Afe Babalola University Promotes Local Herbal Medicines Over Imports

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado Ekiti is encouraging Nigerians to choose locally made herbal medicines instead of relying on foreign options. This call to action was made by Oluwatoyin Afolabi, Deputy Director of AB Pharmaceutical Services, during a two-day business summit.

Afolabi pointed out that Nigeria has many indigenous medicinal resources and a growing capacity for research. However, the country still heavily depends on imported herbal products, which she described as an economic and medical issue that needs urgent attention.

At the summit, ABUAD showcased three of its own pharmaceutical products: AB Mal, ABUAD Virucidine, and AB Health Animation 250mg. Afolabi emphasized that the goal is to create a marketing plan to promote these products among Nigerians.

She expressed frustration over the widespread acceptance of foreign medicines, saying, “We have served the Indians enough, and we have served the Chinese enough.” Afolabi believes it is time for a change, stating that even a single determined person can make a difference.

According to Afolabi, the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, was motivated to create these products to ensure that Nigerians can rely on locally produced medicines. She noted that traditional medicines were once the primary healthcare option for many Nigerians before modern medicine became popular.

ABUAD’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, also highlighted the importance of reducing the country’s reliance on imported pharmaceuticals. She called for collaboration among universities, industries, regulators, healthcare professionals, investors, and consumers to help bring local innovations to the market.

Peter Ajayi, Chairman of the Association of Pharmaceutical Products Marketers of Nigeria in Ekiti State, praised Aare Afe Babalola for his vision and committed to supporting the distribution of ABUAD’s products.