Lagos: Prof. Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, Former Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, has called on the Federal Government to support the incorporation of traditional medicine into the orthodox healthcare system. Adefule-Ositelu made the call at the 22nd Edition of the Late Prof. Anthony Afolabi Adegbola Memorial Lecture in Ikorodu, Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adefule-Ositelu emphasized the need for the Federal Government to collaborate, intervene, and financially support traditional medicine practitioners. She stated that with governmental backing and determination from practitioners, traditional medicine could be organized, and practitioners’ skills could be enhanced to allow the medicine to undergo clinical trials. Adefule-Ositelu highlighted that these trials would authenticate products made from traditional ingredients, elevating them to standardized and internationally accepted products.
She asserted that traditional medicine is capable of addressing all health conditions and acknowledged the usefulness of orthodox medicine. However, she urged that the indigenous system, which is preferred and demanded by many, should not be overlooked. Adefule-Ositelu argued that government involvement is crucial for providing efficient healthcare to citizens.
In his remarks, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, expressed the state’s continued support for traditional medicine. Additionally, Traditional Ruler Oba Kabiru Shotobi noted that traditional medicine has been an effective practice in the past and remains a viable alternative to orthodox medicine. He expressed gratitude to Adefule-Ositelu for her advocacy efforts.
Mr. Oluseyi Onafowokan, former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ghana, also spoke at the event, calling for advanced research on traditional medicine. The lecture was attended by former Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, traditional rulers, community, and youth leaders among others.