Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Boss Calls for Stringent Punitive Measures for Fake Drug Dealers

Chinedu Eze

The Executive Chairman of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Anthony Chukwuka, has urged the federal government to introduce stiffer penalties for those engaged in fake drugs as a way to eliminate counterfeit medicine in Nigeria.

Chukwuka, who regretted that many people under medical treatment die due to the administration of fake drugs, insisted that it is the government policies and actions that can sanitise the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria, as he called for a clamp down on counterfeit drug dealers so that genuine Nigerian companies can thrive.

The Greenlife Pharmaceuticals boss made this known yesterday in Lagos during the unveiling of his autobiography, ‘My Wilderness Journey’, and his 60th birthday.

According to him, “I expect the federal government to be more serious in clamping down on dealers of counterfeit drugs because they are so many.” 

“I didn’t say they are not giving laws but if they are punished severely, no other person can try to do that again. If one, two or three people are punished severely for selling counterfeit drugs, then others would learn a lesson. Anyone could be a victim of counterfeit drugs; so the government should not allow dealers on fake drugs to continue to exist in the country.”

He said currently, over 70 per cent of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria come from India, as he urged the government to support local manufacturers to expand their businesses, create jobs and save the country foreign exchange.

On his autobiography, he said one of the reasons he wrote the book was to make the younger ones know that they must start life with a vision and also have the determination to actualise that vision.

 Chukwuka said: “You have to know where you are going. A vision is about futuristic life. So, once you have a vision, you will not deviate from it. That is why someone who came from a humble background like mine can still succeed despite all odds.

“When I say wilderness experience, I am looking at my experience when I finished my secondary school and despite my father being a teacher, my parents could not afford to send me to the university. I had to attend the university after 40 years of age. That is why I called it a wilderness experience. I really thank God for giving me the courage to do what I did.

“Going into the pharmaceutical business was a vision I had when I was five during the Civil War. I had hepatitis while other kids had kwashiorkor and there was no drug and food then,  but we were helped by the Red Cross Society. That same year, I promised my God that any time I grow up as an adult, I must be a member of the Red Cross Society so that I could treat others. That is what gave me the inspiration to go into the health sector.”

The book reviewer, Prof. Ngozi Osarenren of the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Lagos, said the title of the book aptly captured the author’s journey through life, and that the author, through his resilience, determination and perseverance, “has proved and confirmed that if life gives you lemons you should make lemonade out of those lemons.

“The book opens with ‘Chronology of Events’ beginning with 1963 when the author was born and stopped in 2023 as he clocked 60 years. This wilderness journey of Dr. Chukwuka is a must-read for everyone who honestly cherishes truth and goodness because hard work does not kill and success has many relations, but failure has always remained an orphan.

“The choices we make matter. Decisions have consequences, and sacrifices and self-denials will eventually lead to self-fulfillment. The author advised that any individual desirous of success must be strategic, and avoid procrastination,

“Identify your potential and prepare for success. The author recognised that all he has is given to him by God, therefore, it is only fit and proper that he shares with other children of God through service to humanity.”

Prof. Osarenren said Chukwuka has touched so many lives and communities because of his conviction that the story of his life is simply the handwork of God. As he succinctly observed: “My journey traversed from the ghetto of Ajegunle as an apprentice to my relocation to Coker Village in Orile-Iganmu, then to Oke-Afa, Isolo, to Magodo and finally to my Ikoyi residence where I met men of influence and authority.”

She said by the time one read through to chapter 11, one would be amazed at some of his activities in the area of supporting others.

“The author has elected to retire from active business life as he has turned 60 years, in other words, he is retired but not tired. He longs to be somewhat passive and step aside from Greenlife Pharmaceuticals administration. This assertion comes from a man who is successful in the full ramification and meaning of the word ‘success’. He has mentored many, who also allowed themselves to be mentored, and who he is confident will sustain his legacies. It is not enough to build but more gratifying to consolidate and sustain what has been built,” Prof. Osarenren.