Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he unknowingly experienced a 25% loss of hearing.
He made this revelation while paying a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleiman-Adamu, on Sunday.
During the visit, Mr. Obasanjo emphasized that many people live with hearing impairments without realizing it, only discovering the issue after undergoing medical tests.
He recounted his personal experience while abroad, where he struggled to hear someone clearly. Despite believing nothing was wrong with his hearing, the person suggested a check-up, which revealed that he had lost 25% of his hearing capacity.
Surprised by the result, Mr. Obasanjo also asked for his Chief Security Officer at the time to be tested, only to discover that his security officer had an even greater hearing loss.
This experience, Mr. Obasanjo noted, inspired the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation. Through a partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the foundation has provided ear treatments and hearing aids to thousands of Nigerians.
Mr. Obasanjo also announced plans to launch a hearing aid distribution initiative aimed at benefiting 10,000 less privileged individuals in the North-East region, starting in Bauchi State where 2,000 people will be served.
In his response, Emir Suleiman-Adamu expressed appreciation for Obasanjo’s continued dedication to the development and welfare of the country.
Mr. Obasanjo was welcomed to Bauchi by Governor Bala Mohammed, former Governor Adamu Mu’azu, Senator Abdul Ningi, and other top government officials.
