Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted a significant health challenge he faced, revealing that he experienced a 25 percent hearing loss without being aware of it at the time. This revelation sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of gradual hearing impairment that many individuals worldwide encounter without realizing the severity of their condition.
Obasanjo shared this important information during a visit to Bauchi on Sunday, where he paid homage to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman-Adamu. His visit was part of his broader commitment to community engagement and awareness around health issues that affect many Nigerians.[/p>
According to Obasanjo, many people around the globe are living with hearing impairments without realizing it. He noted that it often takes a medical examination to uncover these hidden issues, as individuals may not notice the gradual changes in their hearing ability until it reaches a critical point. This underscores the importance of regular health check-ups and awareness regarding hearing health.[/p>
He recounted a personal experience while he was abroad, stating that he struggled to hear clearly when someone was speaking to him. Initially, he insisted that nothing was wrong with his ears. However, the person he was speaking with asked for permission to check his ears, which eventually led to a clinical examination. Obasanjo revealed that the results indicated he was 25 percent deaf, a shocking discovery that highlighted the need for increased awareness of hearing loss.[/p>
“After my result came out, I had to ask the man to also check on my Chief Security Officer then, but shockingly enough, he was more deaf than I was,” he shared, illustrating how hearing loss can be more common than people realize, even among those in positions of authority and responsibility.[/p>
This personal experience served as a catalyst for the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, which has been actively involved in addressing hearing-related issues within Nigeria. He emphasized that thousands of Nigerians have benefited from the foundation's efforts, particularly in providing ear treatments and hearing aids in collaboration with the Starkey Hearing Foundation. This partnership has made a significant impact on the lives of many who suffer from hearing impairments, facilitating access to essential medical support and devices.[/p>
Obasanjo announced plans to inaugurate the distribution of hearing aids targeting approximately 10,000 indigent people in the North-East region of Nigeria. He stated that the initiative would begin in Bauchi State, where 2,000 individuals would receive hearing aids as part of the exercise, which he described as a ‘Sound Intervention Mission so Nigerians may hear.’ This initiative aims to provide essential support and resources to those who need them the most, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to improving health outcomes across the country.[/p>
In addition to addressing health challenges, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of collective efforts in tackling the security challenges facing Nigeria. He called for collaboration among all stakeholders to create safer communities and promote overall national development. This statement reflects his ongoing concern for the well-being of the nation and its citizens, reinforcing the need for unity in overcoming shared challenges.[/p>
In response to Obasanjo’s visit, Sulriman-Adamu expressed gratitude, noting that Obasanjo’s presence in the state signifies his deep commitment to the development and progress of all regions in Nigeria. This acknowledgment underscores the respect and recognition Obasanjo commands within various communities and leadership circles in the country.[/p>
During the visit, Obasanjo was received warmly by prominent figures, including Gov. Bala Mohammed, ex-Gov. Adamu Mu’azu, Sen. Abdul Ningi, and other top government functionaries. Their presence further highlighted the significance of the former president’s initiatives and the collaborative spirit needed to address the pressing issues facing the nation today.