nigerian Air Force to attain the rank of air commodore.
The investiture ceremony for his FPSN honour is scheduled for early 2025.
