2025 Camp For Founders

Welcome Speech by Mr. Olumuyiwa Talabi;  Founder,Talabi Diabetes Centre, Isara On The Occasion Of The Centre’s 5thAnnual Diabetes Youth Camp, 17th to 20th August, 2025.

Good morning everyone,

It is with immense joy and heartfelt pride that I, on behalf of myself and the Board of Trustees of Talabi Diabetes Centre welcome you all to this year's Diabetes Youth Camp Meeting.

To all the amazing young participants, families who have entrusted us with their precious young ones, our dedicated volunteers and resource persons, special guests and  our team who has worked tirelessly to make the Camp possible and enjoyable, I say a very big heartfelt “THANK YOU”.

This Camp project, and indeed Talabi Diabetes Centre which came into being some 20years ago, were established because I have been walking the path our Campers are walking for more than 40 years and I know for sure that I will have to walk it until it pleases God to call me home for a peaceful, diabetes-free life with Him. So, I am on the same page with all our Campers.

As the Founder of Talabi Diabetes Centre which initiated the Camp project, I can humbly say with all sense of responsibility that this Camp initiative is one of the most powerful expressions of our Centre’s mission: to empower all people living with diabetes to thrive and not to just survive; our vision was to create a welcoming, educational environment where people living with the condition will feel strong, confident, and empowered to take full responsibility and control of their condition. 

This Camp has brought that vision to life in the lives of our teeming youths living with the condition, especially Type 1 diabetes, in the most vibrant way possible. When we launched the program 5 years ago, our biggest dream was to create a space where young people living with diabetes would feel seen, supported, and strong--not just medically, but emotionally; a place where one could be oneself without having to explain or hide anything.

This Camp is more than just a place to learn about diabetes management; it is a space to build friendships, share stories, and discover that one is not alone in the journey of living with diabetes; it is an opportunity to gain recognition and be assured that one is surrounded by people who understand, ready to support, and care for one.

 I know that whether you have been living with diabetes for a while or you have just been diagnosed with the condition, the condition can be and is truly overwhelming and isolating. I am however happy to tell you with all confidence and sincerity that you will find out at this Camp meeting and take home with you the good news that:

1. DIABETES CAN BE TAMED AND CAN BE  KEPT PERFECTLY UNDER CONTROL
2. DIABETES SHOULD NOT DETERMINE WHO YOU ARE
3. YOU ARE NOT THE FIRST NOR WILL YOU BE THE LAST TO WALK ITS WAY
4. YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS WALK
5. MANY PEOPLE LIKE ME AND OUR LANDLORD FOR THE CAMP MEETING, HAVE SUCCESSFULLY TAMED THE MONSTER; KEPT IT UNDER OUR CONTROL AND LIVED A FULFILLED LIFE: IF WE HAVE DONE THIS, ALL OF YOU CAN ALSO. 

As comrades in this unique walk of life, I will, at this juncture let you into the secrets of our victory over diabetes: 

1. Acceptance of our unchangeable condition—much as we do not like it.
2. Our resolve and readiness to be open and cooperate with our healthcare team
3. Our being Conscious of the need to :

• Take our medications diligently
• Exercise regularly as advised 
• Adopt a disciplined eating habit as recommended
• Be open about our condition; and refused to be intimidated or limited by the uninformed people around: socialize—you are part of your community
• Set our life goals --- (realistic ones) and pursue them passionately. 
• Continuously seek knowledge about the condition
• See diabetes management as a life-time hobby

Over the next few days, you will participate in fun activities, learn from experts, and hear from others who are living proof that diabetes does not define your future but that it can, and you should make it to, fuel your strength to handle it as you see its management as a hobby to cultivate and enjoy for life.

Yes, we get the highs and the lows: the late-night glucose checks; the carbohydrate counting, the frustration, etc; BUT, MY DEAR ONES, ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WE ALSO HAVE THE STRENGTH IT TAKES TO KEEP SHOWING UP STRONG EVERY DAY AND TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES--- THE REALITY OF THE MATTER IS THAT EACH ONE OF US,YOU AND I, HAVE THAT STRENGTH IN US; THE CAMP IS HERE TO REMIND US OF THAT.
I hope that all here present will, over the next few days unwind, laugh until your cheeks hurt, learn things that make life a little easier and pleasant; and that you will leave the Camp feeling braver, more confident to face you respective lives, and more connected than ever before. Let us grow together, support each other, and make memories that remind us just how strong we really are.

Once again, welcome to Camp 2025; enjoy every moment. I wish you all journey mercies as you return to your various stations.
Thank you.
OlumuyiwaTalabi
Founder, Talabi Diabetes Centre.

18th August, 2025