Lagos State has joined the National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NATMP) to commemorate African Traditional Medicine Day at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Eko Hot News reports that the Acting Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), Mr Hakeem Bello, delivered the keynote address themed “Way Forward in African Traditional Medicine.” Bello emphasised that unity and proper organisation among practitioners are essential for traditional medicine to gain sustained relevance and stronger recognition from the government.
He noted that with the ongoing brain drain in the conventional health sector, Lagos State practitioners have an opportunity to demonstrate the vital role of traditional medicine in improving access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Bello highlighted that an organised and well-structured community can help fill key gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
LASG JOINS NATMP TO COMMEMORATE AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE DAYhttps://t.co/2cWoPJgA2r@jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @gbenga_omo @gboyegaakosile @LanreBajulaiye @BarrBimbola @Mr_JAGs @Riddwane#AGreaterLagosRising #LASG pic.twitter.com/40rusUGbHm
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) November 13, 2025
Speaking on government support, Bello applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for fostering an enabling environment for growth, revealing that plans are underway to reconstruct the LSTMB headquarters. The new facility will feature modern laboratories, standard training spaces, and an event hall—improvements expected to strengthen research, education, and capacity-building for practitioners across Lagos State.
Bello also reaffirmed the alignment of Lagos State’s traditional medicine sector with national health priorities, particularly maternal and child health, referencing the “Maami” Programme aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and children.
Addressing ongoing reforms, he discussed the redocumentation of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), describing it as a major step toward repositioning the profession and building a model clinic framework. A verified register, he said, will enhance public access to certified TBAs and assist the Board in curbing unregistered practices.
The event ended with Lagos State reiterating its commitment to promoting a lawful, coordinated, and progressive traditional medicine sector that supports the state’s broader health goals.
