Former President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed that he unknowingly suffered 25 percent hearing loss, a condition he only discovered after undergoing a medical checkup.
Obasanjo made this revelation on Sunday while visiting the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman-Adamu, at his palace. He explained that many people are unaware of their hearing difficulties until they undergo proper medical evaluations.
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“I was abroad when I noticed I couldn’t hear someone talking to me clearly. I insisted nothing was wrong with my ears, but the person requested permission to check them,” Obasanjo recounted.
Following the examination, the result indicated that he had lost 25 percent of his hearing capacity. He added humorously, “I had to ask the man to check my Chief Security Officer’s ears as well, and shockingly, he was more deaf than I was.”
This experience inspired the creation of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, which, in collaboration with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, has provided hearing aids and ear treatment to thousands of Nigerians.
The former president also announced plans to distribute hearing aids to 10,000 indigent people in the North-East, beginning with 2,000 beneficiaries in Bauchi State. The initiative, called the ‘Sound Intervention Mission so Nigerians may hear,’ will be spearheaded by his foundation.
Obasanjo further stressed the need for collective efforts to address the security challenges facing Nigeria.
In response, Emir Suleiman-Adamu acknowledged Obasanjo’s commitment to the development of all regions in the country, highlighting that his presence in Bauchi underscores his dedication to national progress.
Obasanjo was warmly received by Governor Bala Mohammed, former Governor Adamu Mu’azu, Senator Abdul Ningi, and other top officials.
