Deaths from non-communicable diseases, NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure and renal failure account for 36 million people yearly in Nigeria and other developing countries.

According to Prof Abdul RasaqAkande, cardiovascular diseases alone account for most NCD deaths, representing 17.3 million people annually, followed by cancer, 7.6 million; respiratory diseases, 4.2 million; and diabetes, 1.3 million.

The Professor of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Heath Sciences, University of Ilorin, made the startling revelations while delivering the university’s 144th Inaugural Lecture entitled: "From Nothing to Something: Evidence is the Best Teacher", in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He explained that these four groups of diseases, which account for about 80 percent of all NCDs deaths, share many risk factors such as physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.

According to him, about 20-30 percent of Nigerians would suffer from diabetes and hypertension in 2020. The don asserted that the diseases were predominantly the result of poor and western lifestyle choices, adding that diets high in sugar, cholesterol and fat, widespread smoking and excessive alcohol intake at a young age were among the major lifestyle causes of NCDs.

"To ensure that the body remains in optimal condition, regular exercises, dietary discipline, compliance with prescribed medications, and routine health checks are needed," Prof.Akande stated.