The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) welcomed distinguished public sector leader and corporate governance expert, Dr. (Mrs) Ajoritsedere Awosika, MFR, on a strategic visit to the Agency’s Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Martins Emeje, in Lagos.
Dr. Awosika congratulated Prof. Emeje on his recent appointment by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Co-Chair of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM) — a recognition widely regarded as a major milestone for Nigeria’s leadership in global health research.
She expressed excitement and deep appreciation for the Director General’s visionary leadership, noting that his stewardship has elevated NNMDA to globally enviable heights within the natural medicine research ecosystem.
According to her, the Agency’s growing international visibility reflects a commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and the advancement of evidence-based traditional medicine.
Dr. Awosika encouraged staff of the Agency to remain purpose-driven and continue making impactful contributions to national development and societal wellbeing through research and professional dedication.
Dr. Awosika brings decades of distinguished service across Nigeria’s public and private sectors. She previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministries of Internal Affairs, Science & Technology, and Power, where she played critical roles in policy administration and institutional development.
Her corporate leadership portfolio includes serving as Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Chairman of Chams Plc, and Josephine Consulting Limited, as well as Non-Executive Director of Capital Express Assurance Ltd.
A respected scholar, she holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Bradford, underscoring her longstanding connection to scientific advancement and healthcare innovation.
In a hallmark moment of the visit, Dr. Awosika engaged the staff in a dynamic question-and-answer session that fostered knowledge sharing and professional inspiration.
As a highlight of the visit, Prof. Emeje presented Dr. Awosika with the Compendium of Published Books on Medicinal Plants in Nigeria — a comprehensive documentation covering plant resources across all geopolitical zones and detailing applications for both human and livestock health.
The gesture reflects NNMDA’s ongoing commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge while promoting scientific validation and sustainable utilization of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.
Obasi E.H
Innovation, Data &ICT Support
