Let me be clear: I am not against native medicine. As I noted in my book – Africa’s Sankofa Innovation – my village of Ovim continues to struggle since the only woman that knows the right herbs to cure poisonous snake bites died. Her son was my secondary school classmate. He left for the city, and his siblings followed. The woman died with her knowledge – and today snake bites kill, unlike when she was alive. While the general hospital remains, people know no one who can match her talent. I can add the orthopedic woman which fixes minor bone fractures. She was useful during those football accidents. That woman has gone with her skills, and a massive succession void remains. These samples are typical across Africa.
Now, we have read of how Madagascar invented a solution to deal with Covid-19. I have not commented on it out of caution that some people will get confused and import all available stocks to “hit it” – you know what I mean. The fact is this: the world needs to give the drug a chance through scientific processes. On that, I agree with President Buhari on getting the drug, and then sending samples to our labs to verify the potency and efficiency.
“We have our institutions, systems and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification. I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions,” said the Nigerian President.
May the best drug WIN, in Africa, U.S, EU, Asia or anywhere.
Press release from Aso Rock
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday at the State House, Abuja, received the Madagascan native formulation against the Covid-19 pandemic, and reiterated that he will listen to science before allowing traditional or any new medicines to be administered on Nigerians.
At an audience meeting with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau who brought along with him the samples of the traditional medicine as shared to African nations by Madagascar, President Buhari said his position on all such herbal or traditional medicinal postulates had remained the same.
“We have our institutions, systems and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification. I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions,” said the Nigerian President.
On the main reason for his visit, President Embalo said having stabilized his country after the tussles that attended the general elections won by him, he had come to seek counsel from his “father,” President Buhari on his plan for a “government of national unity” and a proposed war against corruption in his country.
He also said that his new government met a country beset with a number of issues and problems, the resolution of which would require tremendous assistance from the “big brother,” Nigeria.
“Problems of Guinea Bissau are problems of Nigeria. I have come to you as your son. I need your help and assistance to make the people happy. I will not let you down, neither will I put you in any difficult situation,” the visiting leader told President Buhari.
In response to these demands, the Nigerian leader commended “General“ Embalo on his confirmation as President and for stabilizing the country. “I commend your political dexterity in getting the opposition to join the proposed unity government,” he said.
President Buhari restated the determination of Nigeria to keep West Africa politically stable and promised to support the new government in Guinea Bissau. “I will cooperate and help in every way possible,” assured the Nigerian President.
President Buhari also used the opportunity of the visit to praise the good work that the President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou, who is the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is doing in the sub-region, and commended him for keeping him informed of all that is happening around.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 16, 2020
