Chude Jideonwo has revealed that he has been living with Tourette Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition he described as a “secret battle” for years.
The media personality made the disclosure during an interview with BBC News Africa, where he explained that he was diagnosed in his early 20s but was initially advised to keep it private to avoid public stigma.
According to him, the condition is often misunderstood, especially in Africa, where awareness remains low and patients are frequently subjected to judgment and stereotypes.
“When I was diagnosed, my doctor warned me not to talk about it in public, that people are going to judge me, especially in Africa,” he said.
He added that he only began to fully understand and recognise the condition in his late 20s.
“It is a neurological condition where it feels like your body misfires,” he explained.
Chude noted that the lack of education around Tourette Syndrome contributes to how sufferers are perceived in society, stressing the need for more awareness and understanding.
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements and vocalisations known as tics, which vary in severity from person to person.
