Jide Kosoko Reveals 30-Year Journey Living With Diabetes

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has disclosed that he has been living with diabetes since 1996, offering a personal account of his long-term experience with the condition and its impact on his understanding of his health.

The 72-year-old actor made the revelation during an interview . Speaking about his experience, Kosoko said decades of managing the condition had made him more familiar with his body and health needs.

“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.

Kosoko’s disclosure highlights a health journey spanning approximately three decades, during which he has continued to maintain a prominent presence in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Depending on the type and individual circumstances, management may involve medication, monitoring blood glucose levels, appropriate nutrition, physical activity and regular medical consultations. Although personal experience can help people recognise changes in their health, medical supervision remains important in preventing complications and supporting long-term wellbeing.

Kosoko did not provide detailed information about his current treatment or the specific measures he follows to manage his condition in the reported interview.

Beyond his health, the veteran actor has built a career spanning several decades, beginning his involvement in theatre as a child. He previously recalled starting theatre at the age of 10 in 1964 and establishing his own theatre group in 1972.

His latest disclosure adds a personal dimension to the story of an actor whose career has been closely associated with the development of Nigeria’s film and theatre industries.

Kosoko’s experience also brings attention to the importance of sustained healthcare awareness, particularly among professionals whose demanding schedules can make consistent medical attention difficult. His account serves as a reminder that chronic health conditions can require lifelong attention, regardless of a person’s public profile or professional achievements.

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko reveals he has lived with diabetes since 1996, reflecting on his long-term health journey and decades in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.