By Ezinne Ude…
Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on the people to go into cultivation of herbal Medicines for improvement of the health system and development of the Country’s GDP.
The Governor made the call when he flagged off, the 15th Edition of HerbFest program, held at Foret Event Center Owerri.
Senator Uzodimma who was represented by the Commissioner for Primary Health, Social Services and Health Insurance Dr Prosper Ohayagha Success, stated that the economic value of herbal medicine cannot be overstated adding that the cultivation and distribution of herbal products has the potential to create jobs, generate revenues and significantly contribute to the growth of GDP.
He said that the theme Herbal Medicine for sustainable development” underscores the critical role the herbal medicine has done in the quest to promote a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future, emphasising that herbal medicine rooted in ancestral knowledge and practices covers a bunch of natural remedies that can address a lot of health challenges while promoting environmental Sustainability.
“By creating the power of indigenous plants, we can develop a striving herbal industry that benefit both our communities and our economy. To fully realise the potential of herbal medicine, it is imperative that we can invest in research and clinical collaboration among medical practitioners by conducting rigorous studies and sharing knowledge, we can establish evidence based practices that ensure efficacy of herbal remedies.”
He exerted that collaboration between traditional healers and modern health care professionals can bridge the gap between contemporary Medicine leading to effective health care solution.
The Governor used the opportunity to thank Prof Maurice Iwu who is one the pioneers in the field of herbal medicine for his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in organising HerbFest year after year, adding that his visionary leadership and dedication has inspired countless individuals to explore the potential of herbal remedies.
He equally recognised the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Health for their contributions to the promotion of herbal medicines in the state stressing that the support of medical dialogue and the cultivation of medicinal plants has been instrumental in advancing the crux of herbal health care.
Speaking, the Convener of the program, Prof Maurice Iwu thanked the state government for supporting the program advising the people to embrace traditional medicine for the impact it has on health and on their total being.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Chief Cosmas Maduba commended the Managers of Bio Resources group for their ability to sensitise the people about medicinal plants and spices associated with the plants.
Speaking on behalf of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Principal Officer, Mr Eze Uchenna Nwabunwanne, in his goodwill message, said that herbal medicine plays pivotal role in ensuring sustainable health care system, adding that this year’s HerbFest underscore the urgent need to protect biodiversity while promoting the responsible use of medical plants.
He maintained that the Ministry supports organisations and groups that promote good health for the citizens, and commended the vision and commitment of HerbFest in bringing together researchers, practitioners and policy makers to discuss and promote the critical issues.
In his goodwill message, representative of Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Engr Olalekan Omoniyi said that his organisation was collaborating with HerbFest for the development of standard products that will ensure the safety and marketability of herbal products.
An Elder Statesman, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, as well as the Manager of Bio Resources group, Prof Elijah Sokomba, thanked the government and the people that identified with the group.
The highlights of the program were lectures presented by professionals in the field of herbal.
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