Pfizer Inc, New York and Kano State Government on Tuesday held their routine annual meeting to highlight the work of the International Independent Research Trust and its efforts in establishing a preeminent Research Centre.
The Kano State government had provided land while Pfizer provided funds for the establishment of the research centre at Dawakin Kudu, Kano. The centre contributes to the research and control of diseases as well as improvement of laboratories in Nigeria and West Africa.
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Since the establishment of the Trust and implementation of a Strategic Plan four years ago, the Trust has made great strides in the volume and quality of research being conducted at the Centre.
While in Kano, the delegation, led by Pfizer Cluster Lead, Sub-Sahara Africa, Rhulani Nhlaniki, first paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, before meeting with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Bappa Bichi, who stood in for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Pfizer legal counsel and member of the delegation, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, told the governor’s representative about their meeting in the ancient city.
After the meeting, involving the donors and board of directors, Pfizer and the Kano State government issued a joint statement on the ongoing development and long-term sustainability of the Research Centre.
The meeting expressed appreciation to those whose hard work has resulted in the international research centre focusing on a wide array of serious diseases in Kano.
The attendees also paid tribute to the deceased trustee, Prof. Kamil Alausa, who died November 10, 2023, for his significant contribution to the work of KIRCT and wished the Director General, Prof Hamisu Salihu and the Executive Secretary, David Odiwo a successful tenure.
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“With their selfless service, the Research Centre continues to be operational and managed sustainably to deliver immense value to the people of Kano State, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Pfizer applies science and global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives.
“We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines.
“Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.
“Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world.
“For more than 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us,” the statement said.
Fielding questions from reporters immediately after the meeting, Chief Idigbe, speaking for Pfizer, said the meeting was very significant as it was successful.
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During the meeting, the donors received the report from the current board of trustees and we are happy about the report.
“We also noticed the progress in governance and at the research centre under the leadership of the Director General, Prof Hamisu Salihu and the Executive Secretary, David Odiwo, as reported by the board of trustees and the donors concluded that they will continue to support the centre to achieve prominence in research, not only in Nigeria but West Africa,” Chief Idigbe said.
