Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he has successfully managed diabetes for more than 40 years through strict discipline, healthy living, and regular medical care.
Obasanjo Shares Health Secrets
Obasanjo made the disclosure on Sunday during the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The former president used the event to highlight the importance of healthy living, early disease detection, and routine medical checks. He also praised entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu, who conceived the project in memory of his late mother and sister who died from cancer.
Furthermore, Obasanjo commended Nwagwu for turning a personal tragedy into a public awareness campaign that could save lives across Africa.
Speaking about his own health journey, Obasanjo said he has lived with diabetes for over four decades.
“I have a disease that is not curable yet and that’s diabetes. I have been diagnosed diabetic more than 40 years ago. I still manage it,” he said.
Diet, Rest and Exercise Key to Survival
However, Obasanjo explained that he has remained active because he follows a strict lifestyle routine.
According to him, proper diet plays a major role in managing health conditions.
“Diet can be exciting, can be pleasurable. But if you eat badly, then the consequence can also be bad on you. And then rest,” he said.
Furthermore, he stressed that adequate rest is just as important as good nutrition and exercise.
“You saw me early this morning. Then I went to church. Then I came back and I told my boy that the only time he can wake me up is when you come. And when I must rest, I will rest,” Obasanjo added.
The former president summarised his health philosophy with what he calls “DREMS.”
“D — Diet, R — Rest, E — Exercise and M — Medical,” he said.
Consequently, he urged Nigerians, especially older citizens, to take routine medical screenings seriously and seek early diagnosis when necessary.
Lagos to the World Expedition Targets Cancer Awareness
Earlier, Nwagwu explained that the “Lagos to the World” expedition will take place in phases before a planned round-the-world journey next year.
According to him, the first phase will take him to Accra before returning to Nigeria. The second phase will cover Senegal. The final stage will see him travel across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, Australia, and South Africa before driving back to Lagos.
Meanwhile, Nwagwu said one of the major goals of the expedition is to increase awareness about prostate cancer among African men.
“Prostate cancer, especially in black men, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is the number one leading cause of cancer deaths in males and you find that many people don’t do testing,” he said.
In response to the challenge, he disclosed that the initiative is partnering with Zuri Health to provide free cancer screenings.
Promoting Nigeria’s Positive Story
Furthermore, Nwagwu said the project seeks to improve Nigeria’s image and strengthen African integration.
“Africa’s problems should be solved within Africa,” he said.
He noted that many media reports focus on negative stories about Nigeria while overlooking positive achievements by Nigerians at home and abroad.
“There are many Nigerians doing many positive things,” Nwagwu added.
