Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has offered to support colleagues who cannot afford medical tests, saying his decades-long experience with diabetes has reinforced the importance of regular health checks.
The 72-year-old actor disclosed that he had been living with diabetes since 1996 during an interview on actress Biola Adebayo’s Talk To B podcast, where he also discussed preventive healthcare and the need for entertainers to establish a collective medical support fund.
Kosoko said his experience with the condition had taught him to understand his body, recognise changes in his health and follow his medication routine.
“I became diabetic in 1996; I understand my health better than some doctors do. Do not misquote me. I am not saying I know how to do everything; I just do not want to die,” he said.
The actor cautioned against relying on herbal remedies to treat diabetes, urging patients to understand their conditions and take prescribed medication.
He also encouraged Nigerians to undergo routine medical examinations to detect potential health problems before they become serious.
Kosoko said undergoing a colonoscopy and other medical tests had further strengthened his resolve to help colleagues who could not afford such procedures.
He urged people not to postpone medical examinations until symptoms worsened, noting that early detection could make a difference in managing health conditions.
“After doing everything, if death eventually comes, to God be the glory. He knows when he wants to call you. But you need to try for yourself. It’s important. We should not wait until things get worse. Anybody can die anytime,” he said.
Kosoko also called on entertainers to set aside part of their earnings for healthcare, recommending that they dedicate 20 per cent of their income to personal wellbeing.
“Whatever amount you are making, 20% of it is not too much to take care of yourself. Use the remaining 80% for whatever you want to do. It’s important,” he said.
He advocated a trust fund through which members of the entertainment industry could contribute towards supporting practitioners facing medical and other financial challenges.
According to him, the fund should operate independently and receive contributions from practitioners, regardless of how much each person can afford.
“There is no way one person can actually settle you completely. Is it possible? You have different things besides ailments. You have other responsibilities,” he said.
The actor also advised people aged 40 and above to prioritise regular health checks and urged diabetic patients to take their medication as prescribed and practise moderation in their eating habits.
Beyond healthcare, Kosoko reflected on his personal life, revealing that he had lost three wives, including the mother of actress Bidemi Kosoko, who died during childbirth.
“I lost my wife during childbirth; that’s Bidemi’s mother. I have lost three wives,” he said.
He also spoke about his contribution to the Nigerian film industry, tracing his career to childhood.
“I started theatre at age 10, in 1964, and formed my own group in 1972. I can confidently say that I am one of the pioneers of this industry,” he said.
On parenting, Kosoko urged parents to avoid favouritism and ensure that all their children feel equally valued.
“Treat your children equally; let them know they’re equal in your mind,” he said.
The actor also acknowledged the benefits of social media while criticising what he considered inappropriate content shared by some users.
“When social media was coming, we were afraid. But now we use it to our advantage. Some use it uselessly. Must you shake your bumbum and talk about that jargon?” he asked.
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