The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Agbo Sellers Association, has inaugurated a Task Force to combat the sale of fake herbal medicinal products in the State. The initiative, aimed at safeguarding public health, was formally launched at the conference room of the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board, located along Sapele Road, Benin City.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman of the Traditional Medicine Board, High Chief Abudu Ugbesia JP, explained that the task force would work closely with the police and other Security Agencies to clamp down on unregistered and illegal Agbo sellers operating across the State. He stressed that any individual not identified or certified as an authentic Agbo seller would be arrested and prosecuted.
Ugbesia emphasized that life is precious and warned that anyone caught selling fake herbal medicine or other harmful substances would face the full wrath of the law. He further disclosed that the forty eight member task force would ensure strict compliance with regulations and intensify efforts to rid the state of fake Agbo sellers.
He also stated that the government is taking the issue seriously, backing the task force with the necessary support to tackle the menace. He noted that authentic Agbo sellers would be issued official identification to distinguish them from illegal operators.
The Chairman advised task force members to act legally, work hand in hand with the police, and discharge their duties effectively to protect public health and uphold the integrity of traditional medicine practice in Edo State.
In his response, the President of the Herbal Practitioners Association, Chief TDr.Mustapha Abere expressed gratitude to the Chairman for his commitment to eradicating fake herbal products. He pledged the Association’s full cooperation with the task force and security agencies to ensure only genuine products are sold in the State.
Eghosa Emily
Public Relations Officer
Traditional Medicine Board
PHOTO CAPTION
L-R: President Ifesowapo Trado-Medical Herbal Practitioners, High Chief TDr. Mustapha Abere; Chairman Edo State Traditional Medicine Board; Secretary Edo State Traditional Medicine Board, Chief Abudu Ugbesia Godwin JP, Mrs Ganiyatu Uwaifo addressing the newly inaugurated Task Force to combat the sale of fake herbal medicinal products in Edo State.
