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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.
Nigeria Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Ezenwa Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala has congratulated High Chief Joseph Ajah Onah on his conferment of the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Onah, President of the Benue State Union in Côte d’Ivoire, international businessman and philanthropist, received the prestigious award on Saturday, July 25, during the grand finale of the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja.
The ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, attracted senior government officials, diplomats, lawmakers, business leaders and Nigerians from different parts of the world.
Onah was honoured for his contributions to philanthropy, humanitarian service, entrepreneurship, community development and exemplary leadership. He was also recognised for his efforts towards promoting the welfare, unity and positive image of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
His recognition was particularly significant as he was the **only award recipient from Côte d’Ivoire** at the ceremony.
In a congratulatory message, Nwaobiala, on behalf of the Embassy of Nigeria in Côte d’Ivoire and his own behalf, described the award as a well-deserved recognition of Onah’s contributions to Nigeria and the Nigerian community abroad.
The Ambassador said the honour was a testament to Onah’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s interests and promoting the welfare of Nigerians living outside the country.
He noted that Onah’s recognition also underscored the important role Nigerians in the Diaspora continue to play in national development and in projecting Nigeria’s image and influence internationally.
Nwaobiala further described Onah’s achievement as an inspiration to Nigerians abroad, urging him to remain committed to service and community development.
“Your achievement serves as an inspiration to the Nigerian Diaspora and underscores the invaluable role which Nigerians abroad continue to play in contributing to national development and strengthening Nigeria’s image and influence internationally,” the Ambassador said.
He expressed confidence that the award would further encourage Onah to continue his contributions to Nigeria and the Nigerian Diaspora while achieving greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration was held from July 24 to 25, providing a platform to recognise Nigerians whose contributions have made a positive impact on national development and communities across the globe.
Onah’s latest honour adds to his profile as a businessman, philanthropist and community leader committed to promoting the interests and welfare of Nigerians in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of the two long-awaited security surveillance aircraft.
The two aircraft, which arrived at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, on Tuesday, are expected to support aerial surveillance, intelligence collection and rapid security response across Oyo State and adjoining areas.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, said, “The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.
“Governor Seyi Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, confirmed that the aircraft arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force’s hangar in Lagos.
“The State Government had, about a week earlier, assured residents that the aircraft would arrive in Oyo before the end of July, adding that the latest development fulfilled that commitment.
“The aircraft are expected to support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other relevant formations, in monitoring criminal activities and improving response efforts across the state.”
The commissioner also noted that Makinde is on hand to receive the two aircraft at the airport.
PUNCH Online reports that the State Government announced the purchase of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures aimed at enhancing the capacity of security agencies to tackle emerging security challenges across the state.
The arrival of the aircraft comes months after Governor Seyi Makinde announced plans by his administration to acquire modern aerial surveillance platforms to bolster ongoing efforts aimed at tackling insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The factional National Chairman of the Accord Party, Prof. Chris Imumolen, has reaffirmed the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and endorsed his re-election bid, while insisting that the decision does not amount to a merger with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Imumolen also announced that Accord had resolved to support the APC governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The Accord chairman said the party’s support for Tinubu was based on its assessment of the administration’s economic reforms and efforts towards national development.
“Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is based on our conviction that Nigeria’s progress requires continuity in policies that strengthen our economy, deepen reforms, and promote national stability.
“We have therefore endorsed his re-election because we believe it is in the best interest of our country,” Imumolen said.
The party chairman, however, cautioned against interpreting the endorsement as evidence that Accord had surrendered its political identity or merged with another party.
“Let me state this clearly: the party’s endorsement of President Tinubu does not amount to the dissolution of the Accord Party or its merger with any political platform.
“Accord remains an independent political party with its own constitution, leadership, ideology, and vision for Nigeria,” he said.
Imumolen maintained that the party would continue to take independent positions on political and governance issues despite its support for Tinubu. On the Osun State governorship election, the party said it had taken a strategic decision to adopt Oyebamiji, the APC candidate. Imumolen said the decision followed consultations and an assessment of the political situation in the state.
“After careful consultations and a thorough assessment of the political realities in Osun State, the Accord Party has resolved to adopt and support the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
“This strategic decision is driven solely by our commitment to ensuring competent leadership and sustainable development for the people of Osun State,” he stated.
Accord urged members of the public, the media and political stakeholders to distinguish between its endorsement of Tinubu at the national level and its alliance with the APC candidate in Osun State. The party said suggestions that it had ceased to operate independently were inaccurate and misleading.
It added that it remained committed to democratic principles, national unity and issue-based politics, stressing that its political decisions would continue to be guided by what it considered the best interests of Nigerians.
Naija News reports that the Accord Party faction loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
The party chairman, however, cautioned against interpreting the endorsement as evidence that Accord had surrendered its political identity or merged with another party.
“Let me state this clearly: the party’s endorsement of President Tinubu does not amount to the dissolution of the Accord Party or its merger with any political platform.
“Accord remains an independent political party with its own constitution, leadership, ideology, and vision for Nigeria,” he said.
Imumolen maintained that the party would continue to take independent positions on political and governance issues despite its support for Tinubu. On the Osun State governorship election, the party said it had taken a strategic decision to adopt Oyebamiji, the APC candidate.
Imumolen said the decision followed consultations and an assessment of the political situation in the state.
After careful consultations and a thorough assessment of the political realities in Osun State, the Accord Party has resolved to adopt and support the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
“This strategic decision is driven solely by our commitment to ensuring competent leadership and sustainable development for the people of Osun State,” he stated.
Accord urged members of the public, the media and political stakeholders to distinguish between its endorsement of Tinubu at the national level and its alliance with the APC candidate in Osun State.
The party said suggestions that it had ceased to operate independently were inaccurate and misleading.
It added that it remained committed to democratic principles, national unity and issue-based politics, stressing that its political decisions would continue to be guided by what it considered the best interests of Nigerians.
Daily voice reports that the Accord Party faction loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
FULL LIST: FG Releases Seven Herbal Medicines for Cancers, Hypertension, Others
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