By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), under the leadership of its Director-General, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, is making efforts to transform indigenous raw materials into products with commercial and industrial value.
One of these products is ARTEMISIER TEA, made from Artemisia annua leaves, with a stated ingredient quantity of 1.5g. The product label indicates that it is intended for the management of malaria fever.
During a visit to RMRDC’s pilot plants, I received a packet of the tea from the Director-General. After taking it, I personally experienced a feeling of lightness in my body and an improvement in my eye discomfort. While these are my personal observations, they do not establish that the tea treats malaria or eye conditions.
My call is for investors and entrepreneurs to approach RMRDC and explore opportunities for partnership, further product development, and mass production. With the right investment and the necessary scientific and regulatory evaluation, the product’s potential can be properly assessed and, if approved, made available to Nigerians on a larger scale.
ARTEMISIER TEA has not yet had its malaria-related claims evaluated by NAFDAC, according to the information provided.
RMRDC has taken a step toward turning local raw materials into a Nigerian-made product. The next step is to attract entrepreneurs and investors who can help move promising innovations from pilot development to large-scale production.
Nigeria has the raw materials and research potential. With responsible investment and the right partnerships, local innovation can create jobs, strengthen manufacturing, and serve the Nigerian people.
– Uloma Peace Okorie is a veteran journalist and publisher with over 25 years of experience in the journalism profession.