A Consultant Neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Temitope Farombi, has warned that by 2030, Nigerians are projected to experience three times the current burden of brain disorders.
Farombi revealed that one in four persons in Nigeria has hypertension and one in six persons have diabetes, warning that in the next five years, Nigeria would experience three times neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, headache, insomnia, depression, and mental health disease.
The medical practitioner, who is a PhD holder in Global Health from the University of West London, disclosed this during the commissioning of her neuro-critical and neuro-rehabilitation service hospital in Ibadan, called Brain Centre.
The Brain Centre founder described the commissioning as a transformative moment in the history of healthcare in Nigeria, saying the facility stands a beacon of hope, innovation and excellence, committed to improving the lives of patients with neurological disorders.
She stated that the Centre is more than a hospital but a hub for cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, impactful research and a place where lives of patients and their families will be transformed, hope be restored, and where innovation will lead the way in tackling challenges of brain health.
Farombi said: “I have been trained abroad. So, I know we have the talent. We need government support to enact policies that will retain our best hands. I decided to stay back to provide for the community support, having been trained by the government for over 20 years. This is us giving back to society and giving back to the government.
“The centre stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and excellence committed to improving the lives of patients with neurological disorders. In Nigeria today, one in four persons has hypertension and also one in six persons have diabetes In Nigeria, These are major non-communicable diseases that are driving neurological conditions in Nigeria.
“We are here to support everyone with neurological disorders to recover and be reintegrated into the society. By 2030, Nigeria will experience three times the neurological conditions we currently have, like epilepsy, stroke, headache, insomnia, depression, and mental health diseases’’.
Prominent Nigerians graced the occasion. Among them were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Olatunde Farombi; the Director General, National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori; the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Chief Sharafadeen Alli; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abiodun Olatunji; Rev. Segun Adebowale of Grace and Mercy Ministries, Prof. Mojisola Atalabi of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan [UI], Mr. Bisi Olonimoyo from Lagos, Mr. Segun Farombi from Lagos, Mr and Mrs. Funmilola Alalibo, Mrs. Dupe Alonge from Ondo, Mrs. Edile Olonimoyo from London, Dr Tunde Ajala from UI, Dr Adenike Omotosho from London, Dr Wuraola Akande of the Pharmacy Department, UI; Mr and Mrs. Bukola Olonimoyo from Lagos, Dr Olufisayo Elugbadebo from UCH, a communication experts, Mrs. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan and others.
In her keynote address, the NACA DG, Dr Temitope Ilori described the hospital as a game changer, saying it would bridge a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system by addressing neurological emergencies and support the long term recovery of patients with complex neurological conditions.
According to the former Health Commissioner, the world-class facility is capable of addressing brain health for all Nigerians particularly for Persons Living with HIV(PLHIV). She said the hospital would transform lives and elevate the standard of healthcare in Nigeria.
“The Brain Centre symbolises hope for a future where specialized care is accessible to all. It reflects our shared commitment to building a healthcare system that prioritizes every aspect of health, including the often-overlooked domain of brain health.
“For PLHIV, the Brain Centre represents a future where no one is left behind, where every individual can live a life of dignity and purpose, regardless of the challenges they face’’, the DG said.
Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who was the chairman on the occasion, was represented by Dr Saka Adewunmi.
Alli said the centre was a testament to collective efforts to bring world-class healthcare services to Ibadan and urged that it serve as a model for innovative healthcare solutions in Nigeria and beyond.
The senator pledged continued legislative activities towards improvement of the nation’s healthcare and governance.
In their goodwill messages, Mr. Abiodun Olatunji (SAN), and Prof. Mojisola Atalabi, who lamented dilapidated health care delivery, charged national Assembly to vote enough funding to the nation’s health sector, and particularly the University College Hospital for a better dispensary.
