Prof. Wole Soyinka
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has called on Nigerians to embrace traditional medicine, hailing it as a time-tested and highly effective healthcare system.
Speaking in Abeokuta on Wednesday during an event organized by the Ogun State Government and traditionalists to celebrate the 2025 Isese Festival, observed annually on August 20, Soyinka emphasized the enduring value of cultural practices.
He endorsed the Isese Day celebration as a vital opportunity for Nigerians to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
“Our traditional medicine, rooted in herbs and natural remedies, is what the Western world now recognizes as pharmacology,” Soyinka remarked, urging citizens to rediscover and prioritize these practices for primary healthcare.
Soyinka highlighted the growing global acceptance of alternative remedies, noting that even Western-trained medical professionals are increasingly turning to traditional methods.
“We must not dismiss our potent herbs and roots in favor of hospitals alone. This is the way forward, and we should champion it,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of preserving and passing down Nigeria’s cultural heritage to future generations, encouraging communities to fiercely protect their traditions.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Sesan Fagbayi, congratulated traditionalists on the festival and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to cultural preservation and religious tolerance.
“Isese Day is here to stay in Ogun, and we will continue to support our rich heritage,” Abiodun stated.
Chairman of the Alternate Medicine Board,
Nurudeen Olaleye, praised the governor for declaring August 20 a public holiday, fulfilling a campaign promise.
He urged further investment in alternative medicine, describing it as a “global goldmine” with untapped potential for growth and impact.
