TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY AMINU ABUBAKAR A vendor of herbal aphrodisiacs Muhammad Ma'aruf, 65, displays on June 6, 2009 sex stimulants outside the Sabon-Gari market in Kano, northern Nigeria's commercial capital. Men trying to keep several wives happy and women competing with co-wives for their husbands' attentions has led to a boom in the sale of herbal aphrodisiacs in predominantly Moslem northern Nigeria. Women not satisfied with their husband's sexual performance also come for the drugs if their husbands are embarrassed to do so. The drugs come in all forms -- liquid, jelly and powder and are taken orally or rubbed on the penis. The recipes are handed down from father to son and are a jealously guarded secret. AFP PHOTO / AMINU ABUBAKAR
The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has stated that Nigeria lacks structured documentation and review of traditional medicine processes.
The Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, outlined these initiatives during his presentation, “The Media as Natural Medicine Ambassador,” at a media parley in Lagos, noting that this will change in 2025.
He also emphasized the need for enhanced research and systematic documentation of traditional medicine practices, alongside targeted strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance and livestock diseases.
According to Emeje, NNMDA aims to create a comprehensive traditional medicine database while also reviewing the country’s biodiversity to bolster research efforts.
Highlighting the agency’s strides in securing competitive research grants, Emeje disclosed plans to utilize these funds to address antimicrobial resistance.
ALSO READ: 140 million Nigerians rely on traditional medicine for health coverage – NNMDA DG
“We will focus on identifying medicinal plants endemic to specific regions and developing products tailored to the prevalent diseases in those areas,” he stated.
This approach, he added, seeks to empower local communities by reducing dependence on foreign medicinal aid. “The solutions to our health challenges are within our reach; we only need to harness them,” he emphasized.
Emeje pointed out that NNMDA’s 2025 agenda includes addressing livestock diseases, with partnerships already established with the Netherlands and India to develop herbal remedies.
He added that the agency is prioritizing cures for snakebites, a significant public health concern, particularly in regions like Katungu, Gombe State, known for venomous snake populations.
“Snakebites represent a critical health insecurity. With funding, we are poised to develop effective treatments and deploy them without delay,” Emeje assured.
Reflecting on 2024, Emeje celebrated NNMDA’s pioneering use of nanotechnology to create indigenous herbal products for cholera treatment, a feat that positioned the agency at the forefront of innovation in traditional medicine.
“Our model is built on research, science, technology, and innovation. We view every disease as a challenge that requires immediate and strategic action,” he stated.
Among those positioning themselves for the Osun Central Senatorial District contest is Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa,…
GUNMEN, on Monday evening, struck again in Gero community, in Jos South Local Government Area…
Olori Omooba Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro is an Abuja-based entrepreneur, security expert and diplomat. He…
As a grandmother, these days, I find myself looking for folk tales or trying to…
THE Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made encouraging strides in deploying digital technologies, streamlining passport…
NIGERIA’S 2027 election will not be won by manifestos alone. It will be won or…
This website uses cookies.