Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has revealed that he has been living with diabetes since 1996, offering a rare glimpse into his decades-long experience with the condition while reflecting on personal tragedies, his career and family life.
Kosoko made the disclosure during an interview on African-a-list, uploaded to YouTube on Saturday, where he explained that his years of managing the condition had given him a deeper understanding of his health.
“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,” the actor said.
His remarks underscored his determination to remain informed about his health, although he clarified that his comments were not a claim to know everything about managing the condition.
The actor also opened up about the personal losses he has endured, revealing that he had lost three wives. Among them was the mother of his daughter, Bidemi Kosoko, who died during childbirth.
“I lost my wife during childbirth; that’s Bidemi’s mother. I have lost three wives,” he said.
The disclosure offered a glimpse into the private grief behind the public career of one of Nollywood’s veteran performers, whose decades in the entertainment industry have made him a familiar figure to generations of Nigerian audiences.
A Career That Began In Childhood
Kosoko also reflected on his long association with theatre, tracing his involvement in the performing arts to his childhood.
He said he began theatre at the age of 10 in 1964 and established his own theatre group in 1972, describing his experience as evidence of his longstanding contribution to the development of Nigeria’s film and theatre industries.
“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.
His account highlights the journey from early theatrical performances to a career spanning several decades, during which he became one of the recognised figures in Nigerian entertainment.
Parenting And Social Media
Beyond his health and career, Kosoko offered advice on parenting, urging mothers and fathers to ensure that every child feels equally valued within the family.
“Treat your children equally; let them know they’re equal in your mind,” he said.
He also reflected on the changing role of social media, recalling that the platform initially generated apprehension but had since become a useful tool for many people.
“When social media was coming, we were afraid. But now we use it to our advantage. Some use it uselessly,” he said, questioning the nature of some content shared online.
His comments touched on the tension between social media’s opportunities for expression and the concerns surrounding how some users employ their platforms.
From managing a long-term health condition to coping with family bereavement and building a career that began in childhood, Kosoko’s reflections offered a personal account of the experiences that have shaped his life. His message on parenting, meanwhile, returned to a simple principle: every child should feel loved, valued and treated fairly.
