The Federal Government has been tasked on the need to factor herbal medicine into its diversification agenda or lose out to foreign investors.
Sam Nda-Isaiah, Chairman, Leadership Newspapers Group, gave the charge at the opening of a Weeklong National Convention of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Nda-Isaiah who identified herbal medicine and homeopathic medicine that are branches of pharmacy as the most neglected sectors of pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria noted that they potentially hold the greatest promise both for the budding entrepreneur pharmacist and the Nigerian economy.
he publisher warned that if Nigeria fails to urgently explore the potent economic sector, foreign investors would take the advantage of our huge population and occupy the space.
“Herbal medicine and homeopathic medicine are the most neglected sectors of the practice in Nigeria but they potentially hold the greatest promise both for the budding entrepreneur pharmacist and the Nigerian economy.
“The global herbal medicine market is estimated to be over $130 billion and in 10 years, this figure will almost double. Europe currently dominates the market and some Asian countries especially China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia are big players. In Africa, only white South African pharmacists are talking advantage of this goldmine.
“At the rate at which this sector is growing, if Nigerian pharmacists do not take ownership of the huge resources in their own country, foreigners will come in and occupy the space, taking advantage of our huge population and making dollars in exports at the same time.
Referring to the theme of the PANS convention tagged, “The Audacity of Excellence in Pharmacy: Academic Distinction or More” the publisher admonished the students to be job creators and self-reliant, adding that graduate pharmacists must look for areas that are currently being ignored.
Nda-Isaiah who sponsored this year’s Essay Competition for Nigerian undergraduate pharmacists noted that any leader who loves Nigeria should invest more resources and time in our young youths.
Also speaking, the chairman on the occasion, Jimi Agbaje who congratulated the students for a successful outing, urged them to take advantage of the convention to ensure that they improve upon their standard.