FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State government, through the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board, TMB, has partnered Ifesowapo Trado-Medical Herbal Practitioners (Agbo Sellers Association) to step up efforts against fake herbal products and unsafe traditional medicine practices across the state.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Eghosa Emily, the Chairman, Abudu Godwin, while addressing members of the association in Benin City, urged practitioners to stick strictly to their areas of specialisation and avoid venturing into fields where they lack expertise.
“The Board is determined to set up a taskforce that will tackle the sale of fake medicinal drinks and unregistered herbal products in the state.”
He called on members to expose those who sell fake or adulterated herbal mixtures, particularly those who mix hard drugs with herbal preparations, warning that such practices endanger lives and tarnish the image of genuine practitioners.
The chairman also encouraged herbal medicine producers to conduct proper research to ensure that their products are safe for consumption, just as he revealed that the Board is already collaborating with the police to clamp down on quacks and unlicensed operators.
President of the association, Mustapha Abere, assured the Board of their full cooperation. He said notices would be sent to unlicensed practitioners to regularise their operations, warning that defaulters would face sanctions.
Abere commended the state government led for creating an enabling environment for traditional medicine practice and praised the TMB chairman for his “dedication to sanitise the sector and protect residents from fake and dangerous herbal products.”
