How I battled health issues after quitting smoking, drinking – Don Richard

Richard Oguntimehin, the Nollywood actor popularly known as Don Richard, has opened up about his health ordeal after quitting alcohol and smoking two years prior.

In a now-viral video, the actor, appearing noticeably thinner, urged the public to prioritize their well-being, disclosing that he fell critically ill despite adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Richard claimed that while at the hospital receiving treatment, he discovered that many severe illnesses, especially those affecting public figures, are often tied to internal organ damage.

He cautioned that unhealthy lifestyle choices eventually take a toll on individuals, regardless of when they quit harmful habits.

“I got critically ill two years after I had stopped smoking and drinking alcohol,” he said.

“When I visited the general hospital, I discovered that most of the major illnesses affecting public personalities are related to internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.

“A lot of what we consume affects us in the long run. Some people focus on making money but don’t do it wisely, because instead of enjoying the fruits of their hard work, they end up spending that money treating illnesses. That’s why you see many wealthy people depending on medication.”

Richard began his career in 1989 as a production assistant at NTA Channel 10 before transitioning into acting and directing.

He has featured in several films, including ‘Oba Omo’, ‘Olugbare’, and ‘Elede’.