Former Special Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, opened up about a near-collapse incident during a presentation at the National Security and Civil Defence Corps headquarters in Abuja.
Adesina attributed the incident to the strain of a 17-hour flight from Seoul, South Korea, after attending the World Bio Summit organized by the World Health Organisation.
In his recently launched book, ‘Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),’ Adesina shared how fatigue caught up with him during a seminar on Strategic Communication. Despite feeling weary, he fulfilled his commitment but lost focus and became disoriented during his presentation.
Prompted by the alarming signs, Adesina sought a medical checkup at the Everight Diagnostic Centre in Abuja. The results revealed areas needing attention, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health.
He wrote; “On the way back from Seoul, flying time was 17 hours. The explanation a layman like me would understand was that we were flying against the wind. But it was a strenuous trip.”
“I had a presentation to make two days later at a seminar on Strategic Communication organised by the headquarters of the NSCDC for its spokesmen from across the country. I knew I was weary and needed rest, but I had given my word that I would be available.”
“The first thing that should have flashed an alarm bell in my mind was that when I got out of bed that morning, I staggered a bit. I did not give it much consideration and was at the event by the scheduled time. I had presented my paper for about 35 minutes and was concluding when I suddenly lost focus. I became disoriented and could no longer see the paper I was speaking from. I became transfixed on the podium.”
“I did not need to be told that I had burned my candle at both ends and I was running into trouble health-wise. From the event, I went straight to the brand new Everight Diagnostic Centre in the Wuse area of Abuja.”
“I told my story to Mr. Everest Okpara, who owns the place and he ran comprehensive tests on me. When the results came, I saw areas I needed to watch for an aspiring senior citizen. I took the necessary care and had no health scare again till we landed on May 29, 2023.”
“The lesson? Do not think you are indestructible. So watch it because your health also matters. Do not drive yourself to breaking point,” he added.