By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Prof. Kolawole Wahab, the Head of the Stroke Unit at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), has said one out of every four cases of stroke in Nigeria occurs in young adults.
Wahab stated this on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 World Stroke Day, themed: “Every Minute Counts”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is observed globally on Oct. 29, which emphasize that rapid intervention saves lives and limits brain damage.
The expert said from a study published in 2017, data had already been documented on stroke in the young.
“When we talk about stroke in the young, we are talking about those who are below the age of 50.
“One out of every four cases of stroke in Nigeria could be a case of stroke in the young. The prevalence is as high as 25 per cent.
“We see people who are in their 40’s, some in their 30’s coming down with stroke,” he lamented.
Wahab described the burden of stroke as an epidemic in this part of the world, with at least one to two patients seen daily in the emergency room of the UITH.
He identified hypertension as the leading risk factor for stroke in Nigeria.
He warned that many patients abandon orthodox medication for unproven remedies, leaving their blood pressure uncontrolled.
According to him, up to nine out of every 10 stroke cases have hypertension as an underlying factor.
Wahab explained further that beyond hypertension, diabetes is another major risk factor, noting that some people live with diabetes without knowing, while others who know are nonchalant about its management.
“It is until they have suffered from stroke that they become aware they have diabetes,” he said.
He also listed imbalance of fat in the blood as a risk factor, saying that while the body needs and produces fat, an imbalance between good and bad fat can lead to stroke.
The expert warned against smoking, drinking, use of hard drugs and sedentary lifestyle.
The neurologist advised moderation in salt consumption, warning against adding table salt after food is already prepared, especially for persons diagnosed with hypertension.
Also speaking, a Consultant Neurologist with UITH, Dr Wemimo Olaofin, advised on regular blood pressure checks as part of measures to prevent stroke.
Olaofin described stroke as a sudden medical condition that can occur at any time but noted that the risk could be reduced through preventive measures and proper health management.
He urged members of the public to monitor their blood pressure regularly and adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce their risk of stroke.
In her address, the Deputy Director of Nursing in charge of the Stroke Care Unit, Mrs Tejumola Olayinka said this year’s commemoration was aimed at creating awareness to reduce stroke and promote early hospital presentation.
“Stroke case is an emergency case that requires timely intervention. We can reduce the number of mortality and also reduce the number of people with stroke,” she said.
She explained that stroke comes suddenly, “like a slap,” and outlined signs to watch out for, including facial drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech.
Olayinka warned that people should quickly be rushed down to hospital in time for healthcare intervention.
She also cautioned against non-compliance with medication among stroke patients, noting that many know their status but fail to adhere to prescribed treatment.
NAN reports that sidelines of the programme includes sensitization rally across the teaching hospital and medical outreach at the hospital and the Kwara State Government House.
Some beneficiaries of the medical outreach Mr Jimoh Abdullateef and Mrs Fatima Abdulazeez commended the medical team for the free medical outreach and distribution of drugs.
