Herbal medicine, panacea for 21st century health challenges, says Uzodimma

By Everest Ezihe, Owerri

Worried by the series of health challenges among Nigerian populace, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has canvassed on the need for promotion of researches in herbal medicines as a panacea for addressing the nation’s health problems in the 21st century.

Uzodimma said this in his address during the opening ceremony and flagging off of the 15th edition of Annual Herbfest Symposium and Exhibition with the theme: Herbal Medicine for Sustainable Development.
The Governor was ably represented by Dr. Prosper-Ohaghanya Success , the State Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Social Services and Health Insurance, during the two days historic event that happened at an event centre in New Owerri, the State capital.

The well attended programme was organized by a non-governmental organization that promotes community based sustainable development; Bioresources Development, and Conservation Programme (BDCP) in collaborative partnership with Imo State Government as the Chief Host.

The Governor observed that the theme of the event underscores the critical role that herbal remedies play in the nation’s quest for a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable future as many stakeholders in medical practices were in attendance like Medical Doctors, Pharmacists, Scientists, Medical Researchers, Farmers, Policy Makers, Medical Lab Scientists among other interest groups.

Uzodimma expressed happiness that the State Government has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme (BDCP) through the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, which according to him, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness, promoting research, and driving innovation in the fields of herbal medicines.

“Herbal medicine, is rooted in our ancestral knowledge and practices. It offers a wealth of natural remedies that can address various health challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.

“The economic value of herbal medicine cannot be overstated. In Imo state, the cultivation, processing, and distribution of herbal products have the potential to create jobs, generate revenue, and significantly contribute to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
” By harnessing the power of our indigenous plants, we can develop a thriving herbal industry that benefits both our communities and our economy.

“To fully realize the potential of herbal medicine, it is imperative that we invest in research and clinical dialogue among medical practitioners. By conducting rigorous studies and sharing knowledge.
“We can establish evidence-based practices that ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies. Moreover, collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals can bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary medicine, leading to more comprehensive and effective healthcare solutions” he assured.

The Governor expressed gratitude to Professor Maurice Iwu, the Founder/ CEO of Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme (BDCP), whom he described as a pioneer in the field of herbal medicine.

He applauded his unwavering commitments to research and his tireless efforts in organizing Herbfest year after year, noting that his visionary leadership and dedication have inspired countless individuals to explore the potential of herbal remedies.

Uzodimma also commend the Ministry of Health ( Primary Healthcare, Health Insurance and Social Services) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their invaluable contributions to the promotion of herbal medicine in the State.

The Governor pointed out that their unwavering support for clinical dialogues and the cultivation of medicinal plants has been instrumental in advancing the course of herbal healthcare.

He further advised that, “as they embark on this 15th edition of Herbfest, let us reaffirm our commitments to the sustainable development of herbal medicine in Imo State. By embracing our rich herbal heritage, investing in research, and fostering collaboration, we can create a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable future for generations to come.

“Furthermore, it is essential to address the challenges that hinder the growth of the herbal medicine industry. These challenges may include limited access to markets, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of awareness among consumers” he advised.

The Governor said it point blank that to overcome these obstacles, there’s need for them to work together so as to develop effective strategies for promoting herbal products, improving supply chains, and educating the public about the benefits of herbal medicine.

He reiterated that by addressing these challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by herbal medicine, they can create a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

Herbal medicine he assured,can provide a sustainable source of income for farmers and rural communities, reduce the nation’s over dependence on imported pharmaceuticals, and improve the overall health and well-being of the populace.

He advised medical practitioners on the need to be committed in supporting research, promoting education, and fostering collaboration to ensure the continued growth and development of herbal medicine in Imo State, insisting that together, “we can build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations”.

Earlier, Prof Maurice Iwu, took the participants through the unveiling of a new initiative tagged the Nigerian BRIDGE Project, which the BRIDGE stands for Biodiversity Resources Innovation Development and Gender Empowerment.

Iwu informed that the project is centered on working closely with existing Nigerian Institute to create 122 Standardized health products, build community co-managed health kiosks in all the 774 Local Government Area, where each LGA will have at least 10 kiosk.

He assured that the project will within 5 years also create 100,000 bioentreprenures that will impact the health and lives of 20 million Nigerians.

Iwu gave an instance of some of the things they intend to achieve where the raw material gotten from palm oil which is discarded will be put into proper use, as it is an anti-inflammatory agent, and an anti-oxidant which is good for aging.

He also cited fortifying the food we eat with palm oil which he said is high in vitamin A, so people will not have to spend extra money buying the Vitamin separately.

He added that they are working towards joining Ghana and Cameroon to begin supplying bitter kola which price per ton in the international market, he said can transform the economy of the country.

The Bridge Initiative, Iwu further revealed is a brain child of five (5) groups; BDG, International Society of Media in Public Relation, Society for Public Health and Social Development, SocioCapital, and Bowen University, which came together, brainstormed for weeks and came up with the project which according to him, is here to transform the economy of the country.

The keynote lecturer, Elaine Elisabetsky, an Ethnopharmcologist, and Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre, Brazil), also took them through the topic: “Bridging Medical Systems for Innovative Drugs Discovery”.

They had many other plenary sessions where other diverse topics where discussed like, Capacity building for Medicinal Plants Research and Development in Nigeria by Eze Uchenna Nwabunwanne from Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Impact of Climate Change on Medicinal Plants, By Dr. Mrs. Jacinta Akalazu Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Imo State University, Owerri.,

Standards for Life: The Role of Standard Development in the Commercial Exploitation of Herbal Medicinal Plants, by Engr. Olalekan Sunday Omoniyi, Deputy Director and Head of the Standard Development Coordination Division of Standards Development Department, SON, among others.

There were also exhibition tours where the organizers of the event and participants went round diverse product stands; Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), FaForlife, the Orange Palm Company Limited, among others to be acquainted about certain herbal products and there benefits.

An incisive and thought provocating lectures and clinical dialogues where issues pertaining much intake of processed sugar, processed food item, among others were discouraged, and Nigerians urged to take more of natural foods, fruits, and vegetables for healthy living.

Present at the occasion were Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, the Obi Gburugburu 1 of Mbano, Commissioners, among others.