Health Ministry Applauds Adeola’s Excellence As ICCON Awards Fellowship
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) has congratulated Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, mni, Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department, on her conferment as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described chemistry as a critical pillar of environmental and public health, noting that it remains foundational to modern health systems. He made this assertion at the fellowship investiture ceremony held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Gloria Adegoke, the Minister said the ceremony was a celebration of excellence, integrity, professional dedication, and sustained contributions to national development. He commended ICCON for its commitment to advancing the practice of chemistry in Nigeria.
“As a regulatory and professional body, ICCON continues to uphold standards, promote ethical practice, and strengthen professional capacity in a field central to healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical safety, environmental protection, industrial development, and public health security,” Dr. Salako stated.
He further emphasized that chemistry underpins drug formulation and quality assurance, toxicology, laboratory diagnostics, and chemical safety regulation, making the role of professional chemists indispensable in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
Dr. Salako attributed the conferment of the fellowship on Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola to her exceptional competence, leadership, and impactful contributions to both the profession and national development.
“The Ministry carefully reviewed the recommendations forwarded by the Institute and found her credentials, accomplishments, and service records to be truly outstanding. Her professional journey reflects dedication to excellence, commitment to public service, and unwavering adherence to ethical standards. Through her work, she has strengthened systems, built capacity, and contributed meaningfully to national development,” he said.
In her acceptance remarks, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to recommit herself to excellence and service for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity.
She described the fellowship as profoundly meaningful, noting that it came from a professional body dedicated to upholding standards, ethics, and excellence in the practice of chemistry in Nigeria.
She thanked the leadership of ICCON, particularly the Registrar, as well as the Honourable Ministers, the Permanent Secretary, and the Management of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for their support and guidance.
“My journey in public service has been shaped by mentorship, teamwork, and a shared commitment to strengthening our regulatory and public health systems,” she said.
Mrs. Adeola also urged her professional colleagues to uphold integrity, promote best practices, mentor younger professionals, and contribute meaningfully to policy development and system strengthening.
Earlier, the Registrar/CEO of ICCON, Chemist Jwalshik Wilford, described the event as historic, noting that fellowship is conferred only on individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the advancement of chemistry in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that, as Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department, Mrs. Adeola would continue to initiate policies that would strengthen both the health system and the chemistry profession. He emphasized that when chemistry is properly positioned, health challenges can be significantly reduced.
Born on February 9, 1969, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola holds a B.Sc. (Education) in Chemistry, an MBA, and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counselling from Lagos State University. She joined the Federal Ministry of Health in 1993 as a Scientific Officer and rose through the ranks to her current position as Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department.
