The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Hon.(Prof.) Muhammad Ali Pate, CON commissioned the newly completed Jawa International Ltd’s Beta-Lactam plant in Isolo, Lagos on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
The Beta-Lactam plant project which is a milestone achievement in the manufacturing of antibiotics, has positioned Jawa International Ltd. as one of the industry leaders in
manufacturing, marketing and distribution of quality Pharmaceutical products in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical market.
Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Ali Pate said:
“It is a great pleasure for me to commission this project because good news is on the way with this kind of project.
“It is an indigenous project that will help to unlock the healthcare value chain and promote local content which is a key objective of President Tinubu’s administration to create employment for our youths, improve the healthcare sector and boost the economy.”
Also at the epoch event is Prof. Moji Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Prof. Adeyeye lauded the initiative of the Managing Director of Jawa International Ltd, Chief Varkey Verghese for such capital intensive project.
“I congratulate you. This kind of project takes tons of money, tons of effort, dedication and faith to get to where you are now.
“NAFDAC is always here to support you, we will soon come for the pre-production inspection, and we have confidence that you will not fail”.
In his words, the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Boss Mustapha said, the COVID-19 era was a turning point for the Nigerian healthcare sector, as government sees why the sector is very sensitive. “I thank the Minister of Health (Prof. Ali Pate) for a sustainable trajectory of the government and I am happy that successive government has continued to support the healthcare sector.”
Continuing, Mr. Mustapha, who maintains a close relationship with the Mr. and Mrs. Verghese, hinted that “the mustard seed which Mr. Verghese and his wife planted in 1998 has grown so big”.
He said “Mr. Verghese has invested 43 years of his life and finances in Nigeria when he has options of doing same in his country where they lead in ICT(technology), they are leading in world population, yet he believes in the Nigerian dream and project”.
The former SGF applauded Mr. Verghese whom he said he has known for over 30 years as a firm believer in the Nigerian project.
Also, the Deputy Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr. Oluwole Ajimisinmi commended Mr. Verghese and the Jawa team for being a strategic business partner to his bank. “I address Mr. Verghese as Papa because he is 85 years old, with a 30 year-old relationship with Wema Bank, and I can say he is a diligent user of funds, and we are happy to do business with him.”
The Indian Embassy consular in Nigeria who was also at the ceremony, said that “Mr. Verghese is an Indian by passport but Nigerian by heart”. He said the Indian government would always be willing in every positive areas of collaboration with the Nigerian people.
Highlights of the event was the history of Jawa International Ltd by Mr. Jacob Kurian who told the story of the challenges and the successes of the company that started with few staff and now boast of over 600 staff with two other subsidiaries; Annie Pharma and Kattle Care.
The event which gathered captains of industries, was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Managing Director of SKG pharmaceuticals, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce team (where Mr. Verghese is the Life Patron), as well as the presence of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Solomon Akinola Oyeyode III, the Oranmiyan of Oko-land in Surulere Local Government of Oyo State (where Mr. and Mrs. Verghese are chieftaincy title holders).
Capping the day with prayers, Rt. Revd. Akin Odejide said “Varkey and Annie Verghese loves God; they have built churches and helped the less privileged ones, with many orphanage homes on their payroll, that is why God has continued to bless them, and their company will continue to grow”.
