By Esther Onyegbula

A stroke expert, Dr. Hammed Ninalowo, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s limited capacity to manage stroke emergencies, revealing that only two hospitals in the country are fully equipped and designated as stroke-ready facilities.

He made the disclosure in Lagos at the launch of Unmerited Grace, a memoir by stroke survivor, Temi Edun, where he stressed the urgent need for improved awareness, infrastructure and emergency response systems to tackle the growing burden of stroke in Nigeria.

According to Ninalowo, the two facilities, Euracare and First Cardiology Consultants remain the only centres currently capable of delivering comprehensive, time-sensitive stroke care, a situation he described as inadequate for a country of over 200 million people.
“Stroke care is extremely time-dependent. Every second counts. The faster a patient gets the right intervention, the better the chances of survival and recovery,” he said.

Recounting a recent case, Ninalowo narrated how a patient was transported overnight from Enugu to Lagos for urgent treatment and made a strong recovery, underscoring the importance of rapid response and access to specialised care.
The event, held at The Wheatbaker Hotel, drew a distinguished audience and served as both a literary unveiling and a platform for advocacy on stroke awareness and prevention.

The memoir, authored by Temi Edun, chronicles her personal journey through stroke and recovery, weaving together perspectives from medical professionals, family members and friends. It offers insight into the physical and emotional toll of the condition on both patients and caregivers.

Speaking at the event, the author’s husband and Chief Executive Officer of Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun, described the experience as life-altering, noting that the family had largely kept the ordeal private until now.

“This book is not just about our journey, it is about giving hope and creating awareness so that others can recognise the signs early and act quickly,” he said.

Temi Edun, in her remarks, emphasised resilience and faith in her recovery process, while encouraging Nigerians to prioritise their health through regular checks and prompt medical attention.

In line with the advocacy theme, organisers provided complimentary blood pressure checks for attendees to promote early detection and prevention of stroke-related risks.
A roundtable discussion featuring Ninalowo, the author, and Dr. Folakemi Edun, a London-based physician involved in the recovery process, further examined gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system and the need for improved stroke management. The session, moderated by Channels Television’s Book Club host, Kunle Kasumu, also drew participation from the audience, who shared personal experiences and concerns.

The book was officially unveiled by Gboyega Fatimilehin, with proceeds earmarked for charitable initiatives supporting stroke patients, particularly in accessing physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that the low number of stroke-ready facilities highlights a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system, calling for increased investment, public education and policy attention to address what they described as a growing public health challenge.