I was told I wouldn’t celebrate 21 – Yinka Olugbodi

Turning 50 is a big deal for many who have had to deal with sickle cell disease. Yinka Olugbodi has dealt with the disease and talks about marking his golden jubilee, come May 8, 2019, after being told at age 10 that he would not live to see his 21st birthday. Daily Trust: What does […]

Turning 50 is a big deal for many who have had to deal with sickle cell disease. Yinka Olugbodi has dealt with the disease and talks about marking his golden jubilee, come May 8, 2019, after being told at age 10 that he would not live to see his 21st birthday.

Daily Trust: What does it feel like turning 50?

Yinka Olugbodi: I do not really feel any different. Though, you know your body starts telling you to take it easy but your mind still wants to achieve a lot.

DT: Did you imagine you would live to this age? If not, why? If yes, why?

Olugbodi: I think my young mind could not really understand the implication, when at age 10, my mum revealed to me that doctors said I might not live to see 21st birthday. However, as I grew up and the attacks increased, I started to react to the chances of dying and started living a death wish life too.

What was it like growing up with sickle cell?

Olugbodi: I think spent more times in the hospital than in the classroom from age eight to 14. My life was a triangle from the home, hospital and my secondary school. I had to attend a secondary school that was close to the hospital and my home. There were medicines I could not miss taking for a day. My mum was always on my case over taking them. The bouts of illnesses were painful and also tough. Most times, I was always wished that was the last time. I really became a death-wish.

What were your most worries?

Olugbodi: Really as a youth, I never had any worries especially as I had been told I may not live to be 21 years. I had an ‘I-don’t-care’ lifestyle. This has turned out as a good value for me, as I still do not worry about anything. I simply trust in God.

 How was it for your parents, especially your mum, with caring for you those times when you took ill?

Olugbodi: My parents were awesome. There were times my mum would sense that something was wrong with me and would just show up when I was ill or even in a coma, especially when I was in boarding school. When I am at home, she was always watching over me. I remember (or she told me) a day she took me to a clinic. I was injected and lost my senses on the way back. In the public bus, I removed the caps of two soldiers sitting opposite us and flung the caps across the bus. She had to apologise and explained to them I was ill. My mother really cared those terrible days.

What has kept you going?

Olugbodi: I guess it was my friends. Then I later discovered the purpose for my life and God which has kept me going.

As 50 approaches, could you share with us, some of the things that most preoccupied your mind?

Olugbodi: Mentoring a different generation and nation is always on my mind. We need to raise a different generation and mentality.

Were these the same for each milestone aged you attained?

Olugbodi: Every milestone supposed to move closer to the attainment of your purpose in life. In that regards, I feel fulfilled.

When you were getting married were there things you were wary about regarding your health?

Olugbodi: I have been married for 23 years with three wonderful and healthy children. My wife and I never even checked our status. By the time I got married I was AS and officially no more a ‘sickler.’ I was miraculously healed when I was 14-years-old and since then I have never had a sickle cell bout!

What would you say means the most to you considering how far you have come with sickle cell?

Olugbodi: I think medicine and medical technology development, through researches, over the years on sickle cell disorder and that it can be treated and cured. No need to feel stigmatised and let the fear of the disorder cause any distraction in relationship. The Sickle Cell Foundation headed by Dr. Annette Akinsete is doing a great work in this regard.

Is there a point in the life of a sickle cell carrier when you can say, you have survived the disease?

Olugbodi: It was when I was 14 years old, I was terribly sick as usual and alone in the house. It was one of the times you wished this was it, but something miraculous happened on my sickbed. I was running a temperature and shaking like a leaf. Then I thought about Jesus and the shaking and temperature stopped. Then after a moment continued. Then I thought I was a coincidence. I then tried again. I found each time I thought “Jesus” the temperature and shaking stopped momentarily. And right there on the bed, I just believed and I was healed. The next time I went to the doctor with my mum, he disclosed that I did not have any trace of sickle cell in me and I never had a sickle cell disorder since then.

How will you be marking this golden age?

Olugbodi: I am using the occasion to support the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria. I am asking family, friends, clients and well-wishers to donate to the foundation and aid the charitable work of giving the African child hope for the future.