Kunle Adelabu & Godsgift Simire (SIWES Student)
The perception and uses of the alternative medicine took the centre stage at this year’s annual memorial lecture being organized by the Ikorodu Division Human Resources Development Board (IDHRDB) under the umbrella of the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), in honor of its first chairman, late Prof. Anthony Adegbola.
The lecture, which was the 22nd edition since its inception, was held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, and brought together distinguished academics, traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, students and others, to explore the theme, “Alternative Medicine: Perception, Uses, and Benefits”.
The lecture was delivered by Professor Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, former Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, who highlighted the vital role of traditional medicine (TM) in modern healthcare.
She emphasized that traditional medicine, often mischaracterized as “alternative,” remains an integral and effective system rooted in indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
Professor Adefule-Ositelu noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes traditional medicine as a comprehensive system supported by centuries of empirical use, adding that about 80 percent of Africans rely on it for their primary health needs.
“This is explained by WHO in 2001, as,” Total combination of knowledge and practices, whether explicable or not, used in diagnosing, preventing, eliminating physical, mental or social diseases, relying exclusively on past experiences and observations handed down from generations to generations, verbally or in writing.
“Used throughout the world ever since mankind has existed, it is recorded that 80% of the population in Africa actually believes and depends on TM’s efficacies”, she said
While emphasizing that TM practice is original, Prof. Adebule – Ositelu also stated how it was codified in Lagos, and how its practice has been fluctuating depending on the interest of the Governor of the state.
“Knowledge of the African TM practices is original, authentic, organic and efficacious.
“Lagos State enacted the Reformed Law 13 in 1980, which got TM board legalized and became functional. Amended by Law of 1994, Law 13. Reformed by Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) in 2006.
“Function on and of depending on the interest of the Governor in office and power”.
While stating that the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) is aimed at creating an enabling environment for the promotion of TM, in order to harness its development for health and economic benefits, the guest lecturer added that the achievements of the board is negatively affected by the inconsistencies of the leadership in government.
“As soon as progresses are achieved during a tenure, they are soon being blown away by our naysayers in government of subsequent tenures. It is not competition with the orthodox, it must be expediently collaborative.
“The truth is obvious, our people express their greater preferences, more for the TMP managements, that provide better efficacies, are less toxic, readily available and are more affordable”, she said.
She called for increased government investment in research, quality control, and integration of traditional medicine into the national healthcare system, stressing that collaboration rather than competition between orthodox and traditional medicine would yield better health outcomes.
She further underscored the importance of spirituality and nature in healing, citing scriptural references to affirm that herbs and natural remedies are divine provisions for human wellness.
Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, who chaired the occasion assured that the state government would continue to provide support for alternative medicine.
Arc. (Otunba) Taiwo Akintunde Kara, MNIA, Chairman, IDRDG, speaking, reminded the gathering of the towering stature of late Prof. Adegbola, and the reason the Group is sustaining his legacies.
“Prof. Adegbola was a towering figure in the field of Animal Science. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and an exemplary academic whose contributions continue to resonate in our nation’s scientific and educational development. This lecture series remains our collective way of keeping his memory alive, not just in words, but through actionable discussions and the promotion of ideas that drive progress.
“Today, as we convene for the 22nd edition, we are reminded of how far this initiative has come — growing steadily in stature and relevance, drawing participation from within and beyond our Division. This has been possible due to the unwavering support of individuals, families, institutions and community stakeholders, many of whom are seated here with us today”, he said.
Chairman, Ikorodu Division Human Resources Development Board (IDHRDB), Bashorun Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa, in his keynote address, highlighted the achievements of the board and revealed its plans to organise annual book expo and seminars for teachers in secondary schools.
Amb. (Sir) Oluseyi Onafowokan, who was the father of the day, expressed his love and affection for his hometown, and thanked the Ayangbure and other stakeholders for their efforts in sustaining its development.
Sharing his views on the theme, Amb Onafowokan testified to the efficacies of herbs which he said he uses for his health needs.
His Eminence Asiwaju Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, Professor Sikiru Adebayo Sanni, Sir (Engr.) Chief Rasheed O. Shoderu, and Professor Oladipo Abraham (OON, CFR), were honoured by the Group with excellence awards, while the guest lecturer, Professor Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, also received an appreciation award.
In attendance were His Royal Majesties, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Sen. (Sir) Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works and chieftain of the GAC, Chief Deaconess Busola Elizabeth Isikalu, Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division who was the mother of the day, Mrs Adegbola, wife of late Prof. Anthony Adegbola, Dr. Mobolaji Olukoya, Vice Chairman, IDRDG, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, Alhaji Fatai Lasisi, Chairman, Planning Committee, Prof. Adegboola Memorial Lecture Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Babawale Alogba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, IDRDG and IDHRDG executives and members, students among others.
