OBASANJO REVEALS HE IS LIVING WITH AN INCURABLE DISEASE

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he has lived with diabetes for more than four decades.

According to him, lifestyle discipline, a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, routine medical checkups and strict adherence to prescribed medication have helped him manage the condition for more than four decades.

Obasanjo spoke at the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition, a global road journey aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection and African integration. The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former president emphasised the value of healthy living and early medical intervention while praising the initiative conceived by entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast, Erik Nwagwu, in memory of his late mother and sister, who died of cancer.

He commended Nwagwu for transforming a personal tragedy into a campaign that could help many people.

Speaking on his health condition, former President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed that he has been managing diabetes for more than 40 years, noting that the condition remains incurable.

Obasanjo said he has been able to stay healthy and active by adhering to a disciplined lifestyle and regular exercise routine.

According to him, he plays squash three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays whenever he is available, and pays close attention to his diet as part of efforts to effectively manage the condition.

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 said.

According to him, adequate rest is just as important as proper nutrition and exercise, stressing that his approach to healthy living is captured in what he calls “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,” Obasanjo added.

He underlined the significance of early diagnosis and routine medical screening, urging Nigerians to take regular health checkups seriously.

Earlier, Nwagwu explained that the “Lagos to the World” expedition would be carried out in phases, culminating in a round the world journey next year.

Nwagwu stated that one of the major objectives of the expedition is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, particularly among African men.

“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.

He revealed that the initiative, in collaboration with Zuri Health, is providing free medical screenings to participants.

Nwagwu also noted that the mission has broader objectives, including promoting African integration and improving global perceptions of Nigeria.

According to him, African challenges should be addressed collectively within the continent, adding that negative narratives about Nigerians often dominate media coverage while positive contributions receive less attention.

“There are many Nigerians doing remarkable things, but those stories are not widely told,” he said.