Agbakoba Backs Use Of Herbalists In Finding Cure For COVID-19

BY CAMI EZENWA

The camp of those rooting for a local answer, especially, the use of herbalists in finding cure for COVID-19 has increased by one.

A reputable lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Dr Olisa Agbakoba on Monday endorsed his support for herbalists to be engaged to do the job.

He made the suggestion as part of local efforts to find the cure for the coronavirus, saying that the government needed to develop a Nigerian strategy in managing the pandemic as well as in seeking economic diversification because of dwindling oil revenue.

His submissions were anchored on a statement he titled: ‘COVID-19 in Nigeria: Time to think globally and act locally’.

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the virus had brought to test, the health system in the country, making a re-strategising a necessity, and that one option that presents itself, is exploring available quinine medications in the COVID-19 fight.

“On the need for a Nigerian strategy on COVID-19, I call on the federal government to interrogate available quinine medications and to engage Nigerian virologists and infectious diseases specialists, public health professionals and traditional & herbal medicine Institutions with a view to exploring local Nigerian solutions to COVID-19,” the development lawyer said.

He said his standpoint was in line with the local content policy, and would help to enhance Nigerian specialists’ capacity.

Aside the area of local alternative in medication, the erudite lawyer also rooted for a relaxation in the lockdown.

“While commending the federal government for the COVID-19 measures taken so far, I am concerned with the sustainability of the lockdown policy in view of lack of social welfare system and scarce financial resources.

“I therefore call on the government to lift the strict lockdown restrictions and allow some flexibility so as to allow some level of work and economic activities within some parameters.”

“The National Trade and Transportation policies need to be adopted, and so is the need for the enactment of trade remedy legislation.

“Nigeria also must take issues relating to digital economy seriously. A well developed digital economy will not only create millions of jobs, improve citizens` taxable income, and generate revenue for government, which directly increases government spending power.

“The federal government must ensure the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy Document 2020-2030”, Agbakoba said.