The Kwara State Government is to collaborate with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), on the production of quality herbal medicine.

The State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq dropped this hint in Ilorin at the opening ceremony of a 3-day training organized by the Institute for traditional medical practitioners.

The training, among other things, is to ensure that the personnel and the product being produced by the traditional practitioners is of high quality standard.

Gov. AbdulRazaq, who commended the Pharmaceutical body for the training, said the organization has played a vital role in the nation's health sector.

He stated further that his administration will promote the production of herbal medicine in the state and assured of government's readiness to partner with the Institute for quality health-care delivery service.

The Governor, however, called for a 'Nigerian formula' for COVID-19 pandemic that will stem from Kwara State as an offshoot of the Madagascar discovery.

In his welcome address, the Senator representing Kwara Central, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe spoke on the need to ensure that the dividends of democracy is primarily made to reach the electorates from his constituency and home state while playing active legislative roles in shaping the health sector of the country.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Razaq Raji had called for the establishment of botanical gardens in different geo-political zones of the country and commended Senator Oloriegbe for his legislative support in this regard.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Prof. 'Wale Suleiman, emphasized the need to ensure that quality and efficacy of all preparations are guaranteed and safe for human consumption.

The Director General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe commended Gov. AbdulRazaq for his proactiveness in the health sector, especially his commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

He explained that the outbreak of COVID-19 has been an eye opener for Nigerians to improve our attention on traditional medications.

Dr. Obi disclosed that the institute will soon open its branch in the State to commence the production of standardized herbal preparations.