Veteran actor Jide Kosoko has opened up about his decades-long battle with diabetes.

In an interview with Biola Bayo, the 72-year-old revealed he has lived with the condition since 1996.

“I became diabetic in 1996; I understand my health better than some doctors do,” he said.

Kosoko said his years of managing the disease have given him deep insight into his body and health.

He also reflected on his personal life, disclosing that he has lost three wives, including the mother of his daughter, Bidemi Kosoko, who died during childbirth.

“I lost my wife during childbirth; that’s Bidemi’s mother. I have lost three wives,” he stated.

The veteran, who started theatre at age 10 in 1964 and formed his own group in 1972, described himself as a pioneer of the Nigerian film industry.

“I started theatre at age 10, in 1964, and formed my own group in 1972. I can confidently say that I am one of the pioneers of this industry,” he said.

He also spoke about parenting and social media, admonishing parents to treat their children equally.

“Treat your children equally; let them know they’re equal in your mind,” he said.

“When social media was coming, we were afraid. But now we use it to our advantage. Some use it uselessly. Must you shake your bumbum and talk about that jargon?”