Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly shared his long battle with a chronic health issue, revealing that he has been managing diabetes for more than 40 years. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Lagos to the World’ expedition, an initiative promoting cancer awareness and African unity, Obasanjo stressed that while the disease remains incurable, disciplined lifestyle choices have allowed him to thrive.
He highlighted the importance of diet, regular exercise, sufficient rest, and consistent medical checkups. ‘I play squash three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—when I am home. I monitor my food intake carefully. A pleasurable diet is fine, but poor eating leads to negative consequences,’ Obasanjo explained.
The former president introduced his personal wellness formula called DREMS: Diet, Rest, Exercise, and Medical care. He urged Nigerians to prioritize routine health screenings, noting that early detection significantly improves outcomes. The event also featured Erik Nwagwu, the founder of the expedition, who lost his mother and sister to cancer. Nwagwu emphasized the need for free prostate cancer screenings, particularly for African men, and the importance of changing negative narratives about Nigeria through positive actions.