OJB Jezreel Speaks About Fundraising For His Kidney Transplant

I confess that while I was sorry for OJB Jezreel when I first read the news of needing a kidney transplant due to renal failure, I was also disappointed and irritated that he was raising funds from the public. I felt it was beneath him, and may showcase the irresponsibility of celebrities in general and Nigerian money-come-quickly people in general.


Some of these people spend money like it is going out of fashion, and on the most frivolous things, with absolutely no thought to the future or emergencies.

After all, OJB has been in the industry since the 90s and has made a lot of hit tracks including African Queen and my favorite Tuface album, Grass to Grace. He not only made money then, but should still be reaping from royalties till date. I felt he could sort himself out.

However, listening to his most recent interview with Hip TV below has made me have a change of heart. It turns out he has been having health challenges costing upwards of N10Million in the past few years, and also spent close to $50,000 on his daughter's health problem not too long ago.

According to Bellanaija, OJB spoke to Encomium magazine about his condition. Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

“When early diagnosis was done, it was just a case of renal failure. Right now, my two kidneys are gone. We are running dialysis at the moment. It started two years ago, but gradually depreciated.

“Most people tend to attribute kidney problem to drinking and smoking. I was told it doesn’t have anything to do with that, because as much as I drink and smoke then, it was casual drinking. Maybe they offer you a bottle of drink and all that but not like I drink 15 bottles a day. I have a friend who has gone through this and he never drank or smoked.

“The whole process of the treatment from pre-process, transplanting process and post-transplanting will cost about $100, 000. In two years, I have spent up to five million Naira which I have been trying to maintain myself. That is why it has been kept secret.

“God willing, I have like eight to ten weeks more to get the transplant done. It’s strange, I still walk around a little. I can’t eat much though. I trust God and Nigerians for their financial support”

I hope he is able to raise the funds he needs in this time-frame. For those who like me have been doubtful, please, let this touch you too.

You can donate to Babatunde Okungbowa [his real name] @ UBA - 1015075120.