BENIN CITY – The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mrs. Ganiyat Vivian Uwaifo as Secretary to the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board (TMB), in a move aimed at strengthening the regulation and promotion of herbal medicine in the state.
The appointment was formally announced at a brief ceremony held at the conference room of the Board in Benin City.
Chairman of the Board, High Chief (TDr.) Abudu Ugbesia Godwin, said the appointment was timely and therefore thanked the state government for its consistent support to the Board
He reiterated the Board’s determination to regulate traditional medicine in a way that meets global standards and provides safe, affordable healthcare for residents.
Chief Ugbesia noted that traditional medicine, if properly managed, could play a complementary role in Edo’s healthcare system.
He disclosed that plans were underway to establish a functional botanical garden that would serve as a research and production hub for herbal medicine in the state.
According to him, the initiative would boost the availability of quality raw materials and reduce reliance on imported herbal products.
Mrs. Uwaifo, who until her appointment served as Director of Shared Services at the Board, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and the Board’s leadership for the confidence reposed in her.
She pledged to justify the trust by working diligently to enhance efficiency and transparency in the management of the Board’s activities.
She assured stakeholders that her tenure would focus on deepening the Board’s mandate and aligning its work with the SHINE Agenda of the present administration, which prioritises healthcare delivery, welfare of citizens, and inclusive development.
Mrs. Uwaifo promised to work closely with practitioners, regulators and the public to ensure that the Traditional Medicine Board attains greater visibility and effectiveness in Edo’s healthcare landscape.
