‘I don’t want to die’ – Jide Kosoko

By Tolulope Oke

Veteran Nigerian actor Jide Kosoko has said he almost died during a medical procedure, while recounting his 30-year struggle with diabetes.

Speaking on the Africa A-List podcast, Kosoko said he had deliberately managed his health since being diagnosed in 1996 because he wanted to stay alive.

“I’ve been diabetic since 1996 till date, and I’ve continued to maintain myself because I don’t want to die at all,” he said.

The actor also recounted undergoing a colonoscopy, during which he said he was put to sleep.

“They said they wanted to check every part of my body to know if there are any traces of cancer. They put me to sleep. And I almost died,” he said.

Kosoko made the disclosures while responding to criticism that he attended social functions when a colleague was ill.

He questioned why his presence at parties should suggest that he had no health challenges of his own.

“They said someone is sick and Jide Kosoko still went to parties. Why shouldn’t I attend a party?” he asked.

The actor urged his colleagues to pay attention to their health and undergo regular medical check-ups.