The fear of the COVID-19 virus in Nigerians was again allayed on
Thursday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, unveiled an indigenous drug
for the cure and prevention of the viral infection.
The drug named Verozil, which is available in capsules, blisters
packs and liquid, was certified by the body regulating sales and use of drugs
in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
(NAFDAC).
Verozil, which was launched alongside other three indigenous
drugs, was researched and produced by Yem-Kem International Group and Ooni
Ojaja Global Outreach. It will be distributed by Organic Remedies.
Oba Adeyeye, who spoke at the launch at the banquet hall, Ooni’s
palace, Ile-Ife, said it was a great day and privilege to unveil the indigenous
medicines, noting that their potencies have been tested and proven by
government and other bodies.
His words: “Today is a great day for in the history of this
great nation. I give kudos to the Minister of Health, NAFDAC DG and the
Presidency for the success of these products.
“I
want to announce to the whole world that there is a new phase in traditional
medicine research that will be berth soon with the introduction of an Executive
Bill, which is at the second reading at the National Assembly, on herbal
product research. We are also launching bitter leaf, a very powerful product
and now it is in gelatin form to be consumed easily by people and it was
produced in Nigeria.
“As the world is celebrating their
COVID-19 vaccine, we are here to unveil and celebrate our own indigenous
medicine.”
Prominent herbal medicine practitioner
and founder and Chief Executive Officer, Yem-Kem International Nigeria Limited,
Akintunde Ayeni, said the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi phoned him during
the COVID-19 and inquired from him what he was doing in respect of the deadly
virus.
He said Oba Adeyeye sent him some
recipes that they could use in making indigenous medicine to fight COVID-19,
which he studied and gave birth to the medicines that were been launched.
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the
President on Job Creation and Youth Employment in the Office of the Vice
President of Nigeria, Afolabi Imoukhuede, in his goodwill messages, said
COVID-19 has brought to the fore the
importance of immunity.
