L-R: Former Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Prof. Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu; Registrar, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mr. Babatunde Adele; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, during the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day Celebration in Lagos… on Tuesday
By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has called for increased investment in research, innovation, standardisation and effective regulation of traditional medicine to enable the sector to contribute more meaningfully to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The call was made on Tuesday at the 2026 celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day, held at the NUT Pavilion, behind TISCO, NERDC Road, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja.
In his welcome address, the Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Prince Babatunde Adele, said the annual celebration was not merely an occasion to celebrate Africa's rich traditional medicine heritage but also an opportunity to reflect on ways of strengthening the sector through research, innovation, evidence-based practices and effective regulation.
The 2026 celebration was held under the theme: “Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region.”
Adele described the theme as timely and significant, noting that traditional medicine had remained an important source of healthcare for generations across African communities.
He, however, stressed the need for indigenous medical knowledge to be properly documented, scientifically researched, standardised and developed in ways that promote safety, quality, efficacy and public confidence.
According to him, the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board remains committed to fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities while supporting the professional development of practitioners and promoting responsible practices within the sector.
Adele said meaningful progress in traditional medicine would require stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional medicine practitioners, researchers, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, academia, industry players and development partners.
He commended the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Health, for its continued support for the Board and the traditional medicine sector.
The Registrar also appreciated the invited dignitaries, partner organisations, researchers, professional associations and traditional medicine practitioners for their contributions towards sustaining and advancing the sector.
He urged stakeholders to use the celebration as an opportunity to engage in open discussions, share knowledge and identify practical areas for collaboration, research and innovation.
Adele said the goal should be to transform Africa's rich traditional medical heritage into safe, credible, evidence-informed and accessible healthcare solutions capable of contributing to Universal Health Coverage.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, described it as a great privilege to join stakeholders in celebrating the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day.
He said the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate Africa's rich medical heritage and reflect on how traditional medicine could be responsibly harnessed to contribute to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
Dr Lajide noted that African traditional medicine had served communities for generations and remained an important source of healthcare because of its cultural acceptability, accessibility and affordability.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening research and development efforts to ensure that traditional medicine practices and products meet acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
The Permanent Secretary added that with adequate research, innovation, regulation and collaboration among stakeholders, traditional medicine could play a more significant role in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving access to health services.
The event brought together government officials, representatives of regulatory bodies, research institutions, professional associations, development partners and traditional medicine practitioners, among other stakeholders, to discuss the future of traditional medicine and its contribution to healthcare in Lagos State, Nigeria and Africa.
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