After three decades at the helm of Fidson Healthcare Plc, its founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, will formally bow out of office on July 31, 2025.
The company has announced that Mr. Biola Adebayo, the current Deputy Managing Director, will assume the role of Managing Director from August 1.
Ayebae, who founded the company in 1995, has led Fidson from a modest pharmaceutical distribution business into one of Nigeria’s most respected pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
Under his leadership, Fidson became a fully integrated player in the healthcare industry, building a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable medicines and expanding its footprint across the country.
Though stepping down as MD/CEO, Ayebae is expected to continue serving the company in a non-executive capacity as Chairman of the Board, subject to shareholder ratification.
Speaking with The Nation, Ayebae described the transition as a deliberate and strategic move aimed at sustaining the company’s legacy. “After three decades of building Fidson from the ground up, it’s time for a new chapter,” he said. “Mr. Adebayo brings fresh energy, technical depth, and the business acumen needed to take Fidson to the next level.”
Mr. Adebayo, a seasoned pharmacist and administrator, has played a pivotal role in the company’s operations.
He was instrumental in the establishment and oversight of Fidson’s World Health Organization (WHO)-compliant manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State. His appointment is seen as a continuity of vision, with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and deeper market penetration.
Under Ayebae’s stewardship, Fidson has not only expanded its product lines but also listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), won numerous industry awards, and built international partnerships aimed at improving drug security in Nigeria.
Fidson Healthcare remains at the forefront of local pharmaceutical production, with strategic investments in research, development, and capacity building to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines.