📝 Enugu State Mandates Registration for Native Doctors and Spiritual Practitioners

In a significant move to regulate traditional spiritual practices, the Enugu State Government has announced a mandatory registration process for all native doctors, herbalists, and spiritual practitioners, collectively referred to as "Ezenwanyi." This initiative aims to enhance oversight and curb illicit activities associated with unregulated spiritual practices.

• 📄 Registration Details

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• - Cost: The registration form is priced at ₦100,000.

• - Inclusions: This fee covers the issuance of a state certificate, an official ID card, and a certificate from the practitioner's local government area.

• - Deadline: Practitioners are urged to complete the registration promptly to avoid penalties.

The government has emphasized that failure to register could result in severe consequences, including the closure of unregistered shrines and legal action against non-compliant practitioners.

⚖️ Legislative Backing

This registration mandate is part of a broader legislative effort titled the "Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance, and Order" bill, proposed by Governor Peter Mbah. The bill seeks to:

- Outlaw harmful practices such as money rituals ("okite") and bulletproof charms ("odeshi").

- Prohibit the use of spiritual services to facilitate criminal activities.

- Impose strict penalties, including fines ranging from ₦1 million to ₦5 million and imprisonment terms of up to 20 years for severe offenses.

These measures aim to address the rising concerns over ritual killings and other crimes linked to unregulated spiritual practices in the state.

🗣️ Public Reaction

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some view it as a necessary step to sanitize spiritual practices and protect citizens, others express concerns about the potential impact on genuine traditional healers and the cultural significance of these practices.

This has left people in the comments buzzing 

USER okpotozor Samuel said that 

Churches should be included, a regulative body should be set up for the regulation of opening of churches at every given corner

USER obi Nwaezeobi said that 

He wants to know the active shrine he will be visiting in secret

USER Muhammad Onogu Abudulazeez asked 

How much for Enugu gods

USER MyLord Emeka Duke Aleke said 

Let the churches and ministries register first 

Churches should be included, a regulative body should be set up for the regulation of opening of churches at every given corner.