BY IDAHOSA MUSA

Eight years after the last board was inaugurated, traditional medicine practitioners in Edo State, on Thursday, lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for setting up the State Traditional Medicine Board where practitioners were cautioned against engaging in sharp practices in their profession.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Board from the 18 Local Government Areas, the Chairman of the Board, High Chief Abudu Ugbesia, said that since China and other Asian countries have been able to develop their traditional medicines to the level they are today, Nigeria can do better.

Commending Governor Okpebholo for addressing the situation, he said that it was embarrassing that the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki did not inaugurate the board after the tenure of the one set up by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole ended in 2016.

According to him, “Like our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo would always say “A New Edo State is Rising,” so also, I want to announce to everyone here present and to the whole world, that, a new Edo State Traditional Medicine Board is rising alongside.

“And in view of this fact, we are sanitizing the traditional medicine environment in Edo State. 

He used the opportunity to charge all trado-medical practitioners in Edo State, to shun all manner of sharp practices, as the board would have zero tolerance for any sharp practice 

“We will change the face of tradomedical practices in Edo State, and also positively change the perception of people towards traditional medicines, as roots and herbs are the way to pure natural health.

“If China and other countries can develop their traditional medicines to the level it is today, Nigeria can do the same and even better. I want to promise us that Edo State will take the lead in this.

“As I look towards achieving all these, I assure you that it will be a collaborative effort as no one person can do it alone,” he added 

The inaugurated members promised to support the chairman for the attainment of a better traditional medicine practice environment in the state.