The Enugu State Government has successfully concluded its much-anticipated Basic Indigenous Traditional Medicine Trade Fair, held from April 4th to 14th, 2025. The event, which brought together traditional medicine practitioners, herbalists, researchers, and government officials, marked a significant milestone in the regulation, development, and promotion of traditional medicine in the state.
This 10-day trade fair was held at the 36th edition of the Enugu International Trade Fair, organized by the Enugu State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The event offered a unique platform to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Enugu’s indigenous healing practices while addressing modern challenges in the sector.
The trade fair, themed “Basic Indigenous Traditional Medicine Trade Fair”, was designed to promote the integration of traditional healing practices into mainstream healthcare systems, as well as to offer a formal avenue for practitioners to showcase their remedies, research, and innovations. It is the first of its kind in the state, signalling the government’s commitment to recognizing and regulating the growing sector of traditional medicine.
The event was officially opened on April 4th by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who lauded the initiative as a significant step toward the professionalization and regulation of traditional medicine in the state. In his keynote address, Governor Mbah, who was humbly represented by his deputy, Bar. Ifeanyi Ossai, expressed his pride in Enugu’s rich indigenous knowledge and emphasized the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for traditional healers to thrive.
The Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, stated that “Enugu is a state rich in cultural traditions, and traditional medicine has always been an integral part of our healthcare systems. The purpose of this trade fair is to bring together indigenous practitioners and modern scientists, so that we can create a more regulated and scientifically backed traditional medicine sector. We believe this is a crucial step towards ensuring that traditional healing is safe, effective, and accessible for all”. He also underscored the state’s commitment to ensuring that traditional medicine practitioners are provided with the necessary tools and support to thrive in a modern economy, encouraging them to embrace innovation and collaboration with the scientific community.
Throughout the duration of the trade fair, the trade fair complex in Enugu was transformed into a vibrant hub of herbalists, healers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Practitioners from across the state showcased a wide range of indigenous products, including herbal teas, oils, balms, and powders, many of which are believed to treat a variety of ailments such as malaria, arthritis, fever, stroke, prostate, diabetes, asthma, and breast cancer.
One of the exhibitors, Mr. Edmond Okafor, a herbalist from Awgu, presented his line of herbal remedies for respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic cough. “For generations, our ancestors relied on these plants to treat ailments, and I am proud to continue their legacy,” Mr. Okafor shared. “Events like this give us the opportunity to not only showcase our work but also to demonstrate that traditional medicine can be both safe and effective when handled with care and scientific backing”.
Beyond the healthcare implications, the fair also underscored the economic potential of traditional medicine. In recent years, the global herbal medicine market has seen tremendous growth, with consumers increasingly turning to natural and alternative health solutions. Enugu, with its rich biodiversity, is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Ezeh reflected on the success of the fair, stating, “This event has exceeded our expectations and set the stage for even greater things to come. Enugu is committed to making traditional medicine an integral part of our health and economic systems, and this trade fair is only the beginning.”
The conclusion of the Basic Indigenous Traditional Medicine Trade Fair marked the beginning of an exciting chapter for Enugu’s traditional medicine sector. With the support of the state government, a framework for regulation and innovation, and the dedication of the practitioners themselves, the future of traditional medicine in Enugu looks brighter than ever. As the trade fair wraps up, the momentum generated by this landmark event is sure to have lasting effects, not only on the local health sector but also on Enugu’s standing in the global arena of traditional medicine.