NECCI announces 2023 public relations roundtable, Holds October 27 & 28

The convener and founder of the NECCI public relations roundtable, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, has announced that this year’s NECCI public relations roundtable will be held on October 27 and 28, 2023, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Fighting the Scourge of Illicit Trade in the Pharma Industry: The Role of Communication.”

She highlighted that this year’s conference will focus on the role communication will play in curbing the flagrance of drug counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry.

The statement read as follows:

“In an increasingly interconnected world, the pharmaceutical industry faces a significant
challenge: the rise of illicit trade. Counterfeit drugs, substandard medications, and
unauthorized distribution pose serious risks to public health and safety. As stakeholders
in this critical sector, we must come together to combat this scourge effectively.

“This year’s conference will highlight the role communication will play in curbing the
flagrance of drug counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry.

“The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHDA, said that over 70
percent of medicines being dispensed in Nigeria were sub-standard. About 120,000
Africans die annually, according to Brazzaville Foundation. A lot of Nigerians have been
hard hit by this menace. According to medical experts, some of the health issues
ranging from loss of sight and hearing defects as well as kidney and liver issues are
caused by substandard drugs or abuse thereof. Many lives have been lost and some
maimed for life.

“Despite counterfeit medicines’ health and safety risks, public awareness of the
prevalence and consequences of taking such drugs are lacking. The 23rd episode of the
roundtable, therefore seeks to advocate for radical and lasting interventions for this
problem through strategic informational communication campaigns that focus on
attitude change to curtail the global counterfeit medicines market and ensure public
health and safety.

“According to the founder and convener of the NECCI Public Relations Roundtable,
Nkechi Ali-Balogun, effective communication plays a pivotal role in addressing illicit
trade within the pharmaceutical industry and collectively, we can strategically educate
our consumers through awareness campaigns.

“She further added that public awareness campaigns can empower consumers to recognize counterfeit drugs and make informed choices. By disseminating information through various channels—such as social media, radio, and community events we can raise awareness about the
dangers of illicit pharmaceuticals and more importantly help to bring culprits to book.

“The fight against illicit trade in the pharmaceutical industry requires a multifaceted
approach—one that combines communication, regulation, technology, and
collaboration. By working together, we can safeguard public health and ensure that
patients receive safe and effective medications.

“Nkechi Ali-Balogun added that NECCI Public Relations Roundtable will gather
renowned experts under the same roof to examine the pressing concerns surrounding
illicit trade in the pharmaceutical sector, which poses substantial threats to public health
and national security and find ways to proffer workable solutions through strategic
communication.

“Confirmed speakers for this event include Professor Adeyeye the Director General (DG)
of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),
Ag. DCG BA Adeniyi, ACG, Nigeria Custom Service, Dere Awosika, (Ph.D. Pharmacy
Technology), immediate past Chairman, Access Bank, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba
Marwa, (Rtd) CON, OFR Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, The National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mbang Femi- Oyewo, MFR, Professor of
Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharm. Femi Soremekun, Founder/MD
Biofem Group and a host of other intellectuals as panelists.

“The roundtable continues with a professional PR programme on lobbying and
advocacy the next day with global thought leaders; Olufemi M. Awoyemi, mni CEO &
Founder Proshare Nigeria, Bolarinwa Onaolapo, Consultant and Corporate Advisor,
FSA Credential Holder (SASB/ IFRS), Lagos State, Nigeria, and Dr. David Mrisho,
Lecturer, St. Augustine University, Tanzania Attendees for the 2023 edition will cut across key players in the pharmaceutical industry, innovative business leaders and key opinion leaders in the public relations and other sectors.

“The roundtable consistently attracts participants including business executives, investors, civil
leaders, distinguished diplomats, traditional public relations executives, publicists and general
strategists, corporate communication executives, business development executives,
entrepreneurs and captains of industry as well as general stakeholders within economic and
social sectors targeted by the current theme.

“The Venue is Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and the date is Thursday, 26 &
27 October 2023. Time is 10:00hrs. 

“Over the past two decades NECCI PR Roundtable has become Nigeria’s greatest Public
Relations Conference and a representation of PR professionals and their contributions
to diverse sectors. More than a hundred partners have recognized this powerful channel
to network, connect and engage communication experts across the country and
globally”.