The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has taken its advocacy and sensitisation programme for Traditional Medicine Practitioners to Ikorodu Division of the State with a call on the practitioners to obey the laws guiding their practice.
Speaking at the one-day event, held at the palace of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Chairman of LSTMB, Professor Adebukunola Adefule – Ositelu, said the sensitisation session was designed specifically to create awareness of the need by all traditional medicine practitioners to register with the State government, pay approved fees and ensure conformity with all rules and regulations guiding their practice.
Her words: “I want to strongly advise practitioners and stakeholders to comply with the law to avoid any unpleasant development. The State government has put necessary machinery in place for seamless registration and proper coordination, and all you need to do is visit the Board for adequate support and guidance”.
On his part, the Registrar, Mr. Olorunkemi Kadiku, told the practitioners that the government is not out to witch-hunt, but to ensure that rules and regulations are observed for better practice and ease of doing business.
“The rules and regulations guiding your practice include but are not limited to stopping indiscriminate street hawking, especially by the ‘Alagbos’ (herbs sellers), belonging to an association and having a specific office address for ease of monitoring and regulation”.
Also speaking at the event, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba (Engr) Abdulkabir Shotobi, enjoined traditional medicine practitioners to comply fully with government regulations for their own benefits and for the general good of the populace.
The event was attended by the Governing Board Members, led by the Chairman, Registrar, Traditional Rulers, Community Health Officers (CHO) in Ikorodu axis, key officials of the Ministry of Health, as well as major traditional medicine practitioners including Bone Setters, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA), the Alagbos, the Elewe Omos and the like.
The sensitisation programme in Ikorodu Division was the first in the series this year and will be followed by similar events in the other four Divisions of the State; Ikeja, Badagry, Epe and Lagos Island.
