Radio host and movie promoter, Alhaji Femi Adio, widely recognized as Femi Adio Wonder, has been grappling with diabetes over the last three years. He shares his experiences and the economic challenges he faces regarding his medical care with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI.

For how long have you been hosting programs?

It’s been nearly 25 years since I began my career as a presenter and film marketer. However, long before that, I had been involved in this field from a very young age. I work independently as a freelance presenter.

I previously hosted programs at Radio Lagos until Eko FM was established. Once Eko FM began operating, all those shows were transferred over. Additionally, throughout my career, I have served as an independent broadcaster for various radio outlets, such as Paramount FM in Abeokuta.

Not long ago, you shared some details regarding your battles with health issues. Could you provide more information on this topic? At what point did you first become aware of these problems?

To be honest, I wasn’t aware of it initially. My body was sending signals, yet I overlooked them. It would have been better if I had recognized it sooner before it turned into such a severe issue.

What is the state of someone’s health?

I suffer from diabetes. The expenses to control this condition have been astronomical. I’ve had to sell all my properties, vehicles, and possessions, retaining only the home where I reside now in Abule Oko, Ogun State.

A fellow colleague, who is also a presenter, motivated me to voice my concerns and seek assistance. Initially, I declined because I felt embarrassed. I informed him, “In the past, I was someone who gave support; I didn’t wish to turn into someone asking for aid.” However, later on, Seun Adeboye, sibling of the deceased Gbenga Adeboye, contacted me. She urged me to recount my experiences so others could understand what I had been enduring. It was at this point that I resolved to break my silence.

For how long have you been struggling with this condition?

It has been three years now.

In what ways has this impacted your everyday routine?

It has been incredibly tough. For the last three years, I’ve had trouble working. I often feel tearful. This was not something I ever thought would happen to me. It pains me when others say, “You’re a wonderful person; you shouldn’t have to go through such suffering.”

The agony is excruciating. I’m having trouble walking correctly. Each stride feels as though I’m stepping on sharp nails or shards of glass. To be honest, I have no desire to pass away.

Has anybody offered you their backing?

Yes, I’ve received some assistance, for which I’m profoundly thankful. Occasionally, these contributions are modest sums like ₦5,000, ₦2,000, ₦1,000, or sometimes as little as ₦500. While they may appear insignificant to others, each naira holds immense value for me since it signifies that individuals genuinely care. This serves as a reminder that I’m not facing this challenge alone.

My coworkers have shown remarkable support, backing me up in unexpected ways. Their encouraging words, frequent follow-ups, and readiness to assist with even small tasks provide me with great strength. I am deeply grateful for them beyond what words can convey.

I particularly wish to express my gratitude to Alhaji Pasuma (Wasiu Alabi Wonder). His contribution went beyond sending funds; he offered encouragement. The N2 million he provided wasn’t merely financial assistance—it signaled that another individual recognized my challenges and took action to help. Such generosity is uncommon, and I am deeply appreciative of this gesture.

I also wish to express deep gratitude towards individuals like Asiwaju Akeem Enudunjuyo, Alhaji Fatai Bantale, along with numerous others whose names escape me. The kindness shown by people has often moved me to tears. There’s no obligation for them to assist me, but they choose to do so anyway. They aren’t indebted to me in any way, yet they generously offer what they can from their own hearts. May God richly bless all these wonderful souls.

However, despite all the support from others, realistically speaking, this cannot go on indefinitely. Eventually, these individuals might feel exhausted. To be frank, I completely empathize with them. Each person faces their own challenges. Everyone’s life is difficult nowadays, particularly in Nigeria where times are extremely challenging. Given how tough things are at present, constantly reaching out to the same group of helpers each time isn’t feasible either.

In what manner have you been settling your bill payments?

The most challenging aspect of this journey is realizing that even though my requirements persist, others’ ability to provide support has limits. Seeing my bills accumulate and feeling powerless is distressing, as I cannot constantly depend on assistance from others. I wish not to become a burden; I dread the thought of people reacting negatively whenever they notice my calls coming through.

This is why I continue to pray, believing that somehow, God will create a path forward. The compassion I’ve experienced fuels my perseverance through even the toughest times. To all those who have assisted me—regardless of whether their help was significant or minor—I want them to understand that their kindness has sustained me. Their encouragement has granted me additional days and opportunities to struggle onward. For this reason, I feel an eternal sense of thankfulness.

Has anyone expressed negative feelings towards you?

Certainly. People are currently mocking me, and some have been spreading the word to stop contributing funds for my sake.

Honestly, I am at a loss. I’ve examined my own feelings, revisited previous conversations, and attempted to figure out what might have warranted this kind of behavior from others. Despite all these efforts, I still come up empty-handed. This leads me to believe it must be rooted in sheer animosity. There are individuals who simply hold a grudge against you regardless of your actions. Those very people whom I once backed unconditionally, even standing beside them during their times of distress, are now among those spreading negative comments about me.

I hear their whispers: “Don’t help him; he’ll only squander the money on alcohol.” Can you believe it? Even in my present state, enduring all these challenges, they continue to portray me as irresponsible and unworthy of compassion.

It causes pain. These are individuals who have shared meals at my table and whom I supported during difficult moments; however, now they ridicule me and attempt to prevent others from assisting me.

Yet, I cling to a single certainty: only those who are alive can recognize who seeks to undermine them. I am convinced that death won’t claim me. I reject the idea of letting their words shatter my resolve.

Nonetheless, it hasn’t been an easy journey. Whenever you observe me strolling along, you might feel sorry for me. I’m no longer the dynamic and lively individual I once was. In earlier days, folks would commend my vigor, zeal, and capacity to labor endlessly without rest. Today, even taking several strides leaves me fearing that my legs may buckle beneath me. My physique has grown frail, and my resolve has faced trials beyond anything I could have anticipated.

The hardest part for me is that everyone spoke well of me initially. I led a quiet life, focused on my tasks and stayed out of trouble. It was only afterward that negative comments began when people found out Pasuma gave me ₦2 million.

It was at this point that the attacks started. Individuals who previously showed no concern for my struggles were now offering their unsolicited views on my life. Despite him having aided me less than three months ago, people have begun confronting me over it.

Rather than feeling glad about getting assistance, they seem upset. Instead of offering support during this tough period, they are attempting to alienate me from others. This prompts me to question their intentions. Could it be that they prefer seeing me perish? Or maybe they would like to witness my family endure hardships?

Although I’m facing challenges, I remain present. I have faith that someday, I’ll reflect upon all this suffering and deceit and realize they were merely a fleeting moment, a tempest that has subsided. In the meantime, I will continue pressing onward, regardless of the obstacles.

Now that Pasuma has made their donation, have you received adequate medical care?

No, not entirely. Currently, I can only manage short-term treatments due to financial constraints. Occasionally, I turn to herbal remedies to cut down expenses. However, the physicians suggested that I should go to India for adequate care. My health has deteriorated to the point where partial strokes occur; some days, I struggle with basic mobility.

The discomfort I experience as a diabetes sufferer is intolerable. As previously stated, every time I take a step, it feels like walking on sharp nails or shards of glass. Each stride is agony. However, it’s not limited to walking; the pain persists constantly, manifesting as an intense, searing feeling that doesn’t subside.

During nighttime, it becomes even more unbearable. My legs ache so badly that sleeping is difficult. Occasionally, it feels as though burning pins are jabbing my feet, while at other times, the numbness is so extreme that I can barely feel whether my legs are present or not.

I feel frail, with energy levels plummeting unexpectedly, and even basic activities such as staying upright for a short while or moving about can turn into draining struggles.

Living with diabetes isn’t simply about steering clear of sugar; it’s a condition that impacts your whole being. Cuts and bruises heal more slowly, tingling sensations run rampant through the nerves, and at times, it seems as though my own body has turned against me. Despite these challenges, hope persists within me. It comes from my belief in something greater, the unwavering affection of loved ones, and the generosity of those who stand beside me.

Even though it hurts, I tell myself that as long as I’m still breathing, there’s optimism, and this is what propels me forward.

What is the cost of the treatment for you?

It will cost N20m.

How is your family responding to this situation?

To be honest, they’ve gone above and beyond what anyone could expect of them. My wife and kids have provided immense support—emotionally and practically speaking. I’ve got young ones who are still attending classes, yet even with all we’re dealing with due to my condition, they stay resilient for me. They lift me up through prayer, keep encouraging me, and constantly reassure me that I’m not facing this struggle alone.

However, despite all the affection and encouragement, this path hasn’t been an easy one. diabetes isn’t merely an illness; it’s a state of being that transforms your whole existence. I long for my former self. I yearn for the times when I could effortlessly go about without worrying over discomfort or exhaustion.

I long for the times when I didn’t have to meticulously track each bite of food, every movement, and even the tiniest injury, aware that a minor issue could rapidly turn into a serious health emergency. Adjusting to this new reality has been among the most challenging experiences I’ve faced. There are days when it feels as though my body isn’t truly my own anymore.

How old are you?

I’m 54 years old, and with God’s grace, I’ll turn 55 this year.

From the total of N20 million, how much have you managed to raise up until now?

Glory to God, I’ve received some assistance. The funds Pasuma sent remain untouched. Therefore, I’m still searching for an additional N18 million. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the support from others, who have contributed modest sums like N500, N1,000, N2,000, or N5,000; however, further aid is necessary.

Each bit of assistance helps, and I am truly grateful for it. However, honestly, things haven’t been simple. My family’s needs continue, and this duty doesn’t lessen due to my health issues.

Have you experienced any remorse up until now?

None at all!

Besides your role as a presenter, do you engage in any other part-time work or hobbies?

It’s not happening right now. But during my teenage years, I actually worked as a professional barber. I began earning money from that profession prior to discovering my true calling in presenting and film marketing.

Despite starting to earn significantly more money, I’ve never led an extravagant lifestyle. I avoided purchasing costly footwear or garments solely for the purpose of making others envious. Contentment has always come from maintaining a modest way of life for me.

A lot of your supporters are really worried about your well-being. Is there anything you’d like to tell them?

I feel profoundly thankful for their affection, support through prayer, and care. I’m amazed at how God has kept me alive regardless of all circumstances. To them, my message is straightforward: continue spreading goodness. The future is uncertain, yet acts of kindness have great impact.

Many hosts have sadly moved on due to health issues. This is my chance to urge those struggling with sickness not to endure silently. Share your concerns, get assistance, and always stay hopeful. Remember, ‘Good health is invaluable.’ Even when things seem dire, keep hoping for better days ahead. I require support since I do not wish to perish; life seems grim right now.”

What are your account details so that someone can assist you?

Adio Obafemi Murita

1581000914 Eco bank

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