By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam has secured partnership with the Centre for Psychic and Healing Administration (CPHA), Awka Anambra State with a view to strengthen indigenous medical practices.
The partnership, which became necessary after the university senate approved Diploma in Herbal Medicine and Nutrition, a-two year professional programme to be ran under the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University.
A letter of request for the partnership spotted by us showed that the two institutions would use the programme to equip, impart and prepare candidates in the knowledge and use of traditional medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases, as well as highlights their nutritional benefits.
"The programme is also aimed to strengthen and support our indigenous medical practices as applicable in places like China and India; preserve and maintain our indigenous heritage. Your efforts to promote this for years is hereby well appreciated.
" The areas of emphasis are on tutorials, practical guides, and field trips to your centre by both the Staff and students, particularly our undergraduate Pharmacy students in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine," it added.
The Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, COOU, Professor Theophine Akunne, confirmed this last Thursday when he led a delegation to CPHA coincided with the visitations of Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezi.
Akunne assured that the programme would equally help to erase the public misconceptions over the efficiency and effectiveness of using herbal drugs in treating patience without harming their kidneys and others.
Professor Akunne, who used personal experiences, exposures and encounters in life, including his recent visits to China, stressed that African plants and herbal drugs were effective in treating most health challenges if well preserved, harnessed and utilised.
"When I went to China, I saw how they preserve and value herbal medicines even at pharmacies. We don't really know what we have in Africa. Some erroneously believed that they causes kidney problems. African herbs is not harmful to the body.
" They can effectively cure all kinds of diseases. By this collaboration, we will strengthen this knowledge. Our candidate, students and staff will come here on field trips, seek tutorials, advice and information that can help us in advancing the course of African medicinal values. The WHO is now investing into traditional medicines too," he added.
Earlier speaking, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Psychic and Healing Administration, CPHA, Awka, Chief Dr Flora Nkemakonam Ilonzo, thanked the citadel of learning for taking the bold step, which according to her, was in a right direction for Africans today and tomorrow.
Ilonzo, fondly called Anyafulugo, while explaining that every African plant has signature, signifying their medicinal values and efficacy in addressing health challenges, added that the World Bank, WHO, DIA, among others have visited her centre to verify what God has used her to do to mankind healthwise.
According to the philanthropist and humanitarian, over 375 species of African plants in her garden have world verified botanical names labelled by international researchers and scientists, and had been used for healing various diseases like cancer, pile, insanity, among others.
She, recalled how she submitted the formula she used in healing cancer patient to the Chinese authority during her visit in the past, as well as how various government and individuals within and outside Nigeria, had solicited and benefitted from her centre with regards to herbal medicine.