40 Years On, Family Honours Late Safco Founder, Afon
By Eriyimika Oladejo
Four decades after his death, the family of the late Pharm. Solomon Adegboyega Afon, founder of Safco Chemist Limited in Benin, Edo State, has paid tribute to his lasting contributions to community pharmacy and pharmaceutical distribution, describing him as a man driven by vision, integrity, and service.
Founded in 1976, Safco Chemist Limited operated across retail, wholesale, and drug distribution, providing essential healthcare services at a time when Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain was still evolving.
Under Afon’s leadership, the company became known for its professionalism and dependability.
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A graduate of the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in 1973, Afon was widely respected as a progressive pharmacist dedicated to improving access to quality medicines.
After his passing in 1986, the business continued under the leadership of his son, Pharm. Adebayo Afon, a University of Benin-trained pharmacist. The company remained active for nearly two decades before it was eventually wound up in 2004.
Although Safco Chemist Limited is no longer in operation, the founder’s principles and vision continue to influence his children, many of whom remain engaged in the pharmaceutical sector.
Speaking for the family, Pharm. Bayo Afon, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Afonchies Pharmacy and Safco Mega Solutions, said their father’s legacy still guides their personal and professional paths.
“Our father built more than a business; he established values rooted in discipline, service, and integrity,” he said. “Forty years on, those ideals remain central to everything we do.”
He noted that Afonchies Pharmacy was created as an extension of the Safco legacy, maintaining a focus on patient-centred care, while Safco Mega Solutions addresses the growing demand for pharmaceutical distribution.
“Even though Safco Chemist has ceased operations, its vision continues through our work today. We are simply advancing a journey that began in 1976,” he added.
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Industry observers, who preferred not to be named, said the story of Safco Chemist Limited reflects both the progress and challenges of indigenous pharmaceutical businesses in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of legacy and continuity within the profession.
As family, friends, and colleagues commemorate the 40th anniversary of his passing, Pharm. Solomon Adegboyega Afon is remembered not only as a pioneer but as a figure whose ideals continue to inspire future generations of pharmacists.