Ogun plans research institute at OOUTH to immortalise Salako

Plans resuscitation of pharmaceutical factory in Ijebu- Ode

IN its quest to promote and encourage research in the medical field, the Ogun State Government has planned to establish Prof. Lateef Salako Institute of Research at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital ( OOUTH), Sagamu.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who disclosed this at the maiden edition of the late Prof. Lateef Salako Memorial lecture held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, said that the establishment of the research institute is to honour the late professor, who was once the chairman of the hospital.

The governor also said that his administration would take a look at its comatose pharmaceutical factory at Ijebu- Ode with a view to resuscitating it.

Abiodun described the late Salako as one of the fathers of medicine in the country who had contributed to the development of pharmacology, through research, reading and mentorship.

He said that Salako had served the nation and the state in many capacities, adding that the best way to immortalise him is for Nigerians and the young professionals to emulate his value for service and the humility he displayed while alive.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who was represented by Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute- Metta, Lagos, Dr. Adedamola Dada, said the Federal Government was working on policy that would make drugs available to Nigerians at a reduced cost.

He, therefore, enjoined young pharmacologists to emulate the erudite scholar and work towards reducing incident of medication errors in the profession.

Also, a retired professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Renal Consultant, Abdulfatah Mabadeje, in his remarks, described the late Salako as a true friend who contributed to the development of clinical pharmacology in the country, adding that the Nigerian Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics has taken steps to discourage the young ones from wrong use of drugs.