I vacate the floor on this column for the opinions of readers on the subjects which catch their fancy. Otunba Olajuwon Okubena has the floor today.
Except for the nicety of protocol, I doubt if he needs any introduction in Nigeria’s Alternative Medicinescommunity.
Nevertheless,we must follow procedure. Otunba Okubena and I met in Nigeria’s Alternative Medicines market in 1994 when he was about to push into the market his herbal medicine recipe from five plants in Yorubaland which, today, goes by the name Jobelyn.This medicine, which began its journey as a blood “normalised” and “ energiser” passed laboratory checks well enough at the pharmacognosy department of the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to be described by The Guardian newspaper of which I was Editor in-chief as “the fastest blood generator known then as Jubi Blood Formula.
This product would later be marketed for sickle cell anaemia crisis, inflamation, low blood count and low heamatocrit and, later, for diabetes when a former President, diabetic, said it was giving him the vibes.
Today, many Nigerian university studies behind it for such ailments as HIV and depression,Jobelyn has ventured more into the cancer market than it did in the late 1990s and early 2000s through foreign studies and registration by the United States National Cancer Institute(NCI) in its Essential Drug List. Above these grounds, Otunba Okubena, who was 83 on March 5, 2025, has shown such passion for the growth of Alternative Medicine and Traditional Medicine (TM) globally that makes him qualified, in my view, to offer the Government of Lagos State Suggestions for cuurricular design for the University of Medicine and Medical Services (LASUNMED?)which will soon be unfurled before the world’s medicine lord’s and community. Before this qualification,Otunba Okunbena was an account teacher at Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo (1965), Chief Accountant, Guiness( Nigeria)Plc(1967-1974), Executive Director at Peat,Warwick, Mitchell & Co(1974-1983). On 21 August 1993, Armed men attacked him and his daughter, a Veterinary medicine doctor, on his poultry farm, BENA FARM, at Ijebu Ilese, near Ijebu-Ode. The young woman passed, he was gravely injured.
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He regained his body and mind from the therapies on Jubi Blood Formula which he received from a retired forestry worker, Mr Awoyemi, in Ibadan. Otunba Okubena researched this formulation and branded it Jobelyn for NAFDAC registration after back and forth business decisions.He has taken Jobelyn to many countries in Africa, Europe and the United States…and even tried his hands on an Alternative Medicine Hospital run by Orthodox medical doctors. Last week, he sent to me his views on the this column published under the title THUMBS-UP, LAGOS FLAGS OFF FIRST UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE (this article can be read on Facebook @John Olufemi Kusa). Before I give him the floor, I wish to make some comments on one or two statements he made in passing which I thought deserved elaboration. One of them was the mention of Standford University School of Medicine in research work which has advanced believability in natural medicines globally. He mentioned Harvard University in this regard as well.The references were intended to challenge authors of Lagos State University of Medicine and Medical Services to make it not a regular medicine teaching university but that which would fellow the global trends in paradigm shift from medicines formulated by man’s intellect to those created by Almighty God in His Infinite Wisdom and Goodness. Standford and Ulcer. Millions of Nigerians suffer from ulcer every year, some for life or with the danger of tissue damage resulting in cancer. I fellowed the case of Pa Oye- Igbemo, a former General Manager of the Federal Savings Bank, now of blessed memory. His friend, Mr Adeniji, of Shagamu, can confirm this case. Pa Oye-igbemo suffered for years from intestinal pain. Laboratory tests pin-pointed Occult Blood, also called hiding or invisible blood.This is blood from distant parts of the intestine or colon which regular fecal tests may not unearth. A tube with a camera and light at the head was passed through his anus into the colon in a medical procedure called COLONOSCOPY to examine the health of his colon.
On a television screen, he saw many portions of his intestine ulcerated and bleeding. He learned they had to be surgically removed and followed up with suturing of the healthy portions.This could mean a shorter and, possibly, an inefficient colon for the rest of his life with unpleasant health experiences.He had witnessed it in one of his friends and did not want the surgery. By Pa Oye-igbemo rejecting surgery, he risked some of the ulcers degenerating to cancer. At this point, Pa Oye-igbemo sought help from Nature.He availed himself of some antibacterials, anti-fungi and anti-viral and anti-parasite proprietary blends. Among these were Golden Seal Root, Diatom, Pau D’Arco, Colloidal Silver, wheatgrass and Barley grass. His condition could have been helped, also, by Alo vera juice, pomegranate juice, licorice juice, tumeric and ginger, cabbage and carrots juice among others with Jobelyn as adjunct medicine. In about three months, Pa Oye-igbemo returned to hospital for another test which he had considered not necessary, as he was feeling much better, but he was advised to have it just to make assurance doubly sure. The tests revealed that all the lessions were gone! I, too, suffered for several years from Duodenal UlcerLuntil The Guardian newspaper of which I was Editor carried out a kitchen experiment with CISSUS POPULNEA parasitic root.
The Yorubas call the plant Ogbolo (d:m:m) and used it for rejuvenation or stimulating sperm production. I understand from Ada Mbamra, a budding traditional medicine practitioner who is taking after her father,Joseph Mbamra that Kogi and Benue people homestate of her mother Tabitha Mbamara, use this root to cook soup just like Ogbono or okra.Yoruba herbalists give it to pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. They say it relaxes the pelvic muscles for easy birthing.The guardian newspaper researched it for MALE SEXUAL VIRILITY when Europe hurled VIAGRA on Nigeria. As Editor,I gave MR DECLAN OKPALAEKE,a microbiology graduate from Lagos State University (LASU),a brief to assemble about 30 men with sperm count,sperm morphology e.t.c challenges and give them the water extract of this root to take for three months. Every two weeks or so, we sent them to two laboratories, one private, the other public, for checks. We had assembled them from various laboratories among volunteers. Mr Okpalaeke compiled a report which showed tremendous sperm count increases and vibrant sperm health. We sent it as an entry for the CNN AFRICAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 1999, and it won FIRST PRIZE. I presented the report to the 70th yearly Conference of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria ( PSN) held at the Airport Hotel, Lagos, as a reminder today for Pharmacists who attended that conference.It was from some of our volunteers in the kitchen experiment that I learned OGBOLO could be an ulcer remedy.My stress ulcer pains used to strike at about 1a.m and were very disturbing to sleep. I drank water at 11P.m and then at midnight to forestall it, but got into trouble if I didn’t remember to. When I took ogbolo and I cleared the ulcer, I gave it to my sister, too, and it cleared hers as well.
Thanks to Mr Okubena, this column has reminded me of it. For, on a lighter note, which man does not want to remain youthful and bouncing at any age? On a serious note now, on almost every street and at almost every motor park are to be found women who sell liquid herbal medicines, including, Ogbolo, also called as Afato( sperm producing).Can the proposed University of Medicine not research this root, a great source of MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES ,and work with industry to produce it for all kinds of uses among Nigerian people? This lead me to Standford University and its research findings that Cabbage JuiceUICE, yes cabbage juice,heals peptic ulcers in 14 days, yes 14 days. Long,long before then,doctors thought the Vagus Nervewas over stimulating Acid Pumps in the stomach to over produce acid and were surgically removing this nerve without serious positive results, even as Chemotherapy is the lot of many cancer patients today with resultant death from this poison. Dr. Barry MarshalL put a stop to this calamity in medicine. He cultured ulcerated stomach tissue,drank the water contents, developed ulcer and treated himself with anti-bacterials. Today, Medicine knows that Helicobacter PyloriELICOBACTER PYLORI bacterium causes or takes advantage of this ulcer and has to be eliminated,the damaged tissue healed, inflamation addressed and the mucus lining of stomach wall regrown. Thanks to Dr. Garnett Cheney.In 1952, he published an article about a Standford University school of Medicine study which showed that “cabbage juice had a positive effect on the ulcer”. Thirteen patients were given cabbage juice to drink . Secven ulcer were healed.There are some contraindications, though.Cabbage juice may not be good for persons with thyroid problems,kidney or liver disease and gastro-instestinal questions. Standford University School of Medicine had carried out several other studies into Medicinal plants, according to the internet. Other university school of medicine are doing the same. According to the internet, five of them are….. “ 1. ‘The Efficacy of St. John’s Wort in Treating Mild to Moderate Depression’ (2002) – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) “2 The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin, a Compound Found in Turmeric” (2004) – University of Texas, Austin “3 The Antimicrobial Activity of Tea Tree Oil against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus” (2004) – University of Western Australia “4 The Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Cognitive Function in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease” (2010) – University of Pittsburgh “5 The Anti-Cancer Effects of Quercetin, a Flavonoid Found in Fruits and Vegetables” (2015) – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign”. This plants medicines popularised by Schools of Medicines in Europe and America were taken up by the plant medicine industry, produced in large quantum and sold world-wide. They are all present in the Nigerian market. What Otunba Okubena is suggesting is that the University of Medicine flagged off by Lagos State is not just a school of medicine but a whole university of medicine and should plug itself into the new medicine frontier to make Nigerian plant medicine visible and consumed globally. Universities world-wide,are shown by PUBMED, which I often study, to be showing increasing interest in natural medicines. I asked the internet what Pudmed is all about and fine citations relevant to this article. It says: “Pubmed is a free online database of biomedical literature, maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It contains over 30 million citations for articles from thousands of journals, as well as books, conference proceedings, and other publications”.
Harvard University Harvard, one of the world’s best known universities in the United States had a Medicine teaching staff who are not left behind in the study of plant and natural Medicines. Of the University, the internet mentions some of their activities as ….. “1. ‘Identification of a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Compound from the Plant Scutellaria baicalensis’ (2018) – Researchers identified a compound with anti-inflammatory properties from the Chinese skullcap plant. “2. ‘The Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Cognitive Function in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment’ (2016) – A study examined the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. “3. ‘The Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from the Plant Origanum vulgare’ (2015) – Researchers investigated the antimicrobial properties of essential oils from oregano. “4. ‘The Anti-Cancer Effects of Resveratrol, a Polyphenol Found in Grapes’ (2012) A study explored the anti-cancer properties of resveratrol, a compound found in grapes. “5. ‘The Anxiolytic Effects of Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) in Patients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder’ (2010) – Researchers examined the anxiolytic effects of passionflower in patients with generalised anxiety disorder.” Now, my introduction done, Otunba Olajuwon Okubena has the floor… Okubena Views Good evening Mr. Kusa. Please find below my reaction to your latest publication on the proposed establishment of the University of Medicine by the Lagos State Government: Educating the Government: The Need for a Paradigm Shift Toward Natural Solutions in Healthcare “The Lagos State Government’s initiative to establish a university of Medicine is a forward-thinking move, but it must recognise the growing global trend in healthcare: the shift toward natural compounds and integrative approaches, particularly in addressing the hallmarks of aging.
This emerging focus on natural solutions is driven by the limitations of the current pharmaceutical drug-centric model in tackling complex, chronic, and age-related conditions. By embracing this paradigm shift, the government has an opportunity to position the proposed university as a pioneer in cutting-edge healthcare innovation. 1. The HaIllmarks of Aging: A New Frontier in Healthcare Aging is a multifaceted process characterized by biological hallmarks such as genomic instability, cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. These hallmarks are at the root of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. While pharmaceutical drugs have made strides in managing symptoms of these diseases, they often fail to address the underlying biological processes driving aging.
Natural compounds, on the other hand, have shown significant potential in targeting these hallmarks. For example: Polyphenols(e.g., resveratrol from grapes) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids (e.g., those found in *Sorghum bicolor* and Jobelyn) have been shown to combat oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. Adaptogens (e.g., ginseng and ashwagandha) help the body resist stress and maintain cellular homeostasis. By including research and education on natural compounds in the university’s curriculum, Lagos could lead the way in developing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to age-related conditions. 2. The Limitations of the Current Pharmaceutical Model The pharmaceutical industry has historically focused on single-target drugs designed to treat specific symptoms or diseases. While this approach has been effective for acute conditions, it has proven less successful for complex, multifactorial processes like aging. – Pharmaceutical drugs often come with significant side effects, making long-term use challenging, especially for elderly populations. – The high cost of drug development and treatment creates accessibility barriers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Natural compounds offer a promising alternative. They are often multi-targeted, addressing several hallmarks of aging simultaneously. For instance, curcumin from turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-senescence properties, making it a versatile tool in age-related therapy. 3.A Paradigm Shift: The Role of Natural Solutions There is a growing consensus among researchers and healthcare professionals that natural solutions hold the key to addressing the hallmarks of aging. This paradigm shift is already underway in global healthcare systems: Research Focus:Leading institutions like Harvard and Stanford are investing heavily in studying natural compounds and their impact on aging. Consumer Demand: Patients are increasingly seeking natural, holistic approaches to health, driven by concerns about side effects and the desire for preventive care. Policy Support: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into healthcare systems. By aligning with this shift, the Lagos University of Medicine could position itself as a global leader in the development of natural therapies.
This would not only enhance its academic reputation but also attract international collaborations and funding. 4. Economic and Social Benefits for Nigeria Investing in natural solutions to aging would have far-reaching economic and social benefits for Nigeria: Boosting Local Industries:Nigeria’s rich biodiversity provides a treasure trove of natural resources that could be harnessed for research and development. This would create jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. Improving Health Outcomes:Affordable, natural therapies would make healthcare more accessible, particularly for underserved populations. This would reduce the burden of age-related diseases and improve quality of life. Preserving Cultural Heritage. By integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare, the university could preserve and modernise indigenous knowledge, ensuring its relevance for future generations. 5.Call to Action: Educating the Government To achieve this vision, the Lagos State Government must be educated on the importance of including natural medicine in the proposed university’s framework. Policymakers need to understand that: – The global healthcare landscape is shifting toward integrative and natural approaches.
– Nigeria has a unique opportunity to lead this movement by leveraging its biodiversity and traditional knowledge. – Success in developing natural solutions to aging could revolutionise healthcare, creating a sustainable, patient-centered system that benefits all Nigerians. Conclusion. The Lagos University of Medicine has the potential to redefine healthcare in Nigeria. By embracing natural solutions and focusing on the hallmarks of aging, the university could lead a paradigm shift that addresses the limitations of the current pharmaceutical model. This approach would not only improve health outcomes but also position Lagos as a global leader in integrative medicine and natural health innovation. The government must seize this opportunity to invest in a future where healthcare is holistic, inclusive, and sustainable.The time to act is now”. By Olajuwon Okubena lastword… Thanks,Otunba Okubena.The bottom-line is that we live in a world governed by The Law of Motion,one of the Natural Laws.Therefore, we cannot afford to be static or proceed from the back line.We should strive always to Live in the present, and not in the past .