Pharm Ahmed Yakasai @ 60: A Leader and His Strength of Character

Having a 60th birthday is certainly cause for celebration, especially when you have lived your life in excellent service to your family, community, profession, state, country and humanity. Today, 1st December 2020, Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, FPSN marks his 60th birthday. A man who is the true definition of a leader per excellence. He is […]

Having a 60th birthday is certainly cause for celebration, especially when you have lived your life in excellent service to your family, community, profession, state, country and humanity. Today, 1st December 2020, Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, FPSN marks his 60th birthday. A man who is the true definition of a leader per excellence. He is one of the result-oriented leaders Nigeria has produced in recent times.

Pharm. Yakasai is a kind, trustworthy, reliable, considerate, creative, passionate and compassionate gentleman who serves as an inspiration to tens of thousands of people. Honestly, there is something special about his character and characteristics; an “omoluwabi” to the core. He has developed an attitude that inspires people to become better leaders and performers. His enduring achievement is the strength of his character.

Pharm. Yakasai has been an achiever from a tender age. He became Director Nigerian Institute of Substance Abuse (NISA) by 26. The chairman Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists, Kano/Jigawa chapter by 29. The Chairman Pharmaceutical society of Nigeria, Kano/Jigawa at 31. Managing Director, Pharmaplus Nigeria Limited at 32. The Chairman Yakasai Zumunta Development Association Kano (Health Committee) at 35, Chairman Northern League of NGOs at 37. Besides, he became 1st Deputy President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at 37. All these and other personal and professional achievements were recorded by him before the age of 40.

Yakasai’s profile, characterised by his antecedent as an exceptional performer resulted into the numerous achievements recorded during his tenure as President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). However, it didn’t come without sacrifices. Working with him as his Personal Assistant was a herculean task. His commitment to the assignment was hundred per cent. Therefore, we needed to work round the clock. More often than not, when Pharm. Yakasai was around in Lagos, I knew I would likely get home very late. We didn’t operate 9 am to 5 pm work schedule. We finished work, when the work for the day was over. The legacy of his administration will continue to be an inspiration to those coming behind him as PSN Presidents that a lot can be achieved within a short period of time.

Your exceptional professional and political career have touched the lives of millions. Your great service to the people of Kano as two-term commissioner remain a talking point in North-West. Your commitment to the good of all will always stand you out as a leading leader. It is a truism that your leadership acumen is an inspiration to a myriad of people in various walks of life. Your amazingly large and generous heart, deep wisdom and good character have become the stuff of legend.

Here is a man whose attention to details manifest in his public appearance, particularly with his trademark white “agbada.” A man whose gentle smile warm up every room he enters.

To him, people are meant to be loved, respected and appreciated regardless of their background.

To him, the people you support today become your ally in the journey of life.

To him, integrity and honesty are more valuable than golds and diamond.

To him, to help people to be more successful makes your life more honourable.

To him, to stand by your friends in difficult times is the hallmark of love.

I have met and interacted with many brilliant minds in my life sojourn, however, this man Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai is one of the best I have encountered so far. He is a rare gem.

Pharm Ahmed Yakasai, the Immediate Past President of the Pharmaceutical Society (PSN) and Honorary Consul-General of Pakistan in Nigeria was born in Yakasai Quarters, Municipal, Kano State on 1 December 1960. He attended Shahuchi Primary School from 1968 to 1974. He then proceeded to Government Secondary School, Gwarzo from 1974 to 1979 and subsequently got admission into School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University from 1979 to 1980.

He obtained his first degree in Pharmacy from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1983) and so many Postgraduate courses including International Marketing (search and social media marketing- 2014/2015 from University of Salford, Manchester, UK.

Yakasai is an accomplished Pharmacist/independent Consultant with comprehensive background in Pharmaceutical fields and Public-Private Partnerships. He has a long-distinguished career in various fields of Pharmacy, Healthcare Research and Regulatory Affairs with over 37 years’ experience.

Ahmed worked variously in both public and private sectors: Two terms Commissioner in Kano State. First, he was Commissioner of Commerce, industry, Cooperatives and Tourism (2005-2010) and was redeployed to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning (2010-2011) during the administration of His Excellency, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, CON, Sardaunan Kano.

He is a Founder and Chairman, Safe Medicines Foundation. Ahmed is a Board Member/Trustee, Society for Family Health (SFH), 2004- to date and Board member of Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA).

He is a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management among others.

Ahmed is a great Pharmacist with a formidable network of friends and associates across the country and abroad. He holds so many traditional titles- Enyi Dioranma of Umuzike, Kpakpando 1 of Emii Kingdom, Nwanne D’Namba 1of Omor Kingdom, Amanyanabo Ikiabo of Kala Ogoloma and Onigba Ndi Ogwu 1of Ubakala.

I pray for you sir, that Allah will grant you unparalleled long life in vitality, strength, wisdom and prosperity. May He continue to make your wife, children and grandchildren sources of joy for you. May He ease your affairs and bless you abundantly. May He grant you the good of this world, the good of the hereafter and make you an inmate of Aljanah Fridaus.

Happy Diamond Jubilee Sir.

Kareem, who is the Team Leader/Founder, Mareek Concepts, is the Personal Assistant to Pharm Ahmed Yakasai