By Bisi Adelola
In order to promote efficiency, regulate the herbal practice and ensure the standard that would further increase herbal acceptability among the people, the Ogun State Government has organised an orientation programme for herbalists across the State.
According to Dolapo Jinad, Press Officer, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board, the Chairman, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board, Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye, while declaring open the orientation course and certification programme at Igbodu, Onifa Egba, Kobiti, Abeokuta, said membership registration was essential for herbalists in the State, calling on them to register with the government and undergo necessary orientation courses.
‘’It is not enough for one to have knowledge of herbal practice alone without learning modern methods and ensuring hygienic practice that is key in promoting herbal medicine all over the world’’, he remarked.
The Board Chairman maintained that they should abide by the modern ways in their practice and be familiar with the rules guiding the sub-sector, noting that it deals with human life, which must be protected by the government’s rules and regulations.
Olaleye said the present administration recognised the importance of the Alternate Medicine practitioners and considered them as an important force that must be reckoned with, which according to him, led to the creation of Alternate Medicine Board.
He appealed to those who were yet to register with the Board to do so without delay as the Board would soon embark on full enforcement across the State, sounding a word of caution to practitioners not to be caught involved in evil acts as the Board would deregister any member caught it the act, and hand over such practitioner to the law enforcement agency for prosecution.
” I am particularly happy with the way you have been comporting yourselves and the turnout of the registration is encouraging. Members have a lot to benefit from this registration because the government understands the technical position of your sector which is very delicate’’, Olaleye said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oluwo Ifa Ogun State, Chief Ifashola Anipupo, applauded the gesture of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Board members and management for their wonderful performance on strategic ways they have been conducting the board’s activities.
Chief Anipupo assured that in no short time, all herbal doctors in the State would be fully registered, assuring that no member would be found wanting of any sharp practices. He called on the government and other stakeholders to continue to support and help them with new ideas that would further develop the traditional heritage.
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