Dr. Akintunde Ayeni on Business Continuity in Herbal Medicine

Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, a prominent figure in Nigeria's herbal medicine industry, asserts that businesses lacking continuity plans are destined to fail.

In an interview, he reflects on his 45-year journey in the sector, which includes establishing a network of 48 branches across Nigeria. Ayeni discusses the impact of fraud and the Boko Haram insurgency, which forced the closure of northern branches, leaving operations primarily in Abuja.

He emphasizes the need for a robust business model, citing the approval of his products by Nafdac and the shift towards a franchise model to alleviate operational burdens. Ayeni recalls his early experiences in traditional medicine, influenced by his father, a renowned herbalist.

He stresses the importance of credibility and character in business, noting that Nigeria's challenges stem from poor character rather than poor ideas. His vision for the future includes a greater integration of traditional medicine into the healthcare system, leveraging historical practices documented over centuries.