A Step Towards Ensuring Safety in Traditional Medicine Business.
Sulaiman Hussaini Kano.
Febuary 20, 2025
In an era where the use of traditional medicine continues to play a pivotal role in healthcare, it is crucial to address concerns regarding safety and reliability. To this end, the Emirate Council of Sarkin Maganin Kasar Hausa, under the leadership of Dr. Ambassador Abdurrazaq Tore, has taken bold steps to sanitize and regulate the traditional medicine sector in the country. The move comes in response to increasing concerns over the prevalence of unregistered and fake medicine vendors that put the health of citizens at risk. In a bid to protect the public and promote ethical business practices, the Emirate has appointed four key figures to guide this transformative process.
The appointment ceremony took place recently at the Empire Events Center in Kano, where the new appointees were formally presented to the public. The Emirate Council’s actions reflect a broader goal to not only address local concerns but also to create a sustainable and well-regulated market for traditional medicine across the African continent. Dr. Tore, in his address, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the wishes of the Emir of Daura, who has long advocated for the safe and responsible use of traditional medicine. The aim is to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable citizens and protect them from falling victim to unscrupulous vendors who could endanger their health.
Dr. Tore urged the newly appointed members to work tirelessly, ensuring that the integrity of the traditional medicine business is upheld. He called for the cooperation of the public in identifying and eliminating fake medicine vendors who compromise both the well-being of individuals and the growth of the industry. “We must all join hands to eradicate fake vendors, not just in Kano or Nigeria, but across Africa,” he said. His words were a call to action for both the public and businesses to support these efforts wholeheartedly.
One of the key addresses at the event was given by Comrade Hauwa Bukar Sanda, the Director of Women Affairs at the Awareness for Human Rights and Charity Foundation. In her speech, she drew attention to the alarming rate at which women, in particular, are turning to traditional medicine for their health needs. Unfortunately, she pointed out that the majority of these women are vulnerable to the dangers posed by unregistered or fake medicines. “Women, who make up a large percentage of consumers in the traditional medicine sector, often find themselves at risk. Rather than experiencing healing, many suffer from side effects or even fatal consequences,” she warned.
The newly appointed officials shared their appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to this important cause. Comrade Auwalu Usman, Director General of Awareness for Human Rights and Charity Foundation, now appointed as Garkuwan Sarkin Maganin Kasar Hausa, expressed gratitude for his new role. He stressed the importance of educating the public and enforcing regulations to ensure that only safe and verified traditional medicines are available to the public. Similarly, Ambassador Dr. Usman Isyaku (Danmuyin Arewa) also expressed his thanks and commitment to contributing positively to the development of the traditional medicine sector.
The appointees, who include Comrade Auwalu Usman, Dr. Muhammad Ishaq (Waziri), Mudi Ahmed Panshekara (Madawaki), and Khalifa Abubakar Kabo (DanGaladima), are tasked with leading the charge in transforming the traditional medicine business. They have made a collective pledge to ensure that all vendors of guinea traditional medicine are registered with the relevant authorities, either with the government or the Emirate itself. This step will protect both the consumers and the legitimate businesses within the industry.
As the movement to regulate and sanitize the traditional medicine business gains momentum, the Emirate Council’s efforts are expected to set a precedent not only for Nigeria but also for other African countries grappling with similar issues. With the support of the public and continued collaboration from all stakeholders, the goal is clear: to create a safe and sustainable environment where traditional medicine can thrive without compromising public health.
The path forward is filled with promise, and the leadership of the Emirate Council, under Dr. Ambassador Abdurrazaq Tore, is committed to seeing these changes come to fruition. Through the combined efforts of these appointed leaders, it is hoped that the future of traditional medicine in Africa will be one rooted in trust, safety, and transparency.
