The Orashi National Congress, ONC, a notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, has paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, Prof. Amb. Onyeche Promise Obinna, President of the Supreme Royal Association of Traditional and Herbal Medicine Practitioners, SURATHMP.
The visit, led by the President General of ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, took place on Friday, August 21, 2025.
During the visit, Ambassador Ibe briefed HRH Prof. Obinna on the mission and objectives of the Orashi National Congress, with particular focus on peace-building, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and security advocacy across the Orashi region and the wider Niger Delta.
He said the Congress remains committed to promoting unity, sensitizing communities against crime, and working with traditional institutions to advance grassroots development.
In his response, HRH Prof. Amb. Onyeche Promise Obinna thanked the Congress for the visit and commended ONC for its consistent sensitisation campaigns against crime and social vices in the region.
He emphasized the need for government and stakeholders to give the right attention and recognition to Traditional and Herbal Medicine Practitioners, noting that their role in healthcare delivery is critical.
The monarch said SURATHMP is a government-registered association that is actively contributing to solving some of the challenges in the health sector through traditional, cultural and herbal products.
“Our association is doing its best in bringing solutions to the myriad of challenges in the health sector through the use of traditional, cultural and herbal products. We should be commended for our contributions to healthcare and wellness at the grassroots,” he stated.
HRH Prof. Obinna added that traditional medicine remains an integral part of African heritage and must be integrated properly into the nation’s health system for effective and affordable service delivery.
The royal father also used the opportunity to campaign for religious and cultural tolerance, urging Nigerians to respect diverse beliefs and traditions as a pathway to national unity and peace.
He assured the ONC leadership of his support and willingness to collaborate on programmes that promote health, culture, and community development in Orashi land and beyond.
Ambassador Ibe expressed appreciation to the monarch for his warm reception and pledged that ONC will continue to partner with traditional institutions and professional bodies to advance the wellbeing of the people.
The visit ended with prayers for peace, progress and development in Orashi, Rivers State and the Niger Delta.