‎From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

‎Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has identified poor public policy implementation towards achieving desired national development objectives as the bane of every sphere of the country’s economy rather than formulation.

‎Akpe stated this at the public presentation of Prof Peter Owonaro’s Book titled, ‘Pills to policy: Pharmacy practice research in the Niger Delta,’ held over the weekend at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

‎The Bayelsa Deputy Governor, who spoke as chairman of the occasion, acknowledged that issues of non-implementation of public policies abound particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, which had over time rendered guidelines streamlining activities of healthcare services inefficient.

‎He, however, commended Owonaro for his unwavering commitment and doggedness in publishing a book that provides operational guidelines for pharmaceutical products across health care services .

‎Akpe, who also congratulated Owonaro on his academic achievements and contributions to educational development, noted that the book would outlive him and serve as a reference point for generations to come in the pharmaceutical profession.

‎According to the number two man, “these policies are extremely important because drugs are being abused. And it is in recognition of this menace that the Prosperity Government set up the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse, Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC).

‎”Prof Owonaro is serving as Chief Executive Officer of that health institution, BADAPARC, and he is doing very well. His agency is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in the control of illicit drugs and creating the necessary awareness about drug abuse and addiction.

‎”I count it as a personal honour to share in this celebration of scholarship and service. I want to appreciate Prof Owonaro and his family and all those who have laboured with him to make this day a reality.

‎”Today is a worthy reward for years of quiet painstaking work. Some months ago, l got a request to collaborate with this project which l gladly accepted, and l saw it as an honour to be a collaborator on this piece. The challenge is not about formulating good public policies but that of implementation.

‎”Today, we have several challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. I congratulate Prof Owonaro for this piece which will outlive him. It is going to be a reference point for generations yet unborn in the pharmaceutical profession.”

‎Wife of the Governor, Dr Gloria Diri, who was Mother of the Day, praised the author for his hardwork, commitment and courage, noting that he had broken barriers in his chosen career.

‎While thanking all who graced the occasion for celebrating excellence, Dr Gloria equally lauded the Bayelsa government for the recognition accorded Prof Owonaro and expressed optimism that he would not disappoint the state.

‎Responding, author of the book, Owonaro, expressed appreciation to Diri and his deputy for their invaluable support and for finding him worthy to serve the state as Chairman of BADAPARC.

‎Owonaro equally paid glowing tribute to the Pro Chancellor, Bayelsa Medical University, Prof Tarila Tebepah, for being instrumental in the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, Otuogidi, adding that the establishment of other health institutions in the state has helped to produce many health practitioners including himself as a Professor of Pharmacy.

‎He also thanked the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Prof Gideon Alade and all those whose sacrifices and contributions made the book presentation a huge success.

‎Book reviewers included: the Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr Jones Stow; Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Sawyer; Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Prof. Gideon Alade, among others.

‎Unveiling the book was done by Dr Gloria Diri, assisted by the Commissioner for Health, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Jones Stow, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, and the Chairman, state Civil Service Commission, Hon Perekiye Buruboyefe.

‎Others were: the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, CP Daniel Iyamah; Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Chief Executive Officer, and the Managing Director of Les Energy, Mr Preye Berezi, represented by the Chairman, Housing and Property Development Authority, Rt Hon Tonye Isenah, among other notable personalities.