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FULL LIST: FG Releases Seven Herbal Medicines for Cancers, Hypertension, Others
In a major push to advance local pharmaceutical innovation, the Federal Government has unveiled seven herbal medicines developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency for the treatment and management of prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and hepatitis B.
According to the NNMDA, more than 22 herbal products have been developed from indigenous medicinal plants since 2023 to address Nigerians’ health needs locally.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, unveiled the herbal products during an official visit to the agency in Lagos on Tuesday.
He also met with captains of industry in the pharmaceutical sector to discuss the commercialisation of the products.
Udeh said Nigeria is richly endowed with thousands of medicinal plants which, if effectively harnessed, could provide solutions to the diverse health conditions affecting Nigerians.
The minister noted that traditional medicine had, for centuries, met the healthcare needs of indigenous communities, while disclosing the Federal Government’s readiness to address the major challenges confronting the agency to enable it to do more.
Udeh also promised to facilitate the establishment of a Clinical Observational Research Centre, as requested by the agency’s leadership, in addition to addressing the challenge of inadequate funding.
The minister commended the leadership and staff of the agency for their research and development of natural medicines for tropical diseases and other health conditions, including malaria, sickle cell disease, erectile dysfunction and diabetes.
“The resolution after the meeting with captains of industry in the pharmaceutical sector is that Nigeria has the potential to produce and export natural medicines worth billions of dollars.
“Billions of naira can also be generated by the agency through the production of natural medicines while meeting the healthcare needs of Nigerians.
“We are going to move immediately and innovatively after this unveiling to establish the Clinical Observational Research Centre without waiting for funding from the 2027 budget.
“We are going to identify alternative ways of generating funds to build the centre,” Udeh said.
Earlier, while presenting the agency’s activities, ongoing research and medicinal plants cultivated across the country, some of which were used to develop the seven herbal products unveiled by the minister, the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof Martins Emeje, said the efficacy of herbal medicine was no longer in doubt, stressing that standardisation now ensured proper dosage.
Emeje, who is the Co-Chair of the World Health Organisation’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, expressed excitement over the unveiling of the products, noting that traditional medicines are now being produced in standard dosage forms such as capsules, tablets and syrups.
“We want to change the narrative of drug importation in Nigeria. We must develop our medicines and export them.
“One of the products launched here today, when fully developed across the value chain, has the capacity to generate 3.5 million jobs.
“There was also a business meeting with captains of industry in the pharmaceutical sector,” the professor of Pharmacy said.
Emeje, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, said the agency had made significant progress in developing herbal medicines from indigenous medicinal plants to address the country’s healthcare needs.
He urged the Federal Government to deepen research through clinical trials by establishing a Clinical Observational Research Centre at the agency’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Providing insight into the seven herbal products unveiled by the government, the NNMDA boss said, “First, we have a product for the Hepatitis B virus. It is a natural medicine developed from an indigenous medicinal plant. The product is highly active against the Hepatitis B virus and is called Namdavir.
“The second product launched today is for the management of peptic ulcer disease. It is called Namdacid. Ulcer is a major health challenge in our communities.”
Emeje said the third product is used in the management and prevention of cancers such as colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancers.
According to him, it is produced from Nigerian medicinal plants and has shown the potential to prevent these cancers.
“We have scientific evidence that it can stop the progression of cancers or eliminate early cancer cells. It is called Turmegol.
“We also developed a natural medicine for high cholesterol. It cleanses the system and is effective in the management of hypertension. We have investigated its efficacy. It is called Namdorol.
“We also unveiled Namgor, an aphrodisiac, and Zobo Tea for the management of hypertension,” the researcher said.
The Consul General of India in Lagos, Shri Kannan, said there were enormous opportunities for India and Nigeria to collaborate in the field of traditional medicine.
“Our institutions can collaborate in medicinal plant research, scientific validation of traditional medicines, standardisation and quality assurance, biodiversity conservation, capacity building, academic exchanges, entrepreneurship, and innovation in natural products.
“India and Nigeria are two ancient civilisations blessed with rich biodiversity, deep cultural heritage and centuries-old healing traditions,” Kannan said.
He added that both countries possess invaluable indigenous knowledge systems that have served their societies for generations and continue to provide important solutions for modern healthcare.
A banker was shot dead, on Sunday, while attempting to resist kidnappers who attacked a family at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State.
But while the deceased’s two sons escaped the attack, two female students were abducted by the invaders.
The incident, which occurred on September 6, 2026, reportedly took place around the NDDC Hostel and the university’s East Back Gate, renewing concerns over the safety of students, staff and residents in and around the institution.
The deceased was identified as Osita Onuoha, a banker and branch manager of Polaris Bank in Owerri. He was reportedly at FUTO to drop off his two sons, who are students of the university, when suspected kidnappers confronted them.
Sources close to the incident said the two boys managed to escape during the encounter.
Their father, however, reportedly confronted the assailants in an attempt to help his children escape. He was subsequently shot several times, according to the sources, before the attackers fled with two female students.
The abducted students were identified as Igwegbe Chioma Lilian, popularly known as Omah, a 2025 FUTO graduate, and Spencer Jennifer Adaeze, a 300-level Optometry student.
Their reported abduction has caused anxiety among their families, friends and members of the university community.
While a source within the university said the two students had been released, another source maintained that they remained in captivity.
Meanwhile, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), in a statement, welcomed the safe release of the abducted female students, commending the security agencies and others whose efforts contributed to their rescue.
Describing their safe return as a relief to their families, fellow students and the university community, the group urged authorities not to allow the students’ release to overshadow the recurring security threats around FUTO, calling for sustained and coordinated measures to prevent further kidnappings and violent attacks.
RULAAC’s statement coincides with reports that the abductors demanded N100 million as ransom for their release, although the claim could not be independently verified.
Brother mourns
Obinna Collins Onuoha, who described himself as the deceased’s only blood brother, expressed shock and grief over his death.
In a Facebook post, he said his brother was killed while taking his children back to FUTO.
“My only blood brother is gone!!!! Shot and killed while taking his children back to FUTO. Who did this to us? Killed before his sons!! Cha, what a wicked world. Your killers will never go free! Rest in peace, my blood,” he wrote.
ASUU raises alarm over perimeter fencing
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUTO branch, Dr Chinedu Ihejirika, attributed part of the security challenges facing the university to the absence of a complete perimeter fence around the institution.
Ihejirika said the problem had persisted for years, noting that successive vice-chancellors had raised concerns about the need to properly secure the university’s boundaries.
“The security challenges we have is that FUTO is not walled off and this has given rise to insecurity. But it did not start today. Many vice-chancellors of the university had called for the perimeter fencing of the institution,” he said.
He recalled that during the tenure of either Prof. Asiabaka or Prof. Francis Eze, portions of the university were fenced as part of efforts to improve security.
He alleged, however, that some hoodlums later pulled down sections of the fence and carted away materials belonging to the university.
According to him, securing FUTO should not be left to the university authorities alone, as it requires collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, residents and other stakeholders.
“The issue of security is not FUTO alone; it is a joint effort of the security agencies, traditional institutions, residents and other individuals,” he said.
Ihejirika also commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, for engaging security agencies over the security situation.
He said Dozie had visited relevant security formations and sought stronger collaboration to address insecurity around the university.
FUTO seeks police intervention
Following the attack, the university management approached the Imo State Police Command for urgent assistance.
The Vice-Chancellor led a delegation of the university management to the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, where they raised concerns over the safety of students and other members of the university community.
The delegation also sought police assistance in securing the safe recovery of the abducted students.
The commissioner reportedly assured the university management of the command’s commitment to securing the institution and working towards the safe recovery of the students.
He also said security operatives were making efforts to track the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Ihejirika also linked the security concerns to the poor condition of roads around the university, particularly routes leading to the area where the latest incident occurred.
“Our roads are completely damaged. From Obinze Junction to FUTO is damaged, likewise the Back Gate or East Gate where the incident happened,” he said.
He appealed to the Imo State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and FUTO alumni to collaborate on the rehabilitation of the roads.
“We need NDDC, government and alumni to come together to rehabilitate the roads to secure lives and property,” he said.
He also expressed concern over thick bushes surrounding parts of the university, saying they could provide hiding places for criminals and increase the vulnerability of students and residents.
Residents demand urgent action
Residents living around FUTO have also called for urgent measures to address the security situation in the area.
They expressed concern about the vulnerability of students and residents who use poorly maintained roads and routes bordered by overgrown vegetation.
The residents called on the state and federal governments, security agencies and other relevant authorities to strengthen security around the university and neighbouring communities.
They urged the authorities to clear overgrown bushes, rehabilitate access roads, increase security patrols and complete the perimeter fencing of the institution.
According to them, securing FUTO is not only about protecting students and staff but also the thousands of residents who live and operate businesses around the university.
They warned that continued neglect of the security vulnerabilities around the institution could expose more students and residents to kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The latest incident has heightened calls for intensified security operations around FUTO as families and members of the university community await clarity on the whereabouts of the two students and efforts to secure their safe release.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has alleged the killing of a 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly killed on at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death had left his family, friends and members of the Nigerian community devastated.
According to him, two suspects allegedly gained access to Fakunle’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
Onyekwelu described the incident as a “horrific and senseless act of violence” and condemned the killing, expressing concern over the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in South Africa.
He said, “This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life.”
Onyekwelu said NICASA had reported the incident to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, adding that a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
He called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“We demand a thorough and credible investigation that will establish exactly what happened, identify all those responsible, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” he said.
NICASA also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to continue engaging with relevant South African authorities and monitor the progress of the investigation until justice is served.
NELFUND has rejected allegations that the Federal Government’s student loan scheme is being used to favour supporters or children of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, dismissed the claim as “completely ridiculous.”
Moreover, he said the structure of the application system does not allow political affiliation to determine who receives the loans.
Sawyerr spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
He explained that the loan scheme is operated through an electronic application process.
Applicants are required to provide personal and academic information, including their names and matriculation numbers.
According to him, the system is designed to establish whether an applicant meets the requirements for the programme.
It does not collect information that would enable NELFUND to determine whether a student belongs to the APC or supports another political party.
“I have not heard this allegation, but I can tell you that it’s a completely ridiculous idea that the administration of Bola Tinubu is focused on trying to fund people who support the party. We are talking about students; many of them are yet to vote, some of them are going to be voting for the first time, [and] many of them are not party members.
“How, in any event, do we determine who is a party member and who isn’t? Even if you are running a manual process, how do you do that? You can’t. It’s unlikely to yield you any result.
“It is a process you have to apply for this loan electronically. If you don’t have a name, you can’t apply for this loan. You provide your matriculation number; you have to be in a public institution,” he said.
The NELFUND boss said the allegation also failed to take into account the nature of the beneficiaries targeted by the programme.
He noted that many students accessing the loans are young people who have not yet participated in an election. Some are also not members of any political party.Executive Branch
Sawyerr therefore maintained that using political affiliation as a basis for deciding beneficiaries would be impractical under the existing system.
He said NELFUND’s focus is on Nigerian students who meet the conditions for the loan and are enrolled in eligible public tertiary institutions.
Sawyerr described the demand for the scheme as “overwhelming”, saying many students and their families were struggling to meet the financial demands of tertiary education.
“The demand has been overwhelming, because clearly a lot of people have struggled to get into these institutions,” he said. “They are hanging on by the skin of their teeth to stay in the institution, and this programme came as a rescue for them.”
He disclosed that NELFUND had so far disbursed about N162 billion in upkeep allowances to students.
The fund is also examining application and disbursement figures as demand increases, with the agency seeking to understand the financial requirements needed to sustain the programme.
The student loan initiative was introduced by the Federal Government as part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to higher education.
President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loans Act into law in April 2024, paving the way for the current NELFUND structure. The scheme provides interest-free financial support to eligible Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions.
It covers approved institutional charges and upkeep support for qualified beneficiaries.
The programme was designed to give students access to funding without requiring them to depend entirely on their parents or guardians to remain in school.
NELFUND has repeatedly stressed the importance of an electronic process in managing applications and disbursements.
The system allows applicants to submit their information for verification before their applications are processed.
Sawyerr further insisted that the system does not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity or gender.
“We have a system that is focused on people who are Nigerians and meet the standard. The system doesn’t recognise your gender. There is no bias in the system at the front end or the back end.
“This is a system that doesn’t care whether you are of one tribe or the other. This system does not have a view or an opinion on whether you are a Christian, a Muslim, or an African traditional religionist; it doesn’t want to know.”
The NELFUND chief also spoke about the impact of the scheme on student retention.
He said available figures indicated that the programme had contributed to a reduction in the number of students dropping out of tertiary institutions, with the reduction put at about 20 per cent.
Sawyerr also addressed concerns surrounding repayment of the loans.
He maintained that beneficiaries would not be subjected to an unreasonable repayment burden, noting that repayment would be tied to their ability to pay after completing their studies.
Under the current structure, repayment is expected to commence two years after beneficiaries complete the National Youth Service Corps programme.
The NELFUND boss also disclosed that funds President Tinubu announced would be recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and channelled into the student loan scheme had not yet been received by the fund.
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