Joke Bakare
| Joke Bakare | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1967 (age 56–57) Oyo State, Nigeria |
| 🎓 Alma mater | |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Medplus Pharmacy CEO | |
Joke Bakare is a Nigerian pharmacist who is best known for her contribution to the formalization of standards in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical industry, and the growth of pharmaceutical distribution and service chains in Nigeria. She is the CEO of MedPlus Pharmacy, the country's first pharmaceutical franchise to successfully retail health care, beauty and lifestyle brands.[1]
As a registered pharmacist, with a passion for healthcare and beauty products, Joke has extensive experience in retail operations and management while overseeing all aspects of her organization's business, including strategic direction and initiatives.[2][3]
Early life and education[edit]
Bakare was born and raised in Oyo State. It was there she had her primary and secondary education before attending the prestigious University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University) renowned for its medical faculty. She completed her studies there, earning a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 1986. She began her career in pharmacy with an internship at the renowned University College Hospital, Ibadan, before moving to Lagos state where she served the nation at Military Hospital on Awolowo road, Ikoyi. A move to New York and a stint working at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in New York allowed Bakare experience global pharmaceutical standards. It was the push she needed to return to Nigeria to start up her own practice. She also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Lagos Business School.
Career[edit]
In 1993, at age 26, she founded one of Nigeria's notable retail chains, MedPlus pharmacy; a pharmacy-led health, and beauty retail chain.[4] At the time, retail focused pharmacies as a business strategy was in its infancy, as the industry was saturated with itinerant salesmen who sold directly to customers. Prescription based drug retail was non-existent and profit based ethical pharmacies were frowned upon. Bakare was convinced standardization could help bring pharmacies closer to the customers who need it while helping to assert the role of pharmacists in the delivery of frontline healthcare.
In 2015, Joke Bakare launched MedPlus’ community wellness initiative called ‘Zumba Fit’ to encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles among Lagosians.[5] Zumba is a dance fitness program.
Philanthropic interests[edit]
In 2017, to promote the importance of affordable and equitable healthcare access for all women at risk or living with diabetes, on World Diabetes Day,[6] Mrs. Bakare initiated a partnership with Pfizer, Sanofi, MG Ross, and PharmacyPlus to conduct free blood glucose test for the public especially women in Medplus stores across the country.
To further enhance and promote healthy living amongst Nigerian women, in 2019, she partnered with Keystone Bank to offer its PINK Network cardholders who purchase health and beauty products from the pharmacy, discounts ranging from 5 to 10 percent.[7]
She has also in the past supported several female organizations/events in other to promote the welfare of Nigerian women. These include the Adara Foundation, a nonprofit social enterprise that focuses on empowering women for self-actualization; supporting, promoting and documenting African art; and advancing education in Africa, where she supported with free health checks and drugs. Other organizations she has supported financially and drug donations include Dagomo Foundation, Pathcare medical outreach for their ‘Doctors on Air’ program, International Women's Organization for Charity, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria's IDP Initiation.[8][9][10][11]
Recognition[edit]
2014: ‘Icon of Pharmacy’ Award, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
2015: MERIT Award, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
2016: Award for commitment and contribution to the advancement of professional and public interest, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).[12]
2016: Pfizer Award of Excellence, in recognition of tremendous contribution in the field of Community Pharmacy.
2018: WIMBIZ Award of Recognition
2011: Chain Pharmacy Award, Association of Community Pharmacists Nigeria (ACPN)[13]
2019: Awarded for contributing to the growth and development of Pharmacy profession in Nigeria, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (OAU Chapter)
References[edit]
- ↑ "MedPlus Boss Joke BakareBattles Stereotype". Sun News Online. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ↑ "World health day, we all have a part to play, MedPlus MD Joke Bakare". TheCable. 11 April 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ↑ "Joke Bakare and Francesca Emmanuel Omawumi celebrate international women's day with pharmacists". Business Day Nigeria. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ↑ "JOKE BAKARE, FPSN – Welcome to PSN Foundation Website". psnfoundation.org.
- ↑ "ZUMBA FIT (HEALTH & FITNESS EVENT)". evensi.com. Retrieved 2018-12-01.
- ↑ "Medplus commemorates World Diabetes Day". Bellanaija. Retrieved 2017-11-27.
- ↑ "Keystone Bank partners Medplus to promote healthy living among women". ThisDay Newspaper. Retrieved 2019-12-23.
- ↑ "Saying no and helping rape victims Joke Bakare". The Leadership News Nigeria. 5 July 2020. Retrieved 2020-07-30.
- ↑ "Why people still think I am meant to be a man, MedPlus CEO Joke Bakare". National Daily Nigeria. Retrieved 2020-07-30.
- ↑ "While we ask girls, women to speak up". All Africa. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ↑ "Joke Bakare, Francesca Emmanuel Omawumi celebrate international women's day with pharmacists". 18 March 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ↑ "Joke Bakare Shines". The Nation Nigeria. 28 February 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ↑ "PHARMACIST (MRS) JOKE BAKARE Founder of Medplus". prideconference.
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