In a significant move to promote ethical practices and combat crime, native doctors in Anambra State, under the umbrella of Odinala Orumba South, have taken a solemn oath to ostracize any member found engaging in criminal or unethical activities. The oath-taking ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Izo Mmili Shrine in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area.
The initiative, led by the Chairman of Odinala Orumba South, Christian Umeh, aims to uphold ethical standards among traditional medicine practitioners and root out those involved in illicit activities. Umeh emphasized that the measure is part of efforts to ensure that native doctors do not aid or abet crime in the state.
“We decided to embark on the oath-taking measure to reaffirm our commitment to ethical practices and weed out any members involved in illicit activities,” Umeh stated. “It is also to ensure that those sent out to identify rogue native doctors will not be compromised. Some members were absent today, and those who could not take the oath have until next Monday to do so.”
Government Support for Ethical Practices
The Chairman of Orumba South Local Government, Shedrack Azubuike, represented by King Nwabueze, commended the initiative, describing it as aligned with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a secure and prosperous state. He noted that the oath-taking exercise reflects the community’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
State Government’s Stance on Traditional Medicine
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Don Onyenji, clarified that the state government is not against traditional medicine practitioners but is determined to eliminate fake native doctors who aid criminal activities. Speaking during a meeting with traditional medicine practitioners in Awka, Onyenji reiterated Governor Soludo’s support for Igbo culture and traditions.
“There has never been a time the governor said traditional practices and native doctors will end in Anambra. Rather, he wants to eradicate fake practitioners who aid and abet crime,” Onyenji said. “The state government recently established Agụnaechemba, a security outfit, to go after native doctors involved in criminal activities such as preparing charms for kidnappers, armed robbers, and ritualists.”
Native Doctors Back the Initiative
One of the native doctors, John Ahamkonye, expressed support for the oath-taking, highlighting the growing concern over the infiltration of fake practitioners within the community. He stressed that the measure is necessary to restore the integrity of traditional medicine and protect the community from criminal elements.
“The infiltration of fake practitioners has become a growing concern within our community. This oath-taking is a step in the right direction to ensure that only genuine and ethical practitioners are recognized,” Ahamkonye said.
A Step Toward a Safer Anambra
The oath-taking ceremony marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to rid Anambra State of criminal activities linked to unethical traditional practices. By holding themselves accountable and expelling rogue members, the native doctors are contributing to the state’s broader security and development goals.
As the deadline for absent members to take the oath approaches, the initiative is expected to strengthen the credibility of traditional medicine practitioners while supporting Governor Soludo’s vision of a safe and prosperous Anambra State.