Lagos state govt advocates for traditional practices and scientific methods

The Lagos State government is advocating for collaboration between traditional practices and scientific methods. On Monday, the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board celebrated African Traditional Medicine Day at the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos.

Entitled “Bridging Tradition and Science: The Future of African Traditional Medicine,” the event emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches to improve healthcare delivery, increase global recognition, and safeguard cultural heritage.

In his opening remarks, Prince Babatunde Adele, the Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, emphasized the lasting significance of African Traditional Medicine, which serves as the primary healthcare option for millions throughout the continent.

“For generations, African Traditional Medicine has remained accessible, affordable, and deeply rooted in our cultural identity. The World Health Organisation acknowledges that over 80 per cent of Africa’s population relies on it for primary healthcare. The future lies in synergy, preserving authenticity while advancing through scientific validation and innovation”, he said.

Prince Adele highlighted that the State Government remains committed to prioritizing the training and continued education of practitioners to uphold standards, aiming to incorporate traditional medicine into conventional healthcare services in Lagos State.

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During the keynote address, Mr. Hakeem Bello, the Deputy Director of Research, Training and Development at the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, underscored the significance of research, safety, and documentation in enhancing the credibility of traditional remedies.

“Every medicine must meet the standards of efficacy, safety, and good manufacturing practice. Practitioners must go beyond secrecy to provide verifiable results. Without data, there can be no growth, and without documentation, traditional medicine cannot take its rightful place globally,” he stated.

Bello also commended the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support of the Board’s activities. He disclosed that the Governor had approved the procurement of monitoring vehicles for the Board and that preliminary work had commenced towards establishing a Traditional Medicine House, which would accommodate classrooms, laboratories, and a pharmacy dedicated to traditional medicine practice.

“This support demonstrates the government’s commitment to our cause. The provision of facilities will not only enhance regulation and training but also give the practice a dignified place in our healthcare system”, Bello noted.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Akinmayowa Akin-Otiko, a Lecturer at the Institute of African Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, urged practitioners to systematically respond to health challenges and showcase the science behind their practices.

“Traditional medicine is not only about cultural heritage; it is also about providing health and economic benefits. Lagos has taken the lead, but practitioners must rise to the task of producing evidence-based data that proves the effectiveness of their remedies,” he maintained.

Dr. Otiko further appealed to practitioners to document their treatments and outcomes, stressing that transparency would build trust between traditional medicine and modern science. “Gone are the days of keeping knowledge in secrecy. The future of African Traditional Medicine depends on data, evidence, and collaboration,” he added.