By Ishola Balogun Nigeria and Brazil have agreed to strengthen collaboration on the scientific validation of African traditional medicine, with both countries adopting a comprehensive implementation roadmap to deepen cooperation in research, technology transfer, academic exchange and public health innovation. The agreement was reached during the Brazil–Nigeria High-Level Bilateral Meeting on Traditional Medicine and Scientific Cooperation held at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Nigerian delegation, which included representatives of the Ooni of Ife, joined officials from both countries, researchers and academic institutions in advocating greater global recognition for indigenous healthcare systems through evidence-based scientific collaboration.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer to the Ooni of Ife, Sodiq Lawal, the meeting concluded with the adoption of a roadmap to guide cooperation in traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, technology transfer, academic exchange and public health innovation. Discussions at the summit reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to scientifically validate traditional medicine practices and integrate evidence-based indigenous healthcare into formal health systems. Participants also reviewed ongoing collaborative research on medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes and explored opportunities to expand similar studies to other therapeutic products.
The meeting further recognised hundreds of medicinal plants already scientifically validated in Brazil as a foundation for future joint research. The summit also agreed to support the establishment of a Human Milk Bank in Nigeria through technical collaboration, while linking the partnership to broader global climate and biodiversity initiatives. Speaking during the opening session, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the partnership should be anchored on indigenous wisdom, medicinal plants and scientific research.
“The foundation of this partnership should rest on three inseparable pillars: indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research. “Our purpose is not merely to preserve traditional knowledge, but to combine the wisdom safeguarded by our communities over generations with rigorous scientific research capable of validating…
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