Celebration at Isese Festival: Renowned author Soyinka advocates for adoption of indigenous healing practices

In a recent event organized by the Ogun State Government, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized the significance of traditional medicine and cultural heritage.

Soyinka, a vocal advocate for preserving traditional culture and inheritance, commended the governor for declaring Aug. 20 a public holiday for Isese Day. He expressed his support for the celebration, stating that it offers people a chance to reconnect with their cultural roots.

The Isese Festival, celebrated annually on Aug. 20, was marked this year with a program attended by Soyinka and other dignitaries. Sesan Fagbayi, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, represented the governor at the event.

Gov. Abiodun congratulated traditionalists on the occasion of Isese Day and praised the unity of traditionalists. He assured them of continued government support in preserving cultural heritage.

Chairman of the Alternate Medicine Board, Nurudeen Olaleye, commended the governor's stance on the matter. He also appealed to the governor to address other pressing needs in promoting alternate medicine in the state. Olaleye believes that the sector holds great promise as a global goldmine.

Soyinka referred to traditional medicine as pharmacology, highlighting its importance in the western world. He encouraged Nigerians to rediscover their heritage and adopt alternative medicine for healing and primary health care. However, he lamented that Nigerians often disregard traditional remedies, believing only hospitals provide real care.

Local herbs and roots, according to Soyinka, remain highly potent. He urged people to guard their traditional heritage jealously. Many advocates of orthodox medicine are now adopting traditional and natural remedies as preferred forms of care, he added.

Mr. Rasak Raji, a correspondent for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), received the title "Outstanding Community Journalist" in Lagos on August 30, 2025, for his coverage of the Isese Day celebration and other events.

This event is a testament to the government's commitment to religious tolerance and the diversity of the news outlet's coverage, which includes sports, general news, politics, and agriculture, among others.

Celebration at Isese Festival: Renowned author Soyinka advocates for adoption of indigenous healing practices