Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed a personal health challenge that left him partially deaf without his knowledge. Speaking in Bauchi, the former president shared that he had suffered a 25% hearing loss before it was diagnosed, and the experience changed his perspective on hearing health.
Obasanjo, who was in Bauchi to visit the Emir, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman-Adamu, disclosed this during his speech at the emir’s palace on Sunday. He explained that many people, like himself, may be suffering from hearing loss but remain unaware of it until they undergo medical checks.
“I was abroad when I noticed that I couldn’t hear clearly,” Obasanjo recounted. “Someone was talking to me, and I kept insisting that nothing was wrong with my ears. However, the person suggested that I should get my ears checked.”
The clinical analysis, he said, showed he had lost 25% of his hearing.
Obasanjo shared how the diagnosis took him by surprise. “When the result came out, I was shocked. I had no idea that I was partially deaf,” he said. “I then asked the doctor to check the hearing of my Chief Security Officer, and to my amazement, his hearing was worse than mine!”
The revelation inspired Obasanjo to take action to help others who might be living with undiagnosed hearing problems. This led to the creation of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, which focuses on ear treatment and provides hearing aids to Nigerians in need.
In collaboration with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, Obasanjo’s foundation has already helped thousands of Nigerians to hear better.
Obasanjo announced that his foundation is now embarking on a new project to distribute hearing aids to 10,000 indigent Nigerians across the Northeast region. The initiative, tagged the *”Sound Intervention Mission,”* is set to begin in Bauchi State, where 2,000 people will receive free hearing aids.
Obasanjo emphasized the importance of this mission, noting that hearing loss is often overlooked in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
“Many people are going about their daily lives without realizing they have hearing problems,” Obasanjo said. “It’s only when they get tested that they find out, just as I did.”
The Sound Intervention Mission will work to ensure that those in need of hearing aids, particularly in remote and underserved areas, receive the necessary support.
During his speech in Bauchi, Obasanjo also touched on the importance of national security. He stressed that every Nigerian must contribute to efforts to combat the country’s growing security challenges.
“All hands must be on deck to tackle the insecurity in the country,” Obasanjo declared. He urged both government and citizens to work together to find lasting solutions to issues such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which continue to affect many regions of the country.
The former president’s message was well-received by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman-Adamu. The emir praised Obasanjo for his dedication to the development and progress of all regions of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, your presence here today shows your deep commitment to the well-being of our people,” the emir said. “We are grateful for your efforts, especially with the *Sound Intervention Mission*, which will greatly benefit the people of Bauchi State.”
After leaving office, the former president established the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation to address pressing social issues, including poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and healthcare. The foundation has since expanded its focus to include hearing health, particularly after Obasanjo’s own experience with partial deafness.
The foundation’s collaboration with the Starkey Hearing Foundation has made it one of the leading organizations in Nigeria focused on hearing treatment. Thousands of Nigerians have already benefited from the free provision of hearing aids, improving their quality of life.
Obasanjo’s visit to Bauchi also served as a reminder of his ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s progress. In previous speeches, he has emphasized the need for the country to maximize its potential and avoid squandering its God-given resources.
“God did not create Nigeria to struggle,” Obasanjo stated during a separate event. “We have been blessed with abundant resources, yet we have squandered these gifts. We must now rise to the challenge of building a better nation for future generations.”