*As Global cases to surge to 2.5 billion by 2050
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised military personnel to take their hearing health seriously, warning that they are particularly vulnerable to hearing-related conditions due to the nature of their work.
Obasanjo made this statement on Monday at the World Hearing Day 2025 celebration held at Detutu Events Centre, Ogudu, Lagos State.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the event—organised under the aegis of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation—saw no fewer than 700 out of the 2,000 projected beneficiaries receive free hearing aid kits on the first day of the distribution exercise.
Addressing attendees, Obasanjo highlighted the importance of hearing among military personnel, stressing that their profession exposes them to high risks of hearing loss.
“I want to thank the representative of the Chief of Army Staff. You know, for us in the military—which, of course, you know was my constituency at one time—hearing is very important.
“When you give an order and you don’t hear, then it is a different thing. Yet, we have many things that can affect our hearing; we go to war, and even during exercises, we are prone to hearing challenges. So, I want to thank the Chief of Army Staff for sending a representative—it shows that he appreciates and understands the importance of hearing.”
The Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Dr. Lekan Makinde, disclosed that the event coincided with Obasanjo’s 88th birthday celebration, adding that the turnout had exceeded expectations.
“We have recorded 700 out of the 2,000 beneficiaries targeted to mark the 2025 World Hearing Day and Baba Obasanjo’s birthday. We may likely record more by the end of the day and tomorrow. This is an indication that we are witnessing an increase in hearing problems.”
Meanwhile, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Clement Nwalolo of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), raised concerns over the alarming rise in hearing loss cases worldwide, urging countries to take urgent action.
He disclosed that global statistics indicate a sharp rise in hearing loss cases, projecting that the number of people affected could reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
“Hearing loss is on the rise, and countries must act fast. In 2019, the number of people with hearing problems stood at 1.5 billion. By 2030, it is expected to rise to 1.9 billion, then 2.2 billion by 2040, and by 2050, the figure could reach 2.5 billion.
“Countries must act now to provide access to ear and hearing care for all.”
