Obasanjo shares great tips on how he’s managing disease with no cure for 40 years

Former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, has opened up on his battle with diabetes and how he has been able to successfully manage it for 40 years, despite it not having a cure.

The ex-Nigerian President, while speaking at the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition, a global road journey aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection and African integration, stressed that lifestyle discipline, a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, routine medical checkups, and strict adherence to prescribed medication have helped him manage the condition over the years.

The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo stressed 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.