The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BBGold Fans Global Solutions Limited, Samonda, Ibadan, Asiwaju Mujidat Omobolanle, has called for greater recognition and acceptance of traditional herbal medicine, describing it as an important complement to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with Oodua News, the herbal medicine practitioner said traditional medicine has continued to play a significant role in promoting healthcare across Africa and has helped bridge gaps in access to treatment, particularly in underserved communities.
Omobolanle, a General Practitioner and Consultant in Herbal Medicine with over 17 years of professional experience, said herbal medicine has remained an ancient remedy that continues to evolve through modern training, research and professional regulation.
According to her, although many people once looked down on herbal medicine in favour of orthodox medicine, public perception has gradually changed as more Nigerians have become aware of its potential benefits when practised professionally and responsibly.
“Herbal medicine formed the foundation of healthcare in Africa long before the introduction of orthodox medicine. Today, the practice has improved significantly, and many practitioners now undergo formal training to ensure professionalism and quality service,”
“For instance, I treat cases of people with divers kinds of ailments, diseases and infections like Virginal disease, kidney issues, High blood pressure, Hepatitis, chronic diabetes, ulcer, fertility improvement, ovarian cyst, prostrate in men and so many others and there have been testimonies of healing in and out.”
The accountancy graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, explained that her journey into herbal medicine began more than 17 years ago after inheriting the profession from her mother, who had built a reputation for treating patients with traditional remedies.
She recalled that while she was an undergraduate, one of her faculty officers, Mr. Oyetunji, who knew her mother’s work as a herbal medicine practitioner, encouraged her to continue the family profession.
“I watched many people come to my mother with different health challenges and later return to testify about their recovery. Those testimonies inspired me to develop interest in the profession. Eventually, I informed my mother of my decision, and she began to train me on the principles of herbal medicine and patient care,” she explained.
Omobolanle said she later expanded her knowledge through formal training at the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, where she underwent six months of professional instruction and obtained certification.
She added that the training exposed her to modern approaches in herbal medicine, including the scientific identification of medicinal plants, their botanical names and ethical standards guiding professional practice.
She also disclosed that she is a certified member of the Modern Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria.
According to her, the professional training has enabled her to establish and operate her herbal clinic using procedures similar to those adopted by conventional healthcare facilities.
She explained that every patient who visits her clinic is first advised to undergo appropriate laboratory investigations at accredited medical laboratories before treatment begins.
“I do not begin treatment without proper diagnosis. Patients are referred for laboratory tests, and I prescribe herbal medications based on the results presented. This approach has improved the quality of my practice and gives patients greater confidence,” she said.
Omobolanle stated that over the years she has attended to patients with a wide range of health conditions, adding that many have shared positive experiences following treatment. She stressed, however, that outcomes vary from patient to patient and that proper diagnosis and adherence to professional guidelines remain essential.
She described collaboration between conventional healthcare and traditional medicine as important for improving healthcare delivery, noting that both systems have roles to play in promoting public health.
According to her, government regulations and continuous professional education have contributed significantly to improving standards within the traditional medicine sector.
She commended relevant regulatory authorities for providing practitioners with professional guidelines and educational materials aimed at ensuring ethical practice.
Omobolanle also encouraged greater investment in research into medicinal plants and indigenous healthcare practices, saying scientific studies would further strengthen confidence in traditional medicine and support its integration into the nation’s healthcare system.
She appealed to Nigerians to seek treatment only from trained, certified and licensed herbal medicine practitioners rather than patronising unqualified individuals, adding that many Practitioners especially the elderly people have experience in the practice.
“I encourage Nigerians to have confidence in professionally practised herbal medicine. The sector has evolved considerably through training, regulation and improved standards. We must continue to promote research, professionalism and quality service for the benefit of public health,” she said.
She concluded by urging government, researchers and healthcare professionals to deepen collaboration in order to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s rich herbal resources while ensuring that patient safety remains a priority.
Omobolanle expressed optimism that continued education, regulation and public awareness would further enhance the contribution of herbal medicine to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
