By Joy Onu
Abuja came alive on Friday as Nigeria’s foremost energy therapist and humanitarian, Chief Dr. Iwowarri Berian James, marked his 70th birthday alongside 21 years of pioneering energy therapy practice in the country. The event brought together professionals, policymakers, media executives, and practitioners to examine the role of trauma, emotional health, and human-centred governance in Nigeria’s development journey.
In his opening address, Dr. James said the nation’s growth would remain stunted if unresolved trauma and emotional imbalance continued to be ignored in public health and policy planning.
“We cannot live and live well when we are burdened by traumatic experiences,” he said. “Research has shown that over 80 to 85 per cent of physical health challenges have their roots in emotional imbalance. When emotional health is resolved, the body follows.”
He explained that neglecting emotional wellbeing contributes significantly to declining productivity, rising healthcare costs, and increased dependence on medical tourism, stressing that true national development must begin at the emotional and energetic level.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a testimony from a longtime student who credited energy therapy for her sustained health.
“This is the third year I have not been sick,” she said. “Energy therapy is not by mouth, it is by practice. I practice energy therapy every day. If you want joy, happiness and wellbeing, then you come to energy therapy.”
Speaking to journalists, Dr. James linked Nigeria’s growing medical brain drain to a lack of trust in the system and the absence of people-centred governance.
“Many professionals no longer trust the system. If the environment is right, people will not leave. Policies must be formulated with people at heart. We must care about human beings,” he said.
He also disclosed that, despite offers to relocate to Cameroon and Rwanda to train energy psychologists, he chose to remain in Nigeria, citing the country’s untapped human and developmental potential.
“Nigeria has enormous growth potential, but we cannot grow with the same mindset. Behavioural change, mind transformation and character change are essential, and they cannot happen without emotional healing,” he said.
Dr. James announced plans to convene a National Energy Therapy Conference, noting that while funding has remained a major challenge throughout more than two decades of self-funded practice, he remains resolute in ensuring that energy therapy and trauma healing are embraced for the wellbeing of every Nigerian. He called for national involvement and institutional support to expand the reach and impact of this healing practice.
Tributes poured in from dignitaries and professionals, including Hon. Ene, Nigeria’s first female publisher, Mrs. Hussaina Akila Bangshi (MNI), former Director-General of Radio Nigeria, and Joy Onu, Publisher of Liberal News and TV host among others. Speakers described Dr. James as a trailblazer, humanitarian, and teacher of teachers whose work is dedicated to the healing and survival of humanity.
Special recognition was given to Lady Ene, described as an embodiment of sacrifice and volunteerism, whose unwavering support was acknowledged as central to Dr. James’ humanitarian journey.
Widely recognised as a pioneer of African integrative healing, Dr. James is celebrated for developing therapeutic modalities such as Cosmic Color In-Vocation Technique (CCIT), Meridian Tapping and Chakra Stimulation (METACS), and Whole Body Flushing (WBF). His work integrates indigenous African knowledge with contemporary psychology, subtle energy science, and consciousness studies.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. James reflected on the relationship between science, spirituality, and emotional health, describing human beings as vibrational entities whose emotional states directly affect wellbeing.
“Anger, fear, frustration and grief create blockages,” he said. “Energy therapy helps remove these blockages and restore balance. Healing is not magical; it is scientifically validated.”
A father and grandfather, Dr. James reiterated his commitment to helping Nigerians overcome trauma, PTSD, addiction, and performance challenges, particularly among underserved populations.
The event ended with a call for greater national attention to emotional health, with participants agreeing that personal healing and national transformation are closely linked.
