Africa's HERBAL Therapies

Some days ago, a Nigerian scientist cried out over the inability of his group to secure government support for the commercialization of a drug that cures sickle cell anaemia! Over the last two decades, we have had numerous such cases, including possible cure for HIV/AIDS and total eradication of malaria through herb-based extermination of mosquitoes. Of course, this is in sync with our public policy which proclaims one thing and practises another - usually the direct opposite!

What baffles and should rankle us is the kind of people who populate our governments at all levels who allow such contempt to persist. You wonder whose interest they are protecting by blatantly denying Nigerians so many Nigerian solutions to critical problems, and stopping brilliant Nigerian inventors, scientists, creators and investors from contributing our quota to humanity. Yet you hear of our failed annual multi-trillion budgets, of failed projects, of humonguous overhead costs, of worthless foreign trips, of regular overseas treatments for the ruling elite, and our world-famous multi-billions in loot! Sad.

Do not think this phenomenon is peculiar to my country. It is a “Third World Disease” much exacerbated and exhibited by African leaders. Here in Nigeria, we lament because it is unwarranted and now very worrisome. As the, em, Giant of Africa, we expect that between Presidents Yar’Adua and Jonathan - two postgraduate scientists! - this rot ought be stopped. It hasn’t. Yet they had/have several professors in their cabinets! Sad.

Africa has huge, proven and sustainable herbal resources and natural therapies for the good of the world. Many of these have been certified by WHO and other credible bodies/agencies over the years. We should bring them all to our common humanity and make them economic assets as the Chinese and Indians have so patently, proudly, professionally and patriotically done - despite previous derision and western disregard! Yes.

Let’s call on Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan to ACT now! He should also, as Chairman, lead ECOWAS leaders to do same. And, then, jointly take the crusade to the African Union.