ADVERTISEMENT

Ooni calls for legislation, policy, funding to promote African traditional medicine

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye-Ogunwusi Enitan, has called on the Federal, state governments and law makers to provide legislation, policy and funding to promote African Traditional Medicine (ATM).

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II. [tribuneonlineng]

The statement which was signed by the NAFDAC Director of Public Affairs, Mr Jimoh Abubakar, said that the launch of the project was to commemorate the World Health Organisation (WHO) ATM Day marked every Aug. 31.

The monarch said provision of necessary support would help change the negative narrative of ATM and reposition it as a major foreign exchange earner to the country.

Enitan, therefore, urged them to rise up to the new challenge by providing the needed funding, legislative and policy support to jump start ATM as an alternative to boost the region economy.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to him, the current economic downturn occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic has compelled the region and Nigeria in particular to seek effective diversification of the economy, adding that the time to do this is now.

He said that the pandemic which ravaged the world in the last six months brought the need for African region particularly Nigeria to look at the importance of ATM to healthcare delivery systems and create an enabling environment for it.

He added that the COVID-19 pandemic had challenged and put on trial the orthodox medicines and the need to reposition ATM as credible alternative sources of therapy and cure for several illnesses and diseases.

The traditional ruler said that the pandemic had created a new opportunity and virile conditions for the indigenous herbal medicines to thrive.

He seized the momentum to seek ways of ameliorating the sufferings of the people to end the untimely deaths through promotion and development of ATM.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to him, PAFIMERD has variety objectives that will create a formidable and harness the potentials of African traditional medicines among stakeholders.

“I am therefore recommending to the National and State Assemblies to appropriate money for research and development of ATM in the 2021 Budget.

“I also enjoin the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank of Industry (BOI) to set aside special grants for the development of ATM.

“I am very optimistic that with a strong collaboration between PAFIMERD, National Institute for Pharmaceuticals Research and Development and NAFDAC, we shall soon change the negative narrative of ATM and reposition it as a major foreign exchange earner to the country,’’ he said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT