To promote natural healing, reduce dependence on chemical-based treatments, and advance holistic medicine, The Art of Living Centre Nigeria, also known as Lekki Ashram, has inaugurated a new Ayurveda Centre in Lagos as part of an integrated approach to health and wellness.

The initiative aims to complement conventional medicine, promote environmental sustainability, and encourage healthier lifestyles through alternative therapeutic practices.

At the opening ceremony in Lagos, the organisation’s Global Head of Mission, Mr Iyke Ohaegbu, said the centre would serve as a hub for wellness activities, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises designed to relieve stress and enhance mental well-being.

Ohaegbu explained that Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating from India, focuses on maintaining balance between the mind, body, and spirit. He added that the centre’s offerings, which include yoga sessions, natural therapy, and holistic wellness programmes, are tailored to help Nigerians achieve a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.

He emphasised that the centre’s mission aligns with the organisation’s broader goal of advancing health and environmental sustainability, adding that it seeks to build partnerships that enhance healthcare delivery while reducing the chemical footprint that contributes to environmental degradation and climate change.

A member of the organisation’s Board of Trustees, Mrs Julie Van Vleke, described the new centre as a “courageous and timely initiative,” noting its relevance at a time when Nigeria faces economic challenges and increasing health demands.

She disclosed that the group is advocating for the introduction of a Bachelor of Ayurveda degree in Nigerian universities, equivalent to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), to formally integrate holistic medicine into the nation’s medical education system.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Habeeb Sanni called for stronger collaboration between government institutions and stakeholders to support the development and regulation of traditional and alternative medicine.

“We are engaging with the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, and the National Assembly to ensure legal backing for the monitoring and growth of traditional medical systems,” he said.

Sanni commended the organisation’s efforts, describing the centre’s launch as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing drive to blend ancient healing wisdom with modern healthcare delivery.