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Oyo State APVMP Celebrates Leadership Transition and Professional Milestones
Florence Olubukola Olayemi Assumes Presidency with Vision for Unity and Advocacy
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Private Veterinary Medical Practitioners (APVMP) convened for its annual End-of-Year Celebration, Leadership Handover, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony. The event, hosted at the Western Hall of the Oyo State Secretariat, marked a pivotal moment as Florence Olubukola Olayemi was inaugurated as the new President. She pledged to amplify the collective voice of private veterinary professionals, foster stronger partnerships, and enhance solidarity within the veterinary community across the state.
Honoring Dedication and Resilience in Veterinary Practice
Veterinarians, regulatory officials, collaborators, and key stakeholders gathered to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and to witness the seamless transfer of leadership. In her inaugural speech, Dr. Olayemi eloquently expressed, “This evening is more than a gathering; it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to a profession that balances science with compassion.”
She acknowledged the emotional and professional challenges faced daily by private veterinarians, emphasizing their role as guardians of animal welfare. “Each day, we enter farms, clinics, and homes equipped not only with expertise but with empathy and steadfast courage,” she remarked. “Veterinary medicine transcends a mere career-it embodies a solemn vow to safeguard life in all its delicate forms.”
Addressing Challenges and Embracing Collective Strength
Dr. Olayemi highlighted the hurdles practitioners encounter, from establishing their practices to managing emergencies and complex cases. “Building a clinic from scratch, navigating client expectations, and enduring long, demanding hours are realities only those who have comforted a suffering animal can truly comprehend,” she noted. Yet, she underscored the resilience of the profession: “Despite these challenges, we persevere. Tonight, we celebrate that unwavering spirit.”
Looking ahead, she committed to advancing the association’s growth, visibility, and collaborative efforts. “We have unlocked doors that once seemed closed and transformed silence into a unified voice. Our journey forward will be marked by enhanced advocacy, deeper partnerships, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence,” Dr. Olayemi affirmed.
Reflecting on Progress Under Outgoing President Dr. Awoyele Adebayo Adedamola
Outgoing President Dr. Awoyele Adebayo Adedamola presented a comprehensive report on his tenure, describing the past two years as a transformative era focused on rebuilding and reinforcing the identity of private veterinarians in Oyo State. “Our administration prioritized capacity building through complimentary training sessions, recognizing that proficiency breeds confidence,” he explained. “We invested in disease surveillance and ecosystem-based initiatives to empower our members as both practitioners and public health advocates.”
Dr. Awoyele also highlighted technological advancements, including the launch of the innovative ‘Find A Vet’ digital platform-the first of its kind in the region-designed to connect residents with certified veterinary professionals and combat fraudulent practices.
Strengthening Professional Integrity and Public Trust
Emphasizing the association’s dedication to maintaining high standards, Dr. Awoyele recounted collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies to shut down unlicensed veterinary establishments, safeguarding animal welfare and public confidence. “Our profession’s credibility depends on strict adherence to ethical practices,” he stated.
He further noted that within two years, the association convened 22 general meetings aimed at enhancing members’ expertise, professionalism, and unity. APVMP’s active role in the global Antimicrobial Resistance Week underscored its commitment to aligning with international health initiatives.
Significantly, the association achieved a historic milestone by completing the corporate registration of private veterinary practitioners in Oyo State, providing members with formal recognition, organizational structure, and a fortified collective voice.
Celebrating Excellence and Contributions to Veterinary Medicine
The ceremony culminated with the presentation of awards to distinguished members and partners who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement and ethical practice of veterinary medicine in the state. These accolades serve as a testament to the dedication and impact of individuals driving the profession forward.
