On Saturday, January 11th, 2025, the PSN-Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) Lagos held its first town hall meeting for the year. Hosted virtually on Google Meet, the meeting ran from 6:10 PM to 7:30 PM and set a clear agenda for the year ahead while reflecting on past accomplishments.
Let’s dive into the key highlights from this detailed and forward-thinking session.
Opening and Welcome Remarks
The meeting opened with a prayer led by Pharm. Ngozi Uzokwe, the group’s Treasurer.
In her opening remarks, the State Coordinator, Pharm. Stephanie Obibi, welcomed members warmly. She acknowledged the hard work of the previous administration, emphasizing their contributions to the group’s growth. Pharm. Obibi officially set the stage for the meeting by encouraging members to remain committed to the group’s objectives.
Introducing the New Executives
A significant part of the session was the introduction of the new executive team, who promised to build on the successes of their predecessors. The team includes:
- State Coordinator: Pharm. Stephanie Obibi
- General Secretary: Pharm. Egemonye Christopher
- Financial Secretary: Pharm. Ureh Dibani Okoroafor
- Treasurer: Pharm. Ngozi Uzokwe
- Public Relations Officer (PRO): Pharm. Kennedy Iloh
- Assistant General Secretary: Pharm. Ngozi Amaechi
Reflecting on Past Achievements
Pharm. Egemonye Christopher, the General Secretary, presented a detailed review of the previous administration’s achievements. These accomplishments showcased YPG Lagos’s dedication to professional growth, public health advocacy, and community engagement:
- Professional Development:
- Hosted workshops on CV building, supply chain management, and pharmaceutical applications in beauty and cosmetics.
- Public Health Advocacy:
- Conducted World Malaria Day campaigns, organized blood donation drives, and produced educational infographics on key health issues.
- Community Projects:
- Initiatives like the PAD-A-GIRL Project, aimed at empowering young girls, and the YPG Picnic, which fostered camaraderie among members.
- Corporate Collaborations:
- Partnerships with leading organizations, including Emzor Pharmaceuticals and Reckitt, opened doors for impactful programs.
- YPG Lagos Pharmacy Week:
- Themed “Transforming the Future of Healthcare Through Holistic Innovation,” the week-long event included panel discussions, workshops, and the festive PharmFest Carnival.
Plans for 2025
Pharm. Obibi unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the year, highlighting monthly activities that aim to enhance member engagement and professional development:
- January: Member induction and the town hall meeting.
- March: First-quarter general meeting.
- April: Outreach for World Malaria Day.
- May: Social event titled YPG Hangout.
- July: Activities for World Hepatitis Day and participation in the National Conference.
- September: The annual YPG Lagos Week and celebration of World Pharmacists Day.
- December: Annual dinner to close out the year.
Additional events will be planned once partnerships and committees are finalized, ensuring a dynamic year ahead.
Membership Dues Update
The Financial Secretary, Pharm. Ureh Dibani Okoroafor, announced an increment in the PSN-YPG annual dues to ₦5,000. This adjustment reflects the need to accommodate rising operational costs while maintaining the quality of programs and services.
Opportunities to Get Involved
The Public Relations Officer, Pharm. Kennedy Iloh, made a strong call for committee members and coordinators. He emphasized the pivotal role of committees in achieving the group’s objectives and encouraged active participation.
Introducing a New Remuneration Structure
One of the most significant updates from the meeting was the unveiling of the proposed remuneration structure aimed at ensuring fair compensation for pharmacists. This is pending approval by stakeholders. The proposal is outlined below;
- Full-Time Staff:
- Basic Salary: ₦150,000
- Accommodation Allowance: ₦50,000
- Transportation Allowance: ₦40,000
- Hazard Allowance: ₦30,000
- Utility Allowance: ₦30,000
- Total Monthly Pay: ₦300,000
- Superintendent Pharmacists (With and Without License):
- Basic Salary: ₦200,000
- Accommodation Allowance: ₦50,000
- Transportation Allowance: ₦40,000
- Hazard Allowance: ₦30,000
- Utility Allowance: ₦30,000
- License Allowance: ₦80,000
- Total Monthly Pay: ₦350,000 (excluding license allowance)
- Interns:
- Basic Allowance: ₦60,000
- Accommodation Allowance: ₦40,000
- Transportation Allowance: ₦30,000
- Hazard Allowance: ₦15,000
- Utility Allowance: ₦15,000
- Total Monthly Pay: ₦160,000
- NYSC Members:
- Basic Salary: ₦80,000
- Accommodation Allowance: ₦50,000
- Transportation Allowance: ₦30,000
- Hazard Allowance: ₦20,000
- Utility Allowance: ₦20,000
- Total Monthly Pay: ₦200,000
- Locum Pharmacists:
- Hourly Rate: ₦1,999/hour
The State Coordinator assured members that job postings would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with these standards.
Addressing Questions and Concerns
During the Q&A session, members raised critical concerns, which were addressed as follows:
- Implementing the New Remuneration Structure:
The Internal Committee will liaise with employers to enforce adherence to the revised structure. - Annual Wage Increment:
Wages will be reviewed annually based on individual performance. Members were encouraged to negotiate robust contracts that include provisions for salary reviews. - Value Addition by Young Pharmacists:
To justify the new remuneration standards, upcoming professional development programs will focus on enhancing members’ clinical expertise and soft skills.
Closing Notes
The meeting concluded with a prayer by Pharm. Ngozi Uzokwe at 7:30 PM.
This engaging session set a strong foundation for an impactful year ahead. With a detailed roadmap, enhanced remuneration, and a focus on collaboration, YPG Lagos is poised to make 2025 a milestone year for young pharmacists in the state.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved in the exciting initiatives planned for the year!
Written by: Pharm. Egemonye Christopher
General Secretary, YPG Lagos