"Much Needed Build-Bridging & Howard Univ.'s Recognition Of Nigeria's Dr.Inyang"

Dear Friends,
It is other people's business to "share"(or rather,spread) bad news about Nigeria and have people give up rather easily on the country that has produced (and continues to----) some of the Brightest Minds in the World. This is not to say important news about everything bad with Nigeria must be swept "underneath the carpet". But,somebody must also try and share some encouraging news that rarely make the headlines. And this is where my "secretive" self and fellow compatriots at "Nigeria-Before-Self" come in.
In one of my earlier mails, I mentioned Dr. Uford- Inyang ( Director Of Nigeria's Institute for Pharmaceutical Research & Development or N.I.P.R.D ) while discussing about "Hope & Help On The Way For Sickle Cell Patients". The soon to be released drug "NICOSAN"("NIPRISAN") was developed by Nigeria's very own N.I.P.R.D . It's Director, Dr. INYANG, will receive an Award from his alma-mata ,Howard University ( a Prestigious University located in the heart of the World's most powerful Country,the good ole U.S of A ). Howard University is a predominantly African-American University which takes pride in searching for answers to the many problems (especially in Healthcare and Social issues) which plagues all people of African-descent and humanity in general. The Event will take place at the Howard Univ. Campus on Thursday April 6,2006 with many officials in Nigeria's Healthcare & Scientific Industry in attendance.

Unbeknownst to many, there has been an on-going collaboration between
Howard University,N.I.P.R.D & XECHEM NIGERIA PHARMACEUTICALS. The latter is a U.S-Based Pharmaceutical Company which decided to do something unique in Nigeria. Upon discovering the amazing potential of Nigeria's "NIPRISAN",a drug that's shown tremendous potential in the management of "Sickle Cell Disease", the C.E.O, Dr. Ramesh-Pandey decided to buy the patent and manufacture the drug "ON-GROUND". I must confess that, as a Practicing Pharmacist, I am truly sick and fed-up with Pharmaceutical companies always preferring to import "ready-made" (mostly
adulterated drugs) into Nigeria,my native land. This is why XECHEM Nig. holds a "Dear" place in my heart. The board members which include Nigeria's Prof. Soji- Adelaja ( a Distinguished Professor at "Michigan State Univ.") truly have there hearts in the right place. Nigerian students will benefit tremendously from visits and internship programs at the enviable site located inside the "SHEDA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX" based at SHEDA , Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria.

Personally, I like to think of these emerging wonderful developments as
part of the on-going ties between The U.S.A, Nigeria & India (perhaps an "AXIS OF GOOD" in political terms). It is a wonderful thing when some great minds share similar views about what needs to be done in order to wake Africa's Sleeping "Giant" up from it's slumber. I remain a firm believer that Nigeria will become the Pride of all Africans in our lifetime and the "Axis Of Good" will certainly help speed up the process.

My Heartfelt Congratulations goes to Dr. Inyang and his wonderful staff at N.I.P.R.D.Much credit also goes to Dr. Ayodele- Coker ( Director of The Sheda Science & Tech.Complex or "SHESTCO"),Prof. ISOUN (The Minister For Science & Tech.), Prof. Lambo ( Nigeria's Minister For Health), Dr. Ramesh-Pandey(XECHEM),Prof. Soji-Adelaj(XECHEM),Dr.Segun- Ajuwon (C.E.O-National Hosp.,Abuja-Silent Operator), Hon. El- Rufai (The F.C.T Wonder Man ) and so many others who are doing Nigerians proud everyday. God Bless Nigeria,The U.S.A & India ("Axis Of Good").

Finally, I commend the good folks at Howard University for having the foresight to start a relationship that will help build the much-anticipated Bridge between Africa and it's people in America via the search for answers to difficult issues that affects us as a people. I predict other prestigious Universities here in the U.S will soon follow suit and discover the hospitality,uniqueness & magic in the African spirit by discovering Nigeria.

UP HOWARD !!!

Sincerely,
Tola - Sobande