The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Stroke Unit on Wednesday organised free medical tests and distributed medications to indigent residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The outreach forms part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Stroke Day.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the Head of the Stroke Unit, Prof. Kolawole Wahab, said World Stroke Day 2025 underscores the urgent global call for action on stroke prevention, care, and recovery.
“The theme for this year, ‘Every Minute Counts,’ emphasizes the critical importance of timely intervention in saving lives from stroke,” Wahab said. He noted that hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke worldwide.
Wahab described Nigeria as the stroke capital of Africa due to the high prevalence of hypertension. “Stroke is very common in Nigeria, with about 114 people per 100,000 population affected. Every minute, six indigenous Africans suffer strokes, meaning 360 people are affected every hour. This is preventable,” he said.
He further explained that stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients and causing them to die within minutes.
Dr. Alaofin Adetunji, Consultant Neurologist at UITH, said the commemoration aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of stroke and strengthen the fight against the disease in the state.
Adetunji encouraged residents to recognise the signs of stroke using the acronym BE-FAST: Balance (sudden loss of balance), Eyes (vision problems), Face (drooping), Arm (weakness), Speech (slurred), and Time (urgent action required). He also warned against risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and recreational drug use.
Mrs. Tejumola Yinka, Deputy Director of Nursing, Stroke Care Unit, UITH, emphasized the importance of public education to enable early detection and timely intervention.
The outreach included screenings for hypertension and blood sugar levels, as well as the provision of free medications to participants.
