CARDN Set To Establish Diabetes Research Centre In FUNAAB

The Board of Trustees, Centre for the Advancement of Research in Diabetes in Nigeria, has concluded plans to establish a diabetes research centre at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

The centre, when operational, will aid in promoting research and the use of medicinal plants for the benefit of diabetic patients in Nigeria and Africa.

Announcing this was the grand patron of a Centre, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who led the Board of Trustees of the proposed centre to the institution.

Obasanjo, who is an honourary awardee of the university, recalled what brought about the idea of establishing a diabetic centre, stating that he believed Nigeria had not done enough in the area of research for medicinal plants and diabetic patients.

The former President confirmed the efficacy and effectiveness of herbal medicines, and called on stakeholders and practitioners to promote its cause through research and collaboration.

He said pharmaceutical companies had not extracted up to 20 per cent of needed “active ingredients” in roots and herbs to cure ailments and diseases.

On his part, Akinkugbe said the project, which was conceived nine years ago, would promote collaborative research and offer curative mechanism for diabetic patients.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin, who announced the donation of 30 hectares of land to the centre, thanked the former President and other members of the Board of Trustees, for counting the institution worthy to host the centre.