A cross-section of dignitaries with Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, MD/CEO of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, during the 25th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.
As Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited marked its 25th anniversary at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, industry stakeholders, dignitaries, and healthcare experts lauded the company’s growth, innovative drive, and renewed emphasis on local pharmaceutical manufacturing, describing domestic production as critical for medicine security, affordability, and public health resilience in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, MD/CEO of Geneith, traced the company’s journey from a small marketing outfit in 2000 to a nationally recognized pharmaceutical firm with wide-reaching product penetration across antimalarials, antibiotics, metabolic drugs, analgesics, nutritional supplements, and antifungals.
He said the next phase of Geneith’s growth will prioritise strengthening manufacturing capabilities, research and development, and sustainable operations.
“We have spent 25 years expanding access to essential medicines,” Umenwa said, “and the next phase of our growth prioritises local production, quality systems, and long-term sustainability.”
Commending Geneith for its milestone achievement, Pharm. Ade Popoola, CEO of Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, urged other Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to embrace local manufacturing, noting that countries dominating global pharmaceutical production control pricing, access, and innovation.
“Nigeria has the human capital and market size to compete regionally,” he said, “and local production is key to medicine security and economic stability.”
Addressing the major disease burdens confronting Nigeria, Prof Ighodaro Igbe, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Benin, highlighted malaria, antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, neurological disorders, pain, and fungal infections.
He stressed that building robust local manufacturing capacity is essential to guarantee affordable and reliable access to essential medicines.
Pharm. Lizzette Njideka Ezenekwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), underscored the importance of retaining skilled personnel, strengthening quality systems, and expanding local production.
She called on government to support domestic manufacturers with stable policies, improved infrastructure, timely payments, and accessible financing to make pharmaceutical production sustainable and competitive.
In her welcome address, Mrs Ada Cosmas, Head of HR/Admin at Geneith, highlighted that the company’s success has been built on strong leadership, dedicated staff, and operational excellence. She added that future growth will continue to focus on people development, manufacturing capacity, and quality systems.
Reflecting on the milestone, Otunba Shajobi Taiwo, Engr. Alhaji Bello Umar, and Pharm. Dr. Kelly Nwagha, company directors, said:
“As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for every one of us. From our very first steps to this remarkable milestone, your dedication and passion have been the heartbeat of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited. Together, we’ve built a legacy of excellence and innovation, and here’s to our continued growth and the bright future ahead.”
Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, PSN President, congratulated Geneith for its enduring contributions to the pharmaceutical sector, stressing that local manufacturing should remain the priority for all Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to ensure medicine affordability, consistent supply, and public health protection.
Delivering the closing comment and prayers, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, commended Geneith for venturing into manufacturing despite economic and regulatory challenges, describing the initiative as forward-looking and vital for long-term drug security.
The event attracted prominent personalities from the pharmaceutical sector, academia, and politics, including Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence; Prof. Poly Emenike, Managing Director of Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Limited; Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi; Pharm. Israel Ade-Popoola; and other key stakeholders.
