Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he has lived with diabetes for over 40 years and continues to manage the condition successfully despite its lack of a cure.
Obasanjo said his long-term stability with the illness has been made possible through strict lifestyle discipline, including healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate rest, routine medical check-ups and consistent use of prescribed medication.
Naija News reports that he made the remarks on Sunday at the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition, a global road journey aimed at raising awareness on cancer, promoting early detection, and encouraging African integration.
The event took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking at the gathering, the former president stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and early medical intervention, while also praising the initiative led by entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu, in honour of his late mother and sister who both died from cancer.
He commended Nwagwu for turning personal loss into a health-focused advocacy campaign that could benefit many people.
Reflecting on his own experience, 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.”
He explained that maintaining a disciplined routine has helped him stay active over the years 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.
He added that proper rest is just as important as diet and exercise, noting that his approach to health is summarized 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.
