The Federal Government has heightened interest in local cure for COVID-19 just as its inaugurated a committee on herbal remedies and natural compounds.
This is in an effort to find a home-grown solution to the viral disease.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, who inaugurated the committee, said there was an urgent need to develop a home-grown remedy and vaccine to tackle COVID-19.
Onu said the virus remained a threat to the health of Nigerians and the national economy.
Onu said the committee, made up of eminent scientists and fellows of Nigerian Academy of Science, would authenticate claims by researchers, scientists and traditional medical practitioners of cure and herbal remedy for the deadly virus.
He urged members of the committee to vigorously scrutinize and evaluate all claims brought before it and identify the remedies with the brightest prospects for providing protection and healing to affected persons or those at the risk of contracting the dreaded disease.
“I have no doubt that the discovery of a cure for COVID-19 in Nigeria would enhance the standing of our dear nation in the comity of nations”.
“It will also accord Nigerian scientists deserved recognition and help regenerate foreign exchange earnings for the nation as well as enable a knowledge economy that will facilitate economic growth and sustainable national development”, the minister said.
He said the quest for home-grown remedy for COVID-19 by the ministry was in tandem with President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire to diversify the economy.
Earlier, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora told theparrot.ng that the Ministry is holding an online consultation with herbal practitioners.
The essence of this meeting was to discuss their solutions which will later be put subjected to necessary test.
