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Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday revealed that he has been living with diabetes for over 40 years.
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 about his own health journey, Obasanjo said, “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.”
The former president explained that maintaining a strict lifestyle routine has enabled him to remain physically 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.
“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 disclosed that the initiative, in partnership with Zuri Health, is offering free screenings.
Nwagwu added that strengthening African integration and fostering a positive perception of Nigeria are two other important goals of the mission.
“Africa’s problems should be solved within Africa. And you know the narrative concerning Nigerians and Nigeria. Most of what you see in the press are negative stories. The good ones do not spread as much. There are many Nigerians doing many positive things,” he said.
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