Abuja, Nigeria (CU)_ According to the members of the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPS), they have nothing against herbal medicines or medicinal plants; rather, they advocate for the cultivation of medicinal plants for health, nutritional, and economic growth. The association expressed optimism towards herbal medicine and the growth of the sector.
Victoria Ukwu, ALPS National Chairman, addressed the media during the association’s 15th biennial national conference in Lagos. She said that the cultivation of herbal plants is being carried out in the six geopolitical zones to supply herbal goods, raw materials, nutritional supplements, and body care items.
Victoria spoke about the project. She said, “Our pet project, ‘Project 91,’ is for the cultivation of economically viable medicinal plants for nutrition, health, and economic benefits. Plants have been identified and allotted to each zone. The emphasis now is on agriculture. Nigeria is blessed with medicinal plants. We can get all our governors’ wives, who are our patrons, in various states to be involved in the planting of herbal/ vegetable gardens across the country. This will serve to empower the women as well as help to showcase our rich herbal resources.”
Traditionally, members have recognized that traditional medications are derived from plants, but that the vast majority of these plants are not purposely grown. They reported that they were cultivating particular plants that had been recognized as promising herbals. For example, they stated that some of the greatest garlic in the world is found in Nigeria and emphasized that the initiative might generate income for the nation.
Chief Yetunde Morohundiya, former national chairman of ALPS, stated that they were attempting to shift the narrative and that they were also cooperating with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). She also stated that standardization is necessary. Ukwu noted that the organization was initiating public education on drugs and drug-related issues, including drug and substance abuse, misuse campaigns and advocacy. During the meeting, she noted that the theme was “Pharmaceutical Value Chain for Optimal Utilization: Where Are We?”. She also announced that the event will be held in Lagos from June 5 to June 8, 2022.
