Obasanjo has revealed 40-year battle with diabetes and shared his secret to staying healthy at 89.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he has been living with diabetes for more than 40 years, attributing his longevity and continued fitness to strict lifestyle discipline, healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate rest, and routine medical care.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Sunday during the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The initiative, conceived by entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu, seeks to promote cancer awareness, early detection, African integration, and a positive image of Nigeria through a global road journey.
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Speaking at the event, the former president stressed the importance of healthy living and early medical intervention, while commending Nwagwu for turning personal loss into a campaign that could save lives.
“I have a disease that is not yet curable, and that’s diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes more than 40 years ago. I still manage it,” Obasanjo said.
The elder statesman explained that despite living with the condition for decades, he remains active by maintaining a disciplined lifestyle.
“But what do I do? I play squash three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, if I’m around. I watch what I eat.
“Diet can be exciting, can be pleasurable. But if you eat badly, then the consequences can also be bad for you. And then rest,” he added.
Obasanjo emphasized that proper nutrition, exercise, and rest remain essential pillars of good health, describing his personal wellness philosophy with the acronym “DREMS.”
“So diet, rest and exercise are very, very important. And then there’s what I call DREMS. D for Diet, R for Rest, E for Exercise and M for Medical,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to prioritize regular medical checkups and early diagnosis, noting that preventive healthcare remains critical in managing chronic diseases.
Earlier, Nwagwu disclosed that the “Lagos to the World” expedition would be executed in phases, culminating in a round-the-world journey next year.
According to him, one of the key objectives of the campaign is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, particularly among African men who face a higher risk of the disease.
“Prostate cancer, especially among black men, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males, and many people do not go for testing,” he said.
Nwagwu revealed that the initiative, in partnership with Zuri Health, would provide free cancer screenings to encourage early detection and treatment.
He added that the project also aims to strengthen African integration and showcase positive stories about Nigeria to the global community.
“Africa’s problems should be solved within Africa. Most of what you see in the press are negative stories. There are many Nigerians doing many positive things,” he stated.
