By Owen Eresoyen Asaba
As part of efforts to promote change of leadership, bring new energy, ideas and priorities that legitimizes traditional medicine practice in the Nigeria, most importantly at the grassroots level, NANTMP Aniocha South Local Government Area recently witnessed a colorful ceremony on June 6, 2026 as the National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Aniocha South LGA Chapter inaugurated its newly elected executives for the LGA chapter as Dr Buchi Kentua emerges the group’s new Chairman.
The event kicked off at the Residence of the Delta North Patron of National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners with the traditional presentation of kolanut by Professor Chief Jemico Okeleke followed by prayers led by Dr. Godwin Enyi according to custom.
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Speaking during the inauguration, the Immediate Past Chairman NANTMP Aniocha South LGA & Delta North Patron of the Association, Professor Jemico Okeleke then used medium to thank members for their support during his tenure and urged the new team to uphold unity and discipline. He noted that tradition must be preserved while embracing best practices in herbal practice in the country, most importantly at the grassroots level.
Those who emerged during the NANTMP elections in Aniocha South LGA, elected as Executive members, Officers of National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Aniocha South LGA Chapter included amongst others are: Chairman –
Dr. Buchi Kentua, Vice Chairman – Dr. Tony Okwuose, Secretary* –
Dr. Alhaji Madaka Azuka, Woman Leader – Dr. Mrs Ebele Emeke, Youth Leader
– Dr. Chidi, Asst Financial Sec. –
Dr. Mrs Blessing, PA/Treasurer -Dr. Mrs Pauline Maduka, Asst P.A – Dr. Nnamdi Okoye, Publicity Sec –
Dr. Innocent Akumiri, Asst Auditor – Dr. Nnayelugo, Asst PRO -Dr. Agwumiri, Herbal Inspector 1- Dr. Destiny Ifeanocho, Herbal Inspector 2-
Dr. Ekenweofia, Organising Sec – Dr. Afunwa.
The General Patron of NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA, Dr. Law, and other Patrons of NANTMP Aniocha South LGA are: Dr. Alaye, Dr. Jolly Obidi, Dr. Osekwuni – Chief Ochiligwe, Dr. Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Isaac Gwonor. Mothers of NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA included amongst others are:
Dr. Mrs Ngozi Emeke, Dr. Mrs Mama Ejime, Dr. Mrs Enujeko
Dr. Mrs Odiwe, And Father of NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA,v
Dr. Godwin Enyi.
The General Patron, NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA, Dr. Law who spoke soon after the newly elected Executive members of NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA had been Sworn-in then commended NANTMP Aniocha South for organizing a peaceful election. He charged the new executives to serve with integrity and to project the image of traditional medicine positively within and outside the LGA. “Our work is about healing, service, and protecting our heritage,” he said.
Also speaking, the Father of NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA Dr. Enyi encouraged members to pay their dues promptly and to cooperate with the new leadership. He stressed the importance of registration and proper documentation for all practitioners in line with association guidelines.
In his acceptance speech, the newly Elected Chairman, Dr. Buchi Kentua had pledged to run an inclusive administration, while urging members to support his leadership for progress and development. He promised to strengthen membership registration, support herbal inspection, and work closely with patrons and matrons to move the association forward.
“This is a new dawn for NANTMP in Aniocha South. Gone are the days Native Doctors are seen as unkempt, unclean set of people. We are very organized, neat and well-to-do, cultured and civilized. We will deliver,” Dr Kentua assured.
Dr. Kentua, who serves as the new Chairman of NANTMP, Aniocha South LGA Chapter after the tenure of Professor Jemico Okeleke, the Immediate Past Chairman of NANTMP in Aniocha South LGA will be supported by a full executive council that includes patrons, matrons, a patriarch, and chairmen from three Clans that made up Aniocha South- Nsukwa, Ubulu & Ogwashi-Uku. And other Chapte Chairmen from the entire Communities of the Local Government Area.
The inauguration which started with merriment; dancing and musical accompaniment ended with refreshments, goodwill messages and a call for unity among all traditional medicine practitioners in the LGA.
