I sold my house, cars because of diabetes – Ailing radio presenter
Radio presenter and film marketer, Alhaji Femi Adio, popularly known as Femi Adio Wonder, who has been battling diabetes for the past three years, opens up to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about his struggles and the financial burden of his treatment
How long have you been a presenter?
It has been almost 25 years now since I started as a presenter and film marketer. But even before that, I had been doing this since I was a child. I’m an independent presenter, a freelancer.
I used to run programmes on Radio Lagos before Eko FM was created. When Eko FM came into existence, all the programmes were moved there. Over the years, I’ve also worked as a freelance presenter on several radio stations, including Paramount FM in Abeokuta.
Recently, you made a post about your health struggles. Can you tell us about it? When did you first notice something was wrong?
Honestly, I didn’t realise it at first. My body had been giving me signs, but I ignored them. I wish I had known earlier before it became this serious.
What is the health condition?
I have diabetes. I’ve spent an unimaginable amount of money trying to manage it. I’ve sold my houses, my cars, and everything I owned, except for the house I currently live in at Abule Oko, Ogun State.
One of my colleagues, also a presenter, was the one who encouraged me to speak out and ask for help. At first, I refused. I was too ashamed. I told him, “I used to be a giver; I don’t want to become a beggar.” But then, Seun Adeboye, the younger sister of the late Gbenga Adeboye, reached out to me. She pleaded with me to share my story, to let people know what I was going through. That was when I finally decided to open up.
How long have you been battling this illness?
It’s been three years now.
How has it affected your daily life?
It has been unbelievably difficult. I haven’t been able to work for the past three years. I cry a lot. I never imagined that I would ever find myself in this situation. It breaks my heart when people tell me, “You’re a good person; you don’t deserve to suffer like this.”
The pain is unbearable. I can’t walk properly. Every step feels like I’m walking on nails or broken bottles. And honestly, I don’t want to die.
Has anyone shown you support?
Yes, I have received some support, and I am deeply grateful. Sometimes, I get little amounts—N5,000, N2,000, N1,000, or even N500. To some, it might seem small, but to me, every single naira means the world because it shows that people still care. It reminds me that I am not alone in this battle.
My colleagues have also been incredibly supportive, standing by me in ways I never expected. Their words of encouragement, their constant check-ins, and their willingness to help, no matter how little, give me strength. I truly appreciate them more than words can express.
I want to especially thank Alhaji Pasuma (Wasiu Alabi Wonder). He didn’t just send me money; he gave me hope. When he sent N2m, it wasn’t just about the money; it was a sign that someone out there saw my struggle and cared enough to do something about it. That kind of kindness is rare, and I will never take it for granted.
I also want to deeply appreciate Asiwaju Akeem Enudunjuyo, Alhaji Fatai Bantale, and many others whose names I can’t even begin to list. People have been kind in ways that bring tears to my eyes. They don’t have to help me, yet they do. They don’t owe me anything, yet they give from their hearts. May God bless each and every one of them abundantly.
But as much as people have helped, the reality is that they can’t keep doing it over and over again. At some point, they will get tired. And honestly, I understand. Everybody has their own problems. Life is hard for everyone, especially in Nigeria right now. Things are tough, and I can’t keep calling the same people for help every time.
How have you been paying your bills?
That is the hardest part of this journey, knowing that my needs don’t end, but people’s capacity to give does. It is painful to watch my bills pile up and feel helpless, knowing that I can’t always rely on others. I don’t want to be a burden; I don’t want people to hiss when they see my calls.
That’s why I keep praying, trusting that somehow, God will make a way. I hold on to the kindness I have received, and I use it as fuel to keep going, no matter how difficult things get. And to everyone who has ever helped me, in any way, big or small, I want you to know that your kindness has kept me alive. Your support has given me another day, another chance to fight. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Have you faced any negativity from people?
Yes. People are making jest of me, even now. Some have been going around telling others not to raise money for me anymore.
I honestly don’t know. I have searched my heart, replayed past interactions, and tried to understand what I could have done to deserve such treatment. But no matter how much I think about it, I can’t find an answer. That’s why I see it as pure hatred. Some people just naturally despise you, no matter what you do. Even those I once supported, people I stood by when they needed help, are now the same ones saying terrible things about me.
I hear them whisper, “Don’t help him. He’ll just waste the money on drinking.” Imagine! Even in my current condition, with everything I am going through, they still choose to paint me as a reckless person, someone undeserving of kindness.
It is painful. These are people who have eaten from my table, people I have stood for in times of trouble; yet today, they mock me and try to stop others from helping me.
But I hold on to one truth. Only someone who is alive knows who is trying to bring him down. I know I will not die. I refuse to let their words break me.
Still, it hasn’t been easy. When you see me walking, you will pity me. I am not the active, vibrant person I used to be. There was a time when people admired my energy, my passion, and my ability to work tirelessly. Now, I struggle to take a few steps without feeling like my legs will give out. My body has become weak, and my spirit has been tested in ways I never imagined.
What hurts me the most is that nobody had anything bad to say about me before. I lived my life quietly, doing my work, minding my business. The negativity only started after they heard that Pasuma sent me ₦2m.
That was when the attacks began. People who never cared about my suffering suddenly had opinions about my life. It hasn’t even been three months since he helped me, yet people are already fighting me over it.
Instead of being happy that I received help, they are angry. Instead of supporting me in my time of need, they are trying to turn others against me. It makes me wonder: what exactly do they want? Would they rather see me die? Would they rather see my family suffer?
I may be struggling, but I am still here. I believe that one day, I will look back at all this pain and betrayal and see that it was just a phase, a storm that passed. Until then, I will keep moving forward, no matter how difficult it gets.
Since Pasuma’s donation, have you been able to get proper treatment?
No, not fully. I can only afford temporary treatment for now. I also use herbal medicine sometimes, just to save costs. But the doctors have advised me to travel to India for proper treatment. My condition is already leading to partial stroke; there are days I can’t even move my body.
The pains I feel as a diabetic patient are unbearable. Like I mentioned earlier, whenever I walk, it feels as if I am stepping on sharp nails or broken bottles. Every step is torture. But it’s not just about walking; the pain is constant, a deep, burning sensation that never truly goes away.
At night, it’s even worse. My legs throb so intensely that I struggle to sleep. Sometimes, it feels like hot needles are being pierced into my feet, and other times, there’s numbness so severe that I can hardly tell if my legs are still there.
My body feels weak, my energy levels drop without warning, and even the simplest tasks, like standing for a few minutes or trying to move around, become exhausting battles.
Diabetes is not just about avoiding sugar; it’s a disease that takes a toll on your entire body. The wounds take longer to heal, the nerves feel like they are on fire, and some days, it feels like my body is fighting against me. But through it all, I remain hopeful. I hold on to faith, to the love of my family, and to the kindness of people who continue to support me.
Despite the pain, I remind myself that as long as I am alive, there is hope, and that is what keeps me going.
How much will the treatment cost you?
It will cost N20m.
What is your family doing about this situation?
I won’t lie; they have done their best, more than I could ever ask for. My wife and children have been incredibly supportive, both emotionally and in every way they can. I have children who are still in school, and despite the burden this illness has placed on us, they remain strong for me. They pray for me, encourage me, and remind me every day that I am not alone in this battle.
But even with all the love and support, this journey has not been easy. Diabetes is not just a sickness; it is a condition that changes your entire life. I miss the old me. I miss the days when I could move freely without thinking about pain or fatigue.
I miss the days when I didn’t have to calculate every meal, every step, and every minor wound, knowing that something small could quickly escalate into a major health crisis. Adapting to this situation has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Some days, I feel like my body is no longer mine.
How old are you?
I am 54 years old, and by God’s grace, I will be 55 this year.
Out of the N20m, how much have you raised so far?
To God be the glory, I have received some help. I haven’t even touched the money Pasuma sent to me. So, I am still looking for N18m. I won’t deny that people have been supporting me, even if it’s in small amounts—N500, N1,000, N2,000, or N5,000 but i still need more help.
Every little help counts, and I deeply appreciate it. But truthfully, it has not been easy. I still have a family to take care of, and that responsibility does not stop because of my health challenges.
Has there been any regret so far?
None at all!
Aside from being a presenter, do you have any other side hustle?
Not at the moment. However, when I was a teenager, I was a professional barber. I started making money from that before I found my niche in presenting and film marketing.
Even when I started earning well, I never lived a flamboyant lifestyle. I didn’t buy expensive shoes or clothes just to impress people. I have always been content with living a simple life.
Many of your fans are deeply concerned about your health. What message do you have for them?
I am deeply grateful for their love, prayers, and concern. I thank God for keeping me alive despite everything. My message to them is simple: keep doing good. Life is unpredictable, and kindness goes a long way.
A lot of presenters have passed away due to health challenges. I want to use this opportunity to encourage anyone battling an illness not to suffer in silence. Speak up, seek help, and never lose hope. As they say, ‘Health is wealth. As long as there is life, there is hope. I need support because I don’t want to die, life feels terrible.”
What is your account detail for those who my want to assist you?
Adio Obafemi Murita
1581000914 Eco bank
