Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he has been living with diabetes for more than 40 years, crediting disciplined lifestyle habits for helping him manage the condition over time.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Sunday during the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition, a global road journey aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection, and African integration, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, the former president said consistent exercise, proper diet, adequate rest, and regular medical check-ups have been central to his long-term health management.
“I have a disease that is not curable yet and that’s diabetes,” he said. “I have been diagnosed diabetic for more than 40 years. I still manage it.”
He explained that maintaining a structured daily routine has helped him remain active despite his age.
“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,” Obasanjo said.
He cautioned against poor dietary habits, stressing that food choices significantly affect health outcomes.
“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 added.
Obasanjo also emphasized the importance of rest and discipline, noting that he balances work with recovery time.
“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,” he said.
Summarizing his health philosophy, the former president described what he called the “DREMS” approach.
“So diet, rest, exercise is 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 further urged Nigerians, especially older adults, to prioritise routine medical screenings and early diagnosis to prevent complications.
Earlier, the organiser of the expedition, Erik Nwagwu, said the project would be executed in phases, including a planned circumnavigation of the globe, with the goal of raising awareness about cancer and promoting African unity.
He also highlighted the importance of prostate cancer awareness among African men, noting that many cases go undetected due to low testing rates.
“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,” Nwagwu said.
He added that the initiative, in partnership with Zuri Health, would provide free screenings while also promoting a positive narrative about Nigeria and Africa.
“Africa’s problems should be solved within Africa,” he said. “All you see in the press are mostly negative stories. The good ones, they don’t spread. There are many Nigerians doing many positive things.”
